for healthcare providers
We offer a collaborative referral resource, not a replacement for your care.
If you're a PCP, neurologist, or allied provider looking for somewhere to send patients who need more support between appointments — for migraine or another complex chronic illness — this page is for you.
Two Programs, One Referral Point
You don't need to sort the patient — send them our way and we will.
| Migraine Resilience Academy | TENDing Foundations | |
|---|---|---|
| Best fit | Migraine, episodic or chronic | Long COVID, ME/CFS, chronic Lyme, MCAS, autoimmune conditions |
| Format | 6 weeks, live virtual (optional 4-week extension available) | 6 weeks, live virtual (optional 4-week extension available) |
| Led by | Dr. Brenna Erickson, DC · Dr. Michele Renee, DC | Dr. Michele Renee, DC · Dr. Karen Lawson, MD · Dr. Brenna Erickson, DC |
A Strong Fit
Understands your recommendations but struggles to implement them
Cycling through triggers/avoidance without lasting relief
Already at capacity, needs sustainable tools not another protocol
Would benefit from group support between appointments
Not a Fit
Acute crisis or needing urgent, intensive individual treatment
Seeking diagnosis or medication management
Not ready for a group or virtual format
How It Works
Mechanisms of Change
Both programs are grounded in an evidence-informed, bio-psycho-social-spiritual approach to facilitating the body's own healing capacity. We rely on six mechanisms to help your patients discover their own agency in the process.
Understanding
When patients understand what is happening in their bodies, fear decreases and agency grows.
Co-regulation
Supportive relationships create the calm and safety in which change is possible.
Active engagement
Commitment to small, structured experiments turns insight into daily routine.
Belonging
Community replaces isolation; recognition replaces shame.
Reflection
Participants learn to notice patterns instead of judging symptoms.
Clinical partnership
The patient stays centered in their existing care team throughout.
The Migraine Resilience Academy curriculum has been reviewed by a physician for clinical accuracy, and the coaching-based education model is supported by research on coaching as an effective intervention for improving migraine outcomes. TENDing Foundations is created and co-led by an MD, Dr. Karen Lawson, alongside Dr. Michele Renee and Dr. Brenna Erickson.
Clinical Credibility
Reviewed and led by licensed clinicians and educators
Dr. Brenna Erickson, DC
Doctor of Chiropractic with advanced training in functional medicine, craniosacral therapy, functional neurology, and trauma-informed care. Only DNFT-certified practitioner in Minnesota. Co-Creator of the TENDing Method. Leads MRA, co-facilitates TENDing. Practices at Stockheart Whole Health in Minneapolis.
Dr. Michele Renee, DC, MAc, LMT
Dr. Michele Renee, DC, MAc — Doctor of Chiropractic with a Master's in Acupuncture and functional medicine training, and over 20 years treating complex chronic illness. Co- Creator of the TENDing Method and founder of Body Luminary. Brings personal, lived experience with chronic illness recovery alongside her clinical expertise. She brings a teaching focus on body literacy, self-compassion practices, and sustainable pacing.
What Patients Are Saying
Names changed for privacy; quotes, ages, and stories are from real participants.
Sarah*, 37, parent of two
"I joined this group not knowing or realizing the benefits it would bring. I didn’t realize the self-love and tenderness it would allow me to see myself in. I imagined educational content and action steps that might help, but might not fully apply to me. This group has been supportive, helpful, educational and has made a noticable impact on my life."
Jessica*, 47, paralegal
"I have always thought of myself as a resilient person. I have spent years developing practices that allow me to perform at my best when life gets hard. The Migraine Resilience Academy expanded my vocabularly enourmously. I have more tools, more understanding, and I feel like I have more control over my migraines, and more tools avaiable to me. I was even able to adjust my insulin down, which was not something I had ever imagined from a migraine course. Thank you. "
Maria*, 51, teacher
"I had no idea how powerful being in community would be for me. I am new to migraine and it’s been an incredibly challenging year. I have lost a lot, and am continuing to adjust my expectations every day. But I found so much peace and healing by being in community with people who have the same pain experience that I have. A group of people who know what it feels like when light or sound physicaly hurt. Of course I learned a lot too. But I feel less alone and broken, seeing other people like me. And I feel like I have a much better understanding of my condition and how to build a path forward to heal."
*Testimonial names have been changes for privacy.
Referral Resources
Print and digital materials for your office
Provider one-pager — Migraine Resilience Academy Download PDF →
Provider one-pager — TENDing Foundations Download PDF →
Research & case study article Download PDF →
Provider FAQ View →
Prefer a printed copy for your office? Email us at hello@migrainewhisperer.com and we'll mail you a packet.
Scope, Safety & Your Patient's Care
Education reinforces clinical care — it doesn’t replace it. Participants remain under the care of their referring and treating providers throughout the duration of each program. Facilitators do not diagnose, prescribe, or modify treatment plans, and participants are actively encouraged to bring what they learn back to their clinical team.
Our In-Person Practice
For patients who'd benefit from hands-on care alongside group education, Dr. Erickson also sees patients in person at Stockheart Whole Health in Minneapolis, a multi-doctor functional and integrative practice.
How to Refer
Three ways to send us a patient
Share this page, or send them directly to migrainewhisperer.com or bodyluminary.com
Email hello@migrainewhisperer.com with questions or a specific patient's fit
We're glad to talk through which program fits before anyone enrolls
