A Guide to Choosing a Brain Retraining Program
How Should I Choose a Brain Retraining Program?
Choosing a brain retraining program is a personal decision. Beyond the approach itself, consider what you’ll learn, how daily practice fits into your life, and what support is available.
DNRS brings together a structured, step-by-step method, flexible online learning, and an established community. Its Five Pillars provide a foundation for daily practice, while optional coaching offers guidance from Certified DNRS Coaches who have used the program in their own recovery and have been extensively trained in the method.
The comparison below helps you explore those practical differences, so you can choose a program with a clear understanding of the commitment, costs, research, and support.
What does the DNRS program teach, and what does daily practice involve?
DNRS teaches a structured approach to brain retraining through its Five Pillars, combining education about neuroplasticity with practical exercises involving attention, speech, visualization, positive emotion, gentle movement, and incremental training. The recommended commitment is about one hour of daily practice for at least six months, along with applying the tools throughout everyday life. You can divide practice into shorter sessions and start at your current capacity, building gradually. DNRS is designed to complement appropriate medical care.
Can I learn at my own pace and access guidance when needed?
Yes. DNRS includes 13 hours of on-demand instruction with one year of streaming access. You can work through the course sequentially and revisit lessons at your own pace. Client Services can assist with general questions, access, and scheduling. For guidance on applying the tools, optional individual and group coaching is available.
What coaching is available, and what training do coaches have?
DNRS offers optional individual coaching for personalized guidance and 12-week group coaching for structure, accountability, and connection. Certified DNRS Coaches have personally used the program in their own recovery from chronic illness and receive extensive training in the DNRS method, ongoing professional development, supervision, and team support. Coaching helps you understand and apply the program to your circumstances; it does not replace medical advice or therapy.
What community support is included?
The core program includes basic access to our moderated Global Community Forum, where you can ask questions, receive guidance from DNRS team members and peers, share progress, and find encouragement throughout your practice.
Optional support services offer more opportunities to connect with others and apply the DNRS tools in practical, meaningful ways. These include individual and group coaching, Share-a-Laugh classes, and premium forum resources such as Annie’s Coffee Talks and a guided visualization library.
The Support Bundle combines these options: 12 weeks of group coaching, six months of Share-a-Laugh classes, and six months of premium forum access.
What research has examined this specific program?
DNRS-specific research includes a McMaster University observational study that followed 102 participants over 12 months using standardized health questionnaires. Participants reported improvements in quality of life, functioning, and several symptom measures. These findings are encouraging; the study was observational rather than a randomized controlled trial (RCT) and relied on self-reported outcomes. Additionally, participant outcome data are available from the 2025 Outcomes Survey.
An RCT is currently in progress.
What is the cost, including optional services?
The core DNRS 2.0 program costs $349.95 and includes one year of streaming access and basic community forum access. You can continue video access after the first year for $20 per month.
Additional options include:
Jump Start Bundle: $439.95, including the program and an initial 60-minute individual coaching session.
Support Bundle: $569.95, including the program, 12-week group coaching, six months of Share-a-Laugh classes, and six months of premium forum access.
12 Week Group coaching: $289, or three monthly payments of $100.
Individual coaching: currently $155 for a first-time initial session; follow-up sessions are $80 for 30 minutes or $140 for 50 minutes, with packages available.
Printed materials, premium community resources, classes, and supplementary courses involve additional fees, depending on your purchase. Your total cost depends on the support and resources you choose. Prices are in US dollars and may change.
Can I explore the approach before purchasing, and is there a money-back guarantee?
Yes. The 21-day free trial gives you access to the Introduction and Pillar One, so you can explore the foundational concepts and course format before purchasing.
If, after six months of consistent daily practice, you feel the instructional program has provided no value, you may request a refund within 365 days of purchase. 
