Question 1

What exactly is Maintained Mind?

Accepted Answer

Think of it as a gentle, scientifically grounded sanctuary for your brain. It is an uplifting, low-pressure environment designed to help you maintain your mental health baseline, keep your self-management strategies on track, and stimulate positive neuroplasticity. We combine short bursts of quiet, restful body-doubling with fortnightly*, solution-focused community check-ins.

Question 2

What is Maintained Mind not?

Accepted Answer

It is important to note that this is not a replacement for therapy, nor is it a traditional, problem-focused illness support group. We do not engage in deep processing of trauma or heavy venting. Instead, we are a forward-facing, solution-focused community centred on wellness, maintenance, and gentle accountability.

Question 3

Who can subscribe? Is it only for Kim's former therapy clients?

Accepted Answer

Not at all - everyone is welcome! This space is designed for anyone living with a chronic illness, pain condition or hypermobility syndromes who already possesses the tools for self-management but finds it hard to maintain the consistency or motivation to use them alone. Whether you have worked with me individually, finished therapy with someone else, or are self-taught through your own wellness journey, you are so welcome here.

Question 4

What is the neuroscience behind "restful body-doubling"?

Accepted Answer

Traditional body-doubling is often used to force dopamine for chores or work. However, for a chronically ill nervous system, that "hustle" can trigger a low-level fight-or-flight response, which halts neuroplasticity.

When we body-double for restful tasks (like crafting, physio, or resting), we trick the brain into safety. Your brain mirrors the calm, focused energy of the group (thanks to mirror neurons). This lowers cortisol, shifts your nervous system into the parasympathetic ("rest and digest") state, and creates the perfect chemical environment for your brain to wire new, happier pathways.

Question 5

How do the solution-focused sessions help my brain?

Accepted Answer

Chronic illness naturally trains the brain to monitor threats (pain, fatigue, flares), which can strengthen negative, hyper-vigilant pathways.

Our fortnightly* check-ins use a solution-focused approach, intentionally directing attention to “what has been good.” By noticing and sharing small wins, we stimulate dopamine and serotonin. This intentional focus promotes changes in your neural pathways, moving the brain away from threat-monitoring and toward cognitive resilience.

Question 6

I have severe brain fog, pain and fatigue. Can I still join?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. In fact, this was built specifically with you in mind. There is zero pressure to speak, perform, or even turn your camera on during our restful body-doubling sessions if you aren't feeling up to it. You can log in, keep your camera off, and simply rest or nap in bed while soaking in the quiet company of the group.

Question 7

How do I pay?

Accepted Answer

Payment is handled securely by GoCardless. You'll approve a one-off payment for your first year directly from your UK bank app (Instant Bank Pay), and at the same time the flow sets up a Direct Debit mandate for future yearly renewals. We never see or store your bank details.

Question 8

How much do international members pay?

Accepted Answer

We publish a fixed price in each supported currency, so you know exactly what will leave your bank — no FX surprises. Prices include the Eurozone (SEPA), Australia (BECS), New Zealand (BECS NZ), United States (ACH), Canada (PAD), Sweden (Autogiro) and Denmark (Betalingsservice). At checkout you pick your bank and GoCardless sets up the matching Direct Debit. The current price for each currency is shown on the pricing card on this page.

Question 9

When does my membership start?

Accepted Answer

The moment your instant bank payment confirms — usually within seconds of approving it in your bank app. Your member area unlocks immediately.

Question 10

What if my bank doesn't support instant payments?

Accepted Answer

No problem — GoCardless will fall back to a standard Direct Debit instead. Your first payment then takes 3 to 5 working days to confirm, and your member area unlocks automatically as soon as it does.

Question 11

When am I charged again?

Accepted Answer

Exactly one year after you join, the Direct Debit set up at checkout will automatically collect your next yearly payment. We'll email you a reminder beforehand, and you can cancel any time from your account before then — access continues until the end of your paid year.

Frequently Asked Questions