Mickel Therapy
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Mickel Therapy is a talk-based mind-body therapy developed by Dr. David Mickel in the UK.
It’s designed to treat chronic illnesses like ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, post-viral fatigue, IBS and anxiety by addressing the emotional signals the body is believed to be sending through physical symptoms.
The therapy is based on the idea that many long-term illnesses are not caused by damage or disease in the body itself, but by miscommunication between the brain and body - particularly involving the hypothalamus, which plays a key role in regulating the nervous system, immune system, hormones and energy.
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Mickel Therapy helps people recognise, decode and respond to the emotional signals their body is sending via symptoms.
The idea is that symptoms like fatigue, pain, brain fog or digestive issues may represent suppressed emotions or unmet needs that are creating overstimulation in the nervous system.
A typical session involves:
Talking through current symptoms and emotional patterns
Identifying “triggers” or signals that precede symptom flare-ups
Gaining insight into unconscious stress patterns like people-pleasing, perfectionism, or emotional suppression
Learning a practical, daily technique to respond to those signals in real time - not through analysis, but through specific actions that reduce nervous system overload
Over time, symptoms are believed to reduce as the nervous system no longer needs to use the body to signal distress
It’s not about mindset or positive thinking - and it doesn’t require reliving trauma. Instead, it’s about practical emotional alignment.
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It’s a non-medical approach - no supplements, diets, or physical treatments
Works best for people who feel emotionally disconnected, stuck in freeze mode, or trapped in patterns like overthinking or people-pleasing
Often described as “gentle but powerful”
Delivered via trained practitioners (many offer video sessions)
It’s not widely known in mainstream medicine, and the evidence is anecdotal rather than clinical
Common Themes Among People Who’ve Benefited:
Didn’t respond to pacing, medication, or rest
Described themselves as driven, sensitive, perfectionist or emotionally “numb”
Had unexplained crashes or symptoms that didn’t fit medical categories
Found mind-body tools helpful but overwhelming - and needed something simpler and more structured
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Per-session rate: Generally between £80–£100, with most sessions lasting about one hour.
Individual sessions via official site: Typically £90 for ~45 minutes.
Session Count Estimates
Around 75% of clients complete therapy in 8 sessions, while 25% may require more.
Another source mentions a typical programme of 7–10 sessions over 3–6 months.
Total Cost Estimates
Lower range: If sessions are £80 × 7 sessions = £560
Typical range: £80–100 × 8–10 sessions = £640–£1,000
Some practitioners offer payment plans or short courses.
Discount-Friendly Directory
Dr. David Mickel’s official course sometimes runs coupon codes (e.g., 10% off) and free app access for early users.
Some practitioners, especially in the UK and Australia, will reduce rates if you are on benefits or living with long-term illness — but you must ask directly.
Verena (Europe-based practitioner) offers a 10% discount if you purchase the official course plus a free 30-minute Q&A call; open to discussing further reductions for low-income clients.
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