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

Migraine Healing Oasis

A podcast sharing information, support, and healing strategies based on the science-backed MindBody Connection and Healing approach to reversing Migraine pain for sustainable relief.

The host, Karen Ash, ACC suffered (past tense) from Chronic Migraine for 34 years before finding the work of Dr. John Sarno, Nicole Sachs, LCSW, Dr. Howard Schubiner, Alan Gordon, LCSW, the Curable App, and others educating on the role stress and emotions have in dysregulating our nervous system, sending unsafe signals of danger to the Brain, which triggers pain as a protective mechanism to remove us from the treat.

While this information can be used for any MindBody Chronic Pain condition, I felt it important to create a community for the 1.16 BILLION living with Migraine to come together and speak about the nuances of our unique pain experiences. Join us to gain more pain-free days, one episode at a time! xx

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Migraine Healing Oasis

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

June 30, 2026 • Karen Ash, ACC • Episode 26

0:00 | 59:52

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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

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REFERENCES: How to find Dr. Michael Dow

●Website: https://drmichaeldow.com/
●Michael’s Email: michaelmdow@gmail.com
●Amelie’s Email: amelie@intergativesomatics.net

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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
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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.