Ep 26. Dr. Michael Dow | How PRT Changed This Clinician's Practice — and Healed His Own Migraines

Send us Fan Mail Dr. Michael Dow on healing migraines and his work with PRT, EAET, Stress, and Relational Soothing Psychotherapist Dr. Michael Dow shares his recovery from chronic weekly headaches and vestibular migraine symptoms that began around 2014 and worsened during COVID while he managed a high-stress integrated health clinic in the Boulder, Colorado area. He describes how mindfulness training alone didn’t prevent symptoms, and how discovering Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) through the Boulder Back Pain Study shifted his understanding from managing pain to reducing fear and retraining the brain to eliminate it.  Dr. Dow discusses the role of cumulative “background stress,” self-compassion, boundaries, and making major life changes, including leaving his long-term job for private practice. He explains “extinction bursts,” emotional work through emotional awareness and expression therapy (EAET), the impact of relationship dynamics and secure attachment functioning, and practical strategies like graded exposure and partner-based relational soothing. 00:00 Meet Dr Michael Dow 03:09 Why This Conversation Now 03:52 First Migraine Experience 05:35 Stress And Symptom Escalation 06:53 Family Modeling And Genetics 10:15 Mindfulness Was Not Enough 13:56 Symptoms As A Message 16:25 Background Stress And Boundaries 21:52 Self Compassion Missing Piece 23:11 Discovering Pain Reprocessing 25:15 Somatic Tracking Click Moment 27:16 Life Changes And Extinction Burst 29:48 Flare Ups Mean Healing 30:59 Onion Layers Of Emotions 31:36 Agency Breaks Fear Cycle 33:50 Turning Down The Fear 34:36 Pain Relief Is Possible 37:36 Redefining Recovery Progress 40:16 Relationships And Nervous System 47:03 Breaking Migraine Anticipation 53:12 Stigma Shame And Masculinity 55:08 Practice Resources And Farewell +++++++ REFERENCES:  How to find Dr. Michael Dow ●Website: https://drmichaeldow.com/ ●Michael’s Email:  [email protected] ●Amelie’s Email: [email protected] ____ Thanks for listening - I hope you found this helpful.  FIND ME HERE @ www.migraineoasis.com/linkinbio Let's continue the conversation...COME SAY HI! ✅ INSTAGRAM:  Follow Migraine Oasis @MigraineOasis  ✅ FACEBOOK:  Join our Community @MigraineOasis ✅ YOUTUBE: Watch us @MigraineOasis  ____ Education and techniques discussed in this Podcast originate from many sources, countless hours of research, training, and self-healing unless otherwise noted. Music credit: MomotMusic, Kyrylo Momot ___ Disclaimer: Information provided by Migraine Oasis & Karen Ash is for general informational & educational purposes only & is not a substitute for medical advice, psychotherapy, or counselling. Utilizing any of the education, strategies, or techniques in the podcast is done at your own risk. Consult with a physician before engaging in any suggested movements. If in immediate danger, call a local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.