Retrain Your Brain | Nervous System Regulation, Chronic Illness Healing, Brain Retraining Support

Are you tired of missing out on life because of your health issues? Are you sick of strict protocols and diets that leave you frustrated and hopeless? Do you wish someone could give you a clear, step-by-step guide to finally heal? Are you ready to finally have symptom free days again? Welcome to Retrain Your Brain, where you will find a neuroscience-based approach to help you heal from chronic illness and complex trauma (without the expensive and restrictive protocols!). My mission is to teach you real, effective strategies like brain retraining, somatic exercises, and trauma healing tools to help you heal at the deepest level - no more surface-level temporary fixes! If you’re ready to harness the power of neuroplasticity to rewire your brain and reclaim your health, you’re in the right place! Hi, I’m Katie Nickerson, a trauma-informed brain retraining coach. For nearly a decade I was consumed by debilitating symptoms from ME/CFS, CIRS, chemical sensitivity, SIBO, food intolerances, MCAS, anxiety and more. Despite dedicating all my time and spending a fortune on every diet, supplement, and protocol imaginable, I saw almost no improvement—and even developed new symptoms. It felt like there was zero hope for recovery. Everything changed though when I discovered the incredible power of neuroplasticity and learned how to retrain my brain for health! Within just six months I went from debilitated and homebound to traveling, returning to work, socializing, and eating freely! I share my story because I want everyone suffering from a chronic illness to know that healing is possible! If you are ready to finally find an effective approach to healing your chronic symptoms with results that are tangible and sustainable - then this podcast is for you! So step away from the supplements, light that non-toxic candle, and let’s start retraining your brain!

EP 14 // Overwhelmed by Healing? Here’s How to Simplify and See Results

Does your brain retraining practice ever feel… way too complicated? Like you’re drowning in tools, second-guessing every choice, or paralyzed by decision fatigue? You’re not alone. In this episode, I’m sharing why simplicity is the secret ingredient to real progress - and how stripping things down can actually help you rewire faster. We’ll talk about how overcomplicating your practice (or your healing journey in general) can keep you stuck, why your brain thrives on clarity and focus, and how to set up your practice in a way that feels doable and sustainable.  You’ll walk away with a new lens for your practice: one that makes it easier to actually show up, retrain in the moment, and see results…all without burning yourself out. DIVE DEEPER // RESOURCES: 🗓 Join the group coaching waitlist HERE 💫 Somatic Healing Tools FREE CHEAT SHEET   ✨Healing from Mold Sensitivity FREE GUIDE 🧠 New to brain retraining? Watch my FREE 30-minute training HERE. 🤝 Currently brain retraining and looking for 1-1 support? Apply for private coaching and schedule a free 30 min consult with Katie HERE.*       (*For those who have already gone through a brain retraining program or are planning to start in the near future) 📲 Follow on Instagram: @abodehealingco 🌐 Learn more at: abodehealingco.com 📩 Email me: hello@abodehealingco.com

09-12
29:32

EP 13 // Brain Retraining Gamechangers: The 8 Needle-Movers That Create Big Shifts in Healing

Busy retraining but feeling frustrated? These 8 “gamechangers” might be what you’re missing. Are you practicing brain retraining but feel stuck, overwhelmed, or confused about why you’re not seeing the progress you hoped for? You’re not alone - and this episode is exactly what you need! In today’s episode, I’m breaking down the 8 “needle movers” that can help you simplify your healing journey, get unstuck, and feel confident moving forward. These aren’t just tips - they’re the exact strategies I’ve seen work time and time again for myself and my clients. By the end, you’ll know which one or two to focus on so you can start seeing momentum in your retraining journey without the pressure, confusion, or burnout. And don’t worry—you don’t have to master all eight to make progress. Inside this episode, I share: The #1 mindset that can make or break your progress A simple tool that interrupts the fear-symptom loop in real time How “going smaller and slower” actually speeds up healing Why perfectionism is slowing you down (and what to do instead) The surprising way compassion rewires your brain faster than criticism What it means to discover the positive intent behind symptoms How outcome independence creates lasting change And because I want to make this easy for you, I’ve created a free PDF with all 8 gamechangers laid out for you to keep handy as you retrain. Grab it in the link below. DIVE DEEPER // RESOURCES: 📄 8 Gamechangers FREE GUIDE 💫 Somatic Healing Tools FREE CHEAT SHEET     ✨Healing from Mold Sensitivity FREE GUIDE 🧠 New to brain retraining? Watch my FREE 30-minute training HERE. 📲 Follow on Instagram: @abodehealingco 🗓 Currently brain retraining and looking for 1-1 support? Apply for private coaching and schedule a free 30 min consult with Katie HERE.*       (*For those who have already gone through a brain retraining program or are planning to start in the near future) 🌐 Learn more at: abodehealingco.com 📩 Email me: hello@abodehealingco.com  

08-28
26:04

EP 12 // Busy, Burnt Out, or Overwhelmed? 5 Things That Help Me Navigate Stressful Seasons

If your to-do list is never-ending, your emotions are living just under the surface, and your nervous system is hanging on by a thread…this one’s for you. In this episode, I’m sharing five simple, realistic tools that have brought me calm and stability through some very stressful seasons. You’ll hear the exact things I come back to when life feels like too much. 🧠 This episode is especially for the high-achievers, eldest daughters, and anyone navigating chronic stress, unexpected responsibilities, or just “extra life-y” seasons. You’ll learn how to: Interrupt the “do-it-all-then-crash” cycle Support your body and brain with low-bar, high-impact habits Validate your emotions and build emotional resilience Use brain retraining tools even when you’re in survival mode Whether you’re going through a hard week or a hard season, I hope these tips feel like a deep breath and a soft place to land. PS: If you’re a current brain retrainer, don’t forget to take the short survey linked here to help shape future offers - and be entered to win a $25 Amazon gift card! Mentioned in this episode: Fundamental Needs Workbook: https://chelsijo.co/fundamentalneedsworkbook DIVE DEEPER // RESOURCES: 🗓 Join the group coaching waitlist HERE 💫 Somatic Healing Tools FREE CHEAT SHEET   ✨Healing from Mold Sensitivity FREE GUIDE 🧠 New to brain retraining? Watch my FREE 30-minute training HERE. 🤝 Currently brain retraining and looking for 1-1 support? Apply for private coaching and schedule a free 30 min consult with Katie HERE.* (*For those who have already gone through a brain retraining program or are planning to start in the near future) 📲 Follow on Instagram: @abodehealingco 🌐 Learn more at: abodehealingco.com 📩 Email Katie: hello@abodehealingco.com

08-08
28:49

EP 11 // The Easiest Bedtime Routine for Better Sleep and More Energy

Whether your bedtime routine is a 10-step wellness routine or just falling into bed and scrolling TikTok, this episode will show you a simpler (and more effective) way to support real rest. I’m sharing an easy, science-backed nighttime routine you can do in under 10 minutes - even from bed. It’s designed to shift your brain and body into a healing state before you fall asleep, so you wake up with more energy, better mood, and deeper rest. This isn’t your typical checklist of supplements, skincare, and red light therapy. You’ll learn how to use your body, emotions, and brain retraining principles to help your nervous system relax, release stress, and support deep, restorative sleep. Whether you’re dealing with chronic illness, burnout, or just need better sleep - this is a powerful practice that’s easy to start tonight. DIVE DEEPER // RESOURCES: 💫 Somatic Healing Tools FREE CHEAT SHEET   ✨Healing from Mold Sensitivity FREE GUIDE 🧠 New to brain retraining? Watch my FREE 30-minute training HERE. 📲 Follow on Instagram: @abodehealingco 🗓 Currently brain retraining and looking for 1-1 support? Apply for private coaching and schedule a free 30 min consult with Katie HERE.*       (*For those who have already gone through a brain retraining program or are planning to start in the near future) 🌐 Learn more at: abodehealingco.com 📩 Email me: hello@abodehealingco.com

07-25
21:52

EP 10 // From Mold Avoidance to Traveling With Ease: The Truth About My Recovery and Crazy Family Vacations

Ever wonder what recovery really looks like after mold sensitivity and chronic illness? Am I really fully recovered? In this episode, I’m sharing the truth - the messy, beautiful, incremental truth - about what life looks like now after retraining my brain around mold. From my nervous system’s progress to the chaos of 30-person family beach trips, you’ll hear both the practical steps that helped me heal and the small moments that remind me just how far I’ve come. We’ll talk about: What “fully recovered” even means (and why that question can be tricky) How to see results with incremental training: 3 key pieces of an effective plan  What shifted when I started getting real results (hint: coaching helped!) How I now travel, eat/drink whatever I want, stay up ‘til 3AM, and enjoy family chaos without crashing If you’re in the thick of it, I hope this reminds you that healing is possible and it’s often closer than it feels!  DIVE DEEPER // RESOURCES: ✨Healing Mold Sensitivity FREE GUIDE  💻 Healing Mold Sensitivity COURSE 🗓 Join the group coaching waitlist HERE  💫 Somatic Healing Tools FREE CHEAT SHEET   🧠 New to brain retraining? Watch my FREE 30-minute training HERE. 🤝 Currently brain retraining and looking for 1-1 support? Apply for private coaching and schedule a free 30 min consult with Katie HERE.*       (*For those who have already gone through a brain retraining program or are planning to start in the near future) 📲 Follow on Instagram: @abodehealingco 🌐 Learn more at: abodehealingco.com 📩 Email me: hello@abodehealingco.com

07-18
27:18

EP 9 // The 3 Mindset Shifts That Rewire Your Brain and Ease Your Symptoms

If you’ve ever thought, “I’m doing everything right—so why am I not getting better?” this episode is for you. This week, we’re talking about the how behind your healing—not just what you’re doing, but the beliefs, thoughts, and emotions driving it. Because those things? They change your biology. I’m breaking down 3 surprisingly powerful mindset shifts that aren’t just inspiring—they’re biologically effective. We’ll explore how the way you think about healing sends real messages of safety or danger to your nervous system, resulting in real physical changes. If you feel stuck in survival mode no matter how consistent you are with your tools, this episode will help you shift the energy behind your practice in a way your brain actually understands. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why your thoughts and beliefs create real changes in your body What the placebo and nocebo effects can teach us about the mind-body connection Three mindsets that sabotage healing (and how to shift them) How to practice these shifts in real life without toxic positivity or bypassing your experience DIVE DEEPER // RESOURCES: 🗓 Join the group coaching waitlist HERE  💫 Somatic Healing Tools FREE CHEAT SHEET     ✨Healing from Mold Sensitivity FREE GUIDE 🧠 New to brain retraining? Watch my FREE 30-minute training HERE. 🤝 Currently brain retraining and looking for 1-1 support? Apply for private coaching and schedule a free 30 min consult with Katie HERE.*       (*For those who have already gone through a brain retraining program or are planning to start in the near future) 📲 Follow on Instagram: @abodehealingco 🌐 Learn more at: abodehealingco.com 📩 Email me: hello@abodehealingco.com

07-11
32:14

EP 8 // What to Do During a Symptom Flare (So You Don’t Spiral or Lose Hope)

Symptom flares can feel like a punch to the gut, especially when you’ve been doing everything “right.” They can make you question your progress, your body, and your entire healing journey. But what if a flare didn’t mean you were failing? What if it was actually a sign that your brain is learning something new? In this episode, I’m walking you through exactly what to do (and what not to do) during a flare. You’ll learn how to shift your response in a way that keeps you out of fear loops and actually moves your healing forward…even when things feel like they’re getting worse. This is for you if you’ve ever felt blindsided by a flare, stuck in overanalysis, or afraid that your symptoms mean you’ve done something wrong. 💡 This episode will help you: Break the spiral of panic, fear, and overthinking during flares Understand why flares happen (and why they don’t mean failure) Learn a new way to respond that builds resilience and safety in the brain Feel empowered, even in the messy moments of healing It’s time to stop letting flares derail your progress and start using them as fuel for transformation. DIVE DEEPER // RESOURCES: 💫 Somatic Healing Tools FREE CHEAT SHEET ✨ Healing from Mold Sensitivity FREE GUIDE 🧠 New to brain retraining? Watch my FREE 30-minute training HERE. 📲 Follow on Instagram: @abodehealingco 🗓 Currently brain retraining and looking for 1-1 support? Apply for private coaching and schedule a free 30 min consult with Katie HERE.*(*For those who have already gone through a brain retraining program or are planning to start in the near future) 🌐 Learn more at: abodehealingco.com 📩 Email me: hello@abodehealingco.com

04-26
29:41

EP 7 // The Real Reason You Got Sick: A New Way to Understand Chronic Illness and Pain

What really causes chronic illness? What if the true root of chronic illness isn’t what you’ve been told?  In this episode of the Retrain Your Brain podcast, I’m breaking down one of the most misunderstood topics in the chronic illness world: what actually causes illness to begin—and why it keeps going long after the original trigger is gone. We’ll explore how the brain and body become primed for illness, the role of the Cell Danger Response, and how neuroscience is reshaping the way we think about healing. If you’ve ever wondered how you got here (or how to get out), this episode will give you a powerful new lens to view your symptoms—and your recovery. Whether you’re just beginning your healing journey or have tried everything under the sun, this episode offers clarity, validation, and hope. 🎧 Press play for a deep dive you won’t hear anywhere else. DIVE DEEPER // RESOURCES 🎧 EP 3 // How to Retrain Your Brain FOR FREE in 15 Minutes a Day! 💫 Somatic Healing Tools Freebie: DOWNLOAD HERE 🧠 New to brain retraining? Watch my free 30-min training: WATCH HERE 📲 Follow along on Instagram: @abodehealingco 💻 Already brain retraining and looking for more support? Apply for 1-1 coaching HERE!  📩 Questions or feedback? Email me: Katie@abodehealingco.com

04-18
40:16

EP 6 // Struggling to Stay Consistent With Brain Retraining? How to Overcome Resistance! PART 2

You want to be consistent with your brain retraining practice… but somehow, resistance keeps getting in the way. Sound familiar? In this episode, we’re diving into 3 deeper reasons you might be struggling to follow through—and what to do about it. You’ll learn how "protective parts" (from an IFS perspective), demand avoidance, and the nervous system freeze state can all contribute to lowering motivation and increasing resistance … and how to move through it gently and effectively. This episode is packed with practical tools, mindset shifts, and compassion-centered strategies to help you support your brain and build momentum—without forcing, pushing, or shaming yourself. If you’ve ever felt like you just can’t make yourself do the thing (even though you know it helps), this one’s for you. 🎧 This is Part 2 of a 2-part series on resistance. Make sure to check out Episode 5 first if you haven’t already! DIVE DEEPER // RESOURCES: 💫 Somatic Healing Tools Freebie: DOWNLOAD HERE 🧠 New to brain retraining and want to understand more? Watch my FREE 30-minute training on what brain retraining is and why it works: 👉 Connect with Katie on IG: @abodehealingco 👩‍💻 Already brain retraining and interested in 1-1 coaching? Apply here: https://abodehealingco.com/apply Visit us at abodehealingco.com for more resources to help you on your journey. 💌 Got questions or suggestions? Email me at Katie@abodehealingco.com—I’d love to hear from you!

04-11
24:31

EP 5 // Struggling to Stay Consistent With Brain Retraining? How to Overcome Resistance! PART 1

Struggling to stay consistent with your brain retraining practice? Feeling unmotivated and ALLLL the resistance? Honey, you are NOT alone!  If you’ve ever thought, "I know brain retraining works, so why the poop can’t I just make myself do it?!" — this episode is for you. In this episode, we’re talking all about resistance — why it shows up, what it really means, and how to move through it with compassion and clarity. Whether you’re ghosting your practice altogether or just struggling to stay consistent, I’ll walk you through practical shifts and creative strategies that will get your brain on board and enable you start showing up in a way that feels doable and aligned! Wahoo!  This episode is especially for the high achiever, the perfectionist, or the recovering overthinker (hi, I see you!) who wants to retrain their brain without burning out. DIVE DEEPER // RESOURCES: 💫 Somatic Healing Tools Freebie: DOWNLOAD HERE 🧠 New to brain retraining and want to understand more? Watch my FREE 30-minute training that explains what brain retraining is and why it heals chronic illness! 👉Connect with Katie on IG: @abodehealingco 👩‍💻 Already brain retraining and interested in 1-1 coaching? Apply here: https://abodehealingco.com/apply Visit us at abodehealingco.com for more information and resources to help you on your way. 💌 Got questions or suggestions? Email me at katie@abodehealingco.com. I love hearing from you!

04-04
31:29

EP 4 // How to Get Better Results From Brain Retraining: 7 Surprising Tips That Will Change Everything!

Ready to elevate your brain retraining skills so that you can see even better results? Maybe you’re feeling stuck, frustrated, or like you’re missing something… even though you’re doing “all the right things.” In this episode, I’m sharing 7 surprising tips that most brain retrainers aren’t aware of—insights that can change the way you approach your practice and help you start seeing the progress you’ve been dreaming of. These are the exact strategies I use with my private clients to help them move past plateaus and get real results. If your brain retraining practice feels stale, confusing, or frustrating, this episode will give you small tweaks to make that will change everything!  DIVE DEEPER // RESOURCES: 💫 Somatic Healing Tools Freebie: DOWNLOAD HERE 👩‍💻 Already brain retraining and Interested in 1-1 coaching? Apply here: 🧠 New to brain retraining and want to understand more, watch my FREE 30 minute training that explains what brain retraining is and why it heals chronic illness:  https://view.flodesk.com/pages/641a42cadc3789176b6944d0 👉Connect with Katie on IG: @abodehealingco Visit us at abodehealingco.com for more information and resources to help you on your way. 💌 Got questions or suggestions? Email me at Katie@abodehealingco.com. I love hearing from you!

03-28
34:31

EP 3 // How to Retrain Your Brain FOR FREE in Just 15 Minutes a Day!

Do you feel like retraining your brain is a monumental task? Are you struggling to fit your rewiring practices into your busy schedule? This episode is here to show you that significant progress can be made in just 15 minutes!  Whether you're overwhelmed by the idea of lengthy sessions or simply don’t know where to start, these 3 short, powerful practices are designed for you. I’m teaching you the exact practices you need to retrain your brain in 15 minutes a day and by the end of this episode you’ll be ready to start rewiring your brain for health!  IN THIS EPISODE: Efficient Brain Retraining Techniques: Quick and impactful methods to retrain your brain that fit into any schedule. Daily Integration Tips: How to incorporate brain retraining into your day. Real-Life Success Stories: Results from my clients and my own life!    DIVE DEEPER // RESOURCES: 💫 Somatic Healing Tools Freebie: DOWNLOAD HERE 🧠 New to brain retraining and want to understand more, watch my FREE 30 minute training that explains what brain retraining is and why it heals chronic illness:  https://view.flodesk.com/pages/641a42cadc3789176b6944d0 👉Connect with Katie on IG: @abodehealingco 👩‍💻 Already brain retraining and Interested in 1-1 coaching? Apply here: https://abodehealingco.com/apply Visit us at abodehealingco.com for more information and resources to help you on your way. 💌 Got questions or suggestions? Email me at Katie@abodehealingco.com. I love hearing from you!

03-21
37:57

EP 2 // 5 Ways You’re Training Your Brain for Stress (And What to Do Instead)

You are already training your brain every single day—but are you choosing the program? In this episode I explain the surprising truth about how your daily habits are literally rewiring your brain for either stress or peace. Without even realizing it, many of us are unintentionally programming our minds to stay in fight-or-flight mode! I walk you through 5 common habits you might be doing right now that are training your brain for anxiety and stress. But don't worry! For each stress trigger, I share a simple, practical switch you can make today to start retraining your brain for calm instead. Discover how your amygdala (your brain's threat detector) gets confused by modern life and learn powerful techniques to help it become less reactive and more resilient! Whether you're dealing with chronic stress or simply want to boost your overall wellbeing, this episode offers game-changing insights that will transform how you feel every day. Stay tuned until the end—there’s a surprising tip that’s super easy to implement! . . DIVE DEEPER // RESOURCES: 💫 Somatic Healing Tools Freebie: DOWNLOAD HERE  🧠 New to brain retraining and want to understand more, watch my FREE 30 minute training that explains what brain retraining is and why it heals chronic illness:  https://view.flodesk.com/pages/641a42cadc3789176b6944d0 👉Connect with Katie on IG: @abodehealingco 👩‍💻 Already brain retraining and Interested in 1-1 coaching? Apply here: https://abodehealingco.com/apply Visit us at abodehealingco.com for more information and resources to help you on your way. 💌 Got questions or suggestions? Email me at Katie@abodehealingco.com. I love hearing from you!  

03-11
27:47

EP 1 // My Chronic Illness & Brain Retraining Story - How I healed from CIRS, CFS, MCS, MCAS, and more!

Welcome to the first episode of the Retrain Your Brain Podcast. I'm your host, Katie Nickerson, a trauma-informed brain retraining coach! I’m kicking things off today by diving into my own story of navigating a decade of complex chronic illness and finding incredible healing through brain retraining. This isn't just about my recovery; it's about showing you the incredible power your brain holds and how you can harness it to transform your health and life. In this episode I'm peeling back the curtain on my journey through debilitating chronic pain, severe chronic fatigue, CIRS, MCS, food sensitivities, MCAS, and more!  I share my process of searching for answers, the wild treatments that I tried (that didn’t work), and how I FINALLY healed!  If you're feeling stuck with chronic health issues or traditional treatments have let you down, there's hope! Tune in now for a dose of encouragement and science-backed solutions!  . DIVE DEEPER // RESOURCES: 🧠New to brain retraining and want to understand more, watch my FREE 30 minute training that explains what brain retraining is and why it heals chronic illness:  https://view.flodesk.com/pages/641a42cadc3789176b6944d0 👉Connect with Katie on IG: @abodehealingco  👩‍💻 Already brain retraining and Interested in 1-1 coaching? Apply here: https://abodehealingco.com/apply Visit us at abodehealingco.com for more information and resources to help you on your way. 💌 Got questions or suggestions? Email me at Katie@abodehealingco.com. I love hearing from you!

03-11
41:51

The Retrain Your Brain Podcast - Official TRAILER

Welcome to the Retrain Your Brain podcast where you will find a neuroscience-based approach to help you heal from chronic illness and complex trauma (without the expensive and restrictive protocols!). My mission is to teach you real, effective strategies like brain retraining, somatic exercises, and trauma healing tools to help you heal at the deepest level - no more surface-level temporary fixes! About Your Host: Katie Nickerson is a trauma-informed brain retraining coach who recovered from severe chronic illness including ME/CFS, CIRS, mold, chemical and food sensitivites, SIBO, MCAS and more through the power of neuroplasticity. After her recovery, Katie has dedicated herself to helping others understand and implement brain retraining techniques to address their own chronic symptoms. Connect With Katie: Website: https://abodehealingco.com/ Instagram: @abodehealingco  Email: hello@abodehealingco.com Coming Up Next:  Be sure to subscribe so you don’t miss our first full episode releasing on Tuesday, March 11!  Resources: Coaching: Looking for 1-1 support to guide you through the brain retraining journey? Apply for coaching and schedule your free Discovery Call to see if you’re a good fit for coaching with Katie New to brain retraining? Watch this free training to understand the science of chronic symptoms and the basics of brain retraining. 4 Steps to Retrain Your Brain Around Mold - Free Guide! Download it HERE!  My Free Somatic Healing Cheat Sheet: Download it HERE!  Healing Mold Sensitivity Course: https://abodehealingco.com/healingfrommold  

03-05
06:44

Recommend Channels