Joy
Posted
Better than most; could be better
This is one of the better brain-retraining programs out there. I did the re-origin program for 11 months and gained some helpful knowledge/experiences, but I'm going to let my membership expire. I like how the program is organized into bite-sized pieces. It has a lot of practical tools that have helped me be more present, restful, and accepting in the midst of ongoing, severe illness. And I appreciate that (hypothetically) it is not based on positive thinking or toxic positivity. However, I found that there were some subtle ways that "mind over matter" ideas kept being pushed, especially in the forum posts. I also observed some concerning advice being given by fellow members to those dealing with severe symptoms--advice which could potentially cause more harm than good. I'm concerned that the program does not adequately explain the differing ways this program could benefit people, depending on their symptoms, severity, stage of recovery, and other types of treatments/supports. I wish that participants were more regularly reminded of the importance of staying in contact with their medical professionals or mental health professionals, and making decisions in collaboration with them. I also would love to see more representation of people who are making slower progress. I saw a 1% decrease in symptoms over the past year, which I largely attribute to this program (as well as to a medication change); I am truly grateful for this. I think that re-origin is much better than similar programs, but for people with illnesses like severe LC or ME/CFS, I'd recommend approaching it with caution or exploring other nervous system regulation programs that are more specifically focused on supporting those with severe illnesses. I'm thankful for the skills, tools, and experiences I gained from my time in the Re-origin program. And I would love to see it continue to improve to be more inclusive of a wide range of experiences.
Response from re-origin· Jul 26, 2025
Hi Hannah, We're truly grateful you spent a year with us at re-origin, and we’re honored to hear that the tools supported you in cultivating greater presence, restfulness, and acceptance during such a challenging time. It means a great deal to know that even amidst ongoing severe illness, you found elements of the program valuable and supportive. Our community is at the heart of what makes re-origin special. Our ambassadors, coaches, and moderators work diligently to foster a space that’s compassionate, uplifting, and grounded in science not one that promotes “mind over matter” or toxic positivity. We’re deeply sorry to hear that some of the peer interactions felt otherwise to you. This is the first time we’ve received feedback in this form, and we truly appreciate you sharing your perspective. While community members often speak from personal experience and share what’s helped them, we are exceptionally careful to ensure that medical advice is not given. We’re proud to have supported many members through meaningful recovery from severe symptoms, but we also fully recognize that healing is not one-size-fits-all. Your point about representing a broader range of progress stories is deeply important. Even what might feel like a 1% shift can be a massive effort in the context of chronic illness and it’s something we honor and respect. We are always striving to make re-origin more inclusive, and flexible for individuals across all stages of recovery. If you're open to it, we’d love to hear more from you via email so we can continue listening, learning, and evolving in meaningful ways. Wishing you continued strength and progress on your path.