Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need To Know To Get Started
Everything people ask before working with us — about the programs, the logistics, and how this all actually works. Use the links below to move between categories quickly. This is a dense and wordy page.
Don't see your question? Email hello@migrainewhisperer.com — I respond to every message personally.
Getting to Know Us
About The Migraine Whisperer
What is The Migraine Whisperer?
An education, coaching, and clinical care practice founded by Dr. Brenna Erickson, DC. It includes group education programs like The Migraine Resilience Academy, as well as Dr. Erickson's clinical practice — Virtual Functional Medicine and in-person care at Stockheart Whole Health — for people who want individualized diagnosis and treatment.
Do you diagnose or treat migraine?
Yes, but only within Dr. Erickson's clinical practice — Virtual Functional Medicine or in-person at Stockheart Whole Health in Minneapolis. The Migraine Resilience Academy and other group programs are education first: they don't diagnose, prescribe, or replace your relationship with a treating provider, and are designed to work alongside whatever care you're already receiving.
Who is Dr. Brenna Erickson?
A Doctor of Chiropractic with advanced training in functional medicine, craniosacral therapy, and functional neurology, and the only DNFT-certified practitioner in Minnesota. Learn more on the About page, or start with Naming It to see how she explains migraine mechanism firsthand.
Do you work with people outside the United States?
Yes — The Migraine Resilience Academy is fully virtual and open to participants anywhere. Virtual Functional Medicine's availability can depend on state or country-specific regulations, so reach out and we'll confirm fit for your location.
Do you work with teens? What about younger children?
Yes, we work with teens. We aren't currently taking on children under 14 — migraine in younger kids often looks different (abdominal migraine, cyclic vomiting) and is better served by a pediatric specialist for now.
Is this covered by insurance, or can I use HSA/FSA funds for migraine coaching?
Our group programs are educational coaching, not medical treatment, so they typically don't qualify for HSA/FSA reimbursement. Some clients have successfully submitted anyway — check with your benefits administrator to confirm your plan's specific rules. Clinical care through Virtual Functional Medicine or Stockheart may be treated differently; ask us directly about your situation.
Is This Right For Me?
Which program is right for me — the group program or Virtual Functional Medicine?
If you want structure, community, and a lower-cost way in, The Migraine Resilience Academy is usually the right starting point — especially if you're newly diagnosed or new to this approach. If you want individualized answers, lab work, and a plan built entirely around your own case, Virtual Functional Medicine is the better fit. See our homepage for a fuller breakdown of both, plus in-person care at Stockheart.
Can I do the group program and Virtual Functional Medicine at the same time?
Yes — our offerings are designed to work together. Some people start with the group program and then move onto individual functional medicine. Some people choose do both, using the group program for structure and community while Virtual FM handles the individualized, lab-based work. If you're considering both, mention that on your clarity call so we can help sequence them well for you.
Is it safe to start if I'm having a lot of attacks right now?
In most cases, yes — the program is designed to meet you where you are, including on high-frequency weeks. That said, if you're in a genuinely acute crisis or need urgent care, please see a doctor or emergency services first; this program isn't built for that moment, and we'll always tell you so directly if that's what we're hearing from you. If you are having chronic migraines (15+) days per month you will likely see the greatest benefit from the full seqeunce, The group program helps you understand the many mechanisms of migraine, functional medicine will help stabilize your personal biochemistry, and hands on work can help support the neuroplasticity process.
How soon will I notice a difference?
It varies, but most participants start noticing pattern-recognition shifts within the first couple of weeks — recognizing prodrome, understanding their own threshold — well before attack frequency itself necessarily changes. Real reduction in attacks is typically a matter of weeks to months of consistent practice, not days.
The Migraine Resilience Academy
Do I have to attend live, or can I watch replays?
Live attendance is ideal — the group energy and real-time coaching accelerate your progress. But life happens. All sessions are recorded and available within 48 hours, and you have access to replays for 6 months.
What if I miss a session?
Watch the replay and post your questions in the private community. We respond to all questions within 48 hours — you won't fall behind.
What if I need to pause or leave partway through?
Talk to us directly — life happens, and we'd rather work out a real solution with you than have you disappear. Depending on timing and circumstances, that might mean picking back up in a future cohort rather than losing your spot entirely.
What platform do we meet on?
Zoom for live sessions, with a private community space for ongoing support between sessions.
I'm nervous about being on video with strangers.
You're welcome to keep your camera off, especially early on — many people do for the first few sessions. The space is built to be pressure-free: no performance expected, just presence.
Can my partner or spouse join the live sessions?
Not during live sessions, since it changes the group dynamic — but they're welcome to watch replays with you, and many participants find their partners understand a lot more once they've seen the framework.
What happens after the program ends?
You keep 6 months of access to all recordings, the workbook, and community materials, and everything is yours to download and keep. Most graduates continue practicing what they've learned on their own — that's the actual goal: building self-trust, not dependency on us.
What if my migraines don't improve?
Not everyone's migraine responds the same way, and we can't promise a specific outcome — no one honestly can. What we can tell you: your integration session at the end of the program exists exactly for this. One of our coaches will help you figure out your actual next step — whether that's a specific provider category worth bringing in, or a particular area to focus on to start shifting how your pattern is showing up. You don't leave without a plan, even if attack frequency hasn't fully shifted yet. Our guarantee also covers a full refund in the first week, so you're not financially stuck if it's clearly not the right fit from the start.
Virtual Functional Medicine
Is Virtual Functional Medicine available now?
It's offered by inquiry rather than as a set, standing program — reach out and we'll figure out together whether it's the right fit and what a plan would look like for you, including timing. Schedule a clarity call to connect here.
What does Virtual Functional Medicine for migraine cost?
Pricing depends on what your specific plan involves. A 12-week package with an intake, monthly protocol visits, and biweekly coaching typically starts around $1,800. Lab testing and supplements are billed separately.
Do I need to be local to Minneapolis for Virtual Functional Medicine?
No — this is fully virtual, built for people who want individualized, root-cause care regardless of where they live.
Payment & Logistics
The Practical Stuff
How much does the Migraine Resilience Academy cost?
$797 for the 6-week program, with an optional 4-week Expansion for $517. A payment plan is available. Current pricing reflects our early-cohort rate and will increase as the program matures.
How big are the groups?
Limited to 12 people, so the space stays personal and responsive to who is in the room.
What's your refund policy?
A full refund is available within the first week of the program. After that, we'll hold your tuition and move you into a future cohort instead of a refund — you never lose your spot or your investment.
How do I enroll or ask a question first?
You can enroll directly here, or book a free 20-minute clarity call first if you want to talk through your specific situation before committing.
Are you a healthcare provider?
If you're looking for somewhere to refer patients who need more support between appointments, we've built a dedicated resource just for you — program comparisons, clinical credibility, and referral logistics all in one place.
Still have a question?
Email hello@migrainewhisperer.com — every message gets a real, personal reply.