Health Coaching by Heather

Call Website Contact the practice

Health Coaching by Heather I am a Functional Health Coach, who specializes in Lyme, mold, cirs and autoimmune disease.

I Once Had More Than 22 Diagnoses. Today, Those Conditions Have Resolved. For decades, my body was struggling.My health ...
10/10/2026

I Once Had More Than 22 Diagnoses. Today, Those Conditions Have Resolved.

For decades, my body was struggling.

My health challenges began when I was just 3 years old, with asthma and allergies. Looking back, I believe growing up in a water-damaged environment played a significant role in those early struggles.

As the years went by, my list of diagnoses continued to grow.

Asthma. Chronic sinus infections. Asthmatic bronchitis. Irritable bowel syndrome. Fibromyalgia. Chronic fatigue syndrome. Severe neuropathy. Graves' disease. SIBO. Osteoporosis. Osteoarthritis. Degenerative disc disease. High blood pressure. Hormonal imbalances. And so many more.

I had 12 bulging/herniated discs, spinal cord compression, and eventually had a spinal cord stimulator implanted because of the severity of my nerve pain.

My body was struggling on nearly every level.

By age 30, my health was declining, and I was becoming increasingly limited in what I could do.

By 35, I was so sick that I had to stop working.

I spent years homebound, living with debilitating pain, exhaustion, brain fog, and limitations that affected every aspect of my life.

But my story didn't end there.

At 51, I was finally diagnosed with Lyme disease after years of unexplained illness.

At 55, I learned more about my history of mold exposure and was diagnosed with Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS).

For the first time, I began to understand how many of my seemingly unrelated health challenges might be connected.

Rather than focusing solely on individual diagnoses and symptoms, I began addressing the underlying factors were contributing to my illness while supporting my body's ability to recover.

It wasn't overnight.

It wasn't easy.

And it certainly wasn't a straight line.

There were setbacks, discouraging days, and times when progress seemed slow.

But little by little, things began to change.

By age 58, all of those former diagnoses had resolved.

But that didn't mean my healing journey was finished.

There were still layers of recovery ahead. My body needed additional time and support as I continued rebuilding my health.

And today, my life looks dramatically different.

I can work, enjoy activities, spend time with people I love, and participate in life in ways I once couldn't imagine.

My experience has changed how I look at chronic illness, healing, and the remarkable capacity of the human body to recover.

I don't share my story because I believe everyone's healing journey will look like mine.

I share it because I remember what it felt like to be overwhelmed by diagnoses, exhausted by symptoms, and unsure whether life could ever look different.

If there's one thing my journey has taught me, it's this:

The length of time you've been sick doesn't necessarily determine your capacity to improve.

Your current health challenges do not necessarily determine what the rest of your life will look like.

There can still be hope. There can still be progress. And sometimes, there is far more possibility for improvement than we can see when we're in the middle of it.

Have you ever felt like you were collecting diagnoses without getting answers about why you were so sick?

healthcoachingbyheather.com

Healing doesn't require perfection. When you're recovering from mold illness, Lyme or CIRS, it's easy to slip into all-o...
10/09/2026

Healing doesn't require perfection.

When you're recovering from mold illness, Lyme or CIRS, it's easy to slip into all-or-nothing thinking:

Every exposure is a disaster.
Every "off" meal sets me back.
If I miss my supplements, I'm failing.
I've been there. But here's what I've learned, both in my own healing and with clients:

chasing perfection can actually work against you.

Why?

Constant fear and hypervigilance keep your nervous system in "danger" mode. When your body is stuck in stress, it's harder to rest, digest, detox, and calm inflammation, which are exactly the things you're working so hard to support.

What progress really looks like:

🔄 Consistency over perfection. The habits you do most of the time matter far more than the occasional slip.

🌬️ Recovery. You can't control every environment. What matters is having a plan to support your body when exposures happen.

🍓 Nourishment over restriction. Food fear can shrink your diet and add stress. Focus on what you can add in, not just what to cut out.

💛 Self-compassion over self-criticism. Talking to yourself with kindness is good for your nervous system and your healing.

🧠 Safety as part of the plan. Feeling safe in your body is part of healing, not a reward you earn once you're well.

Healing is messy. Keep showing up for yourself, imperfectly.

Which area is hardest for you to let go of perfection? 👇

This wraps up my series on the emotional side of healing. Which post resonated most with you?

BoundariesHealthy boundaries are important for all of us.They help us recognize our limits, communicate our needs, prote...
10/08/2026

Boundaries

Healthy boundaries are important for all of us.

They help us recognize our limits, communicate our needs, protect our time and energy, and build healthier relationships.

But when you're living with Lyme disease, mold illness, CIRS, chemical sensitivities, or chronic illness, boundaries can become even more important. They can be an important part of supporting your healing.

A lot of us were taught that boundaries are selfish or rude. So we say yes when our body is screaming no and then we pay for it for days.

But a healthy boundary isn't about controlling other people or shutting them out.

It's about recognizing what your body needs and communicating that clearly and kindly.

What can healthy boundaries look like?

🏡 “I'd love to see you! Can we meet outside or at my place?”

You're still showing up. You're simply choosing an environment your body can better tolerate.

🌸 “I'm sensitive to fragrances. Would you mind skipping perfume when we get together?”

A kind, clear ask gives the people who care about you the opportunity to support you.

🚪 Leaving early without guilt.

Maybe you can attend for an hour instead of three. Showing up for part of it still counts.

💛 Saying no when you need to.

Healing takes energy. Sometimes saying no to one thing gives your body the capacity for something else that matters.

🛌 Building in recovery time.

If you know an event may take more out of you, planning a quieter day afterward isn't weakness. It's knowing your body and working with it.

And there's an important distinction:

A boundary is different from isolation.

Isolation shuts people out.

Healthy boundaries help us find ways to let people in while honoring our limitations.

Sometimes, after years of illness, reactions, setbacks, or feeling unsafe in certain environments, our world can gradually become smaller and smaller.

If you notice you're saying no to everything, it may be worth gently asking:

Is this boundary protecting my health or is fear beginning to make decisions for me?

Sometimes it's a little of both. And that's worth exploring with compassion and support.

The goal of boundaries isn't to make your world smaller.

It's to help you participate in your life in ways your body can handle right now.

You're allowed to protect your body and still love people.

What boundary has made the biggest difference in your healing? 👇

Next in this series: Why healing doesn't require perfection.

A home can look beautiful and still leave you wondering: is it actually supporting your health?That question is why I’m ...
10/06/2026

A home can look beautiful and still leave you wondering: is it actually supporting your health?

That question is why I’m speaking at the Healthy Home Summit, a free, virtual event October 15–19.

Across four days, more than 40 building biologists, physicians, architects, inspectors, designers and researchers will share what they’ve learned in the field.

You can join the sessions that matter to you and bring your questions to the breakout rooms.

The public sessions run
October 15–17, 8 a.m.–2 p.m. PT;
October 19 is a Design & Build day, open to everyone.

Live attendance is free.

If you can’t join in real time, a VIP ticket includes lifetime replays and daily speaker Q&As.

Save your free seat
https://www.healthyhomesummit.com/healthy-home-summit-october-2026

I’d love to see you in the chat during my session.

10/06/2026

"Why was I the only one reacting?" 🤔

At the church event this week, I walked in and noticed the musty smell right away. My lungs reacted within minutes. Everyone else seemed fine.

If you're mold sensitive, you've probably had this moment and wondered: Is it just me? Am I overreacting?

Here's the truth: just because others aren't reacting visibly doesn't mean they aren't being affected. ❗

Why some people react more:
🧬 Genetics. Our genetics vary. Some of us struggle more with detoxing toxic exposures.

🪣 Total toxic load. Think of your body like a bucket. If yours is already full from past exposures, stress, infections like Lyme, or chemicals, even a small exposure can make it overflow.

⚠️ Sensitization. Once your immune system has been through a major mold exposure, it can become quicker to sound the alarm the next time.

And here's what most people don't realize:
Others in that building may be affected in quieter ways:

😴 Fatigue they blame on a long week
🤧 Sinus congestion they call "allergies"
🤕 Headaches, brain fog, or trouble focusing
😮‍💨 Coughing or asthma flares
🫩 Frequent sickness

Many people never connect these symptoms to the building they're in. Some notice effects hours or days later, and some only after months of regular exposure.

My own experience:

When I was very sick, I didn't react to moldy buildings at all. I had no idea I was being exposed, because my body was so overloaded it couldn't sound the alarm.

As I healed and my body burden came down, that changed. I started noticing musty spaces and reacting quickly. At first it was frustrating, until I chose to see it differently.

My reactions became my warning system. 🚨 My body was finally able to tell me, "This place isn't safe for you." That gave me the chance to step outside, support my body, and protect my progress.

So if you're reacting more than you used to, it doesn't necessarily mean you're getting worse. It may mean your body is clearer and better able to speak up.

Your reactions are information. Your body is noticing something that's really there.

Have you ever been the only one reacting in a space? 👇

You’ve been exposed to mold again. Now what? I went live about this because it happened to me this weekend.I walked into...
10/05/2026

You’ve been exposed to mold again. Now what?

I went live about this because it happened to me this weekend.

I walked into an event and immediately noticed a strong musty odor. My lungs reacted quickly. I stepped outside, got fresh air, used the supports I had with me, and my symptoms settled.

Because it was a short event and I had carpooled, I chose to stay. But now that I know there's an issue with the building, I won't choose to go back.

If you've been on a mold-healing journey, you probably know the fear:

Did I just undo all my progress?

A brief re-exposure doesn't necessarily mean you're back at square one. Your body may react strongly, but that doesn't erase the foundation you've spent months or years building.

After an unexpected exposure, I focus on:

🌬️ Fresh air: Step outside or leave the environment.

🧠 Nervous system: Once away from the exposure, use breathing, humming, prayer, gentle movement, or whatever helps you settle.

🧺 Clothing/shower: Change and wash exposed clothing and shower if appropriate.

💧 Hydration & drainage: Support the pathways your body normally uses for elimination.

🥦 Nourishment: Focus on colorful, nutrient-dense foods.

💊 Your established supports: For me, this may include drainage support and a binder. Use what you've already determined is appropriate for your body.

⏳ Give it time: Some people bounce back quickly; others need extra support for several days.

And most importantly: have a Plan B.

I chose to stay because my symptoms settled and I felt comfortable doing so. But staying isn't the goal.

If your symptoms are escalating or you don't feel comfortable remaining, it's okay to leave. Have a ride, drive yourself when possible, step outside, or use a rideshare.

We can't control every building we'll encounter.

Healing isn't about guaranteeing you'll never encounter mold again. It's about building resilience, knowing your body, and having a plan when unexpected exposure happens.

Have you experienced an unexpected re-exposure? What helped you afterward? 👇

10/03/2026

I went to a ladies’ brunch at a church today that I had never been to before.

I was so excited to go.

But as soon as I walked through the doors, I was hit with a strong musty/moldy odor.

Within a short time, my lungs started burning and feeling heavy.

And my heart sank.

I hadn't driven myself, I had carpooled, so I couldn't simply get in my car and leave. I stepped outside into the fresh air, calmed my nervous system, and thought about what I wanted to do.

Do I leave?

Do I find a ride home?

Or do I see whether my body can settle enough for me to stay?

I decided to try.

I went back inside and used the supportive things I carry with me for situations like this, support for my lungs and drainage pathways and a binder.

My symptoms settled down surprisingly quickly, and I was able to stay for the entire event and enjoy the fellowship.

But it left me thinking.

Years ago, before I started healing, I couldn't even tell when I was walking into a problematic environment.

Ignorance really was bliss.

Now my body gives me a warning.

And while I am incredibly thankful that I can recognize those signals and respond to them, there's also grief in that awareness.

Because now I have to make decisions I wish I didn't have to make:

Is the fellowship worth the potential exposure?
How long am I comfortable staying?
Is my body handling it or am I asking too much of it?

Today I chose to stay.

Another day, in another building or with a stronger reaction, I might choose to leave.

I don't think protecting our health means we have to live in fear of every environment. But I also don't think healing means ignoring what our bodies are communicating.

There can be wisdom somewhere between fear and pushing through.

And I couldn't help thinking about all the people sitting in that room who smelled the same mustiness but may have had no idea that it could indicate a moisture problem worth investigating.

Environmental awareness has changed the way I move through the world.

Sometimes I'm grateful for that knowledge.

Sometimes it's really hard.

Today, it was a little of both.

What would you have done stayed or left?

Learning to Trust Your Body Again,If a treatment has made you feel worse before, it makes sense that trying something ne...
10/03/2026

Learning to Trust Your Body Again,

If a treatment has made you feel worse before, it makes sense that trying something new can feel scary.

Maybe it was a supplement that sent you into a flare. A protocol that promised progress and delivered weeks of setback instead. Or a practitioner who told you to push through something when your body was clearly telling you it was too much.

After enough of those experiences, it isn't just physical caution anymore.

You start bracing.

Part of you is waiting for the next thing to go wrong before you've even started.

That doesn't mean you're difficult, "too sensitive," or unwilling to try. Your nervous system may simply be trying to protect you after experiences that didn't feel safe.

But sometimes that protective response can become so strong that taking another step feels almost impossible, even when that step might ultimately be helpful.

Rebuilding trust with your body doesn't usually require one dramatic leap.

It can happen through smaller experiences:

Starting slowly enough that you can notice how your body responds.

Going at a pace you actually have some say in.

Changing course when something clearly isn't working.

Giving yourself permission to pause instead of believing you have to push through to prove you're trying hard enough.

You don't have to trust your body completely before taking the next step.

Sometimes you just need enough safety to take one small step, and then see what your body tells you from there.

10/02/2026

Can you get well in a water-damaged home?

When you're dealing with a chronic infection; Lyme, Bartonella, or something else, it's natural to ask: What do I need t...
10/01/2026

When you're dealing with a chronic infection; Lyme, Bartonella, or something else, it's natural to ask: What do I need to kill?

It's a reasonable question. Pathogens can absolutely be part of the picture, and there are times when addressing them directly matters.

But I've noticed that question, on its own, often leaves people stuck. They treat the infection, sometimes more than once, and still don't feel like themselves. So they look for a stronger antimicrobial, a longer course, one more round.

Here's the question I think gets missed just as often:

What does my body need to recover?

Killing a pathogen and recovering from one aren't the same thing.

A body that's spent months or years fighting an infection is often depleted nutritionally, in its nervous system, and in its ability to drain and detoxify. Addressing the infection doesn't automatically restore any of that.

Sometimes the infection has been adequately treated, but the person still doesn't feel well because their body hasn't fully recovered from everything it's been through.

Both questions matter.

But if you've only ever been asked the first one, it might be worth asking the second.

This is a lot of what I help clients think through one-on-one, not just what to treat, but what their body needs to actually recover from it.

Has most of your healing journey focused on fighting the infection, or has someone also helped you rebuild what your body needs to recover?

Address

Phoenix, AZ
85326

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 12pm

Telephone

+16026882819

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Health Coaching by Heather posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Practice

Send a message to Health Coaching by Heather:

Shortcuts

Share

Category