EP 20 // Brain Retraining During a Flare: Why It Feels Impossible (And What to Do About It)

If you've ever found yourself in the middle of a symptom flare thinking, "I know I have tools for this... but I can't remember what they are," or, “I just can’t do it,” this episode is for you. One of the most frustrating parts of the healing journey is that the moments when you need support the most are often the moments when accessing that support feels impossible. In this episode, I'm breaking down what's actually happening in the brain during a flare, why your usual brain retraining tools can suddenly feel inaccessible, and why this experience isn't a sign that you're failing or doing something wrong. You'll learn: Why symptom flares often make it harder to think clearly and remember what to do What's happening in the brain and nervous system when your symptoms spike The role of the prefrontal cortex and why it takes a backseat during stress Why self-criticism, overanalyzing, and "fix-it mode" can accidentally keep the flare going How shame and fear can become part of the symptom loop Why struggling during a flare is a normal neurobiological response, not a personal failure The key shift that helps you move through flares more effectively This episode lays the foundation for next week's conversation, where I'll walk you through exactly what to do during a flare and introduce a simple framework for moving through symptom spikes with more ease and confidence. DIVE DEEPER // RESOURCES: Join my email list to be the first to hear when Flare Fix becomes available! FREE RESOURCES:  💫 Somatic Healing Tools FREE CHEAT SHEET ✨ Retrain Mold Sensitivity FREE GUIDE 🧠 New to brain retraining? Watch my FREE 30-minute training HERE SUPPORT: 🤝 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 retraining program) 🗓 Join the group coaching waitlistHERE   CONTACT: 📲 Follow on Instagram: @abodehealingco 🌐 Learn more at: abodehealingco.com 📩 Email me: hello@abodehealingco.com