Episode 622: 12 Steps to Healing from Chronic Lyme Disease – Dr. Chris Winfrey on Faith, Trauma & Community | LIVE from ILADS

21 hours ago

What if healing from chronic Lyme disease requires more than finding the right medication? What if learning to stop fighting yourself, reconnect with your purpose, and build meaningful relationships could become an important part of your recovery journey?

In this powerful LIVE from ILADS interview, Tick Boot Camp co-host Rich Johannesen reunites with fan-favorite Dr. Chris Winfrey, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and ILADS board member, to explore the spiritual, emotional, and psychological dimensions of healing from Lyme disease and complex chronic illness.

Recorded at the 2025 International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS) Conference in San Antonio, Texas, the conversation introduces Dr. Winfrey's 12 Steps for Chronic Illness, a framework inspired by addiction recovery programs, his professional experience in psychiatry, his personal health journey, and the role faith has played throughout his life.

Dr. Winfrey challenges the belief that healing must always involve fighting harder. Instead, he encourages patients to explore acceptance, surrender, self-compassion, nervous system regulation, meaningful relationships, and community support.

The conversation examines several important questions:

Why can chronic illness leave patients feeling trapped in fight-or-flight mode?
What is the difference between surrendering to reality and giving up on recovery?
How can faith, spirituality, and personal purpose support people facing serious illness?
Why are self-compassion and forgiveness important when chronic illness changes your life?
How can patients rebuild relationships affected by years of suffering?
What can the 12-step recovery model teach people living with Lyme disease?

Dr. Winfrey's central message is that patients deserve more than a life defined by illness. They deserve connection, purpose, compassion, and the opportunity to build a meaningful future while continuing to pursue appropriate medical care.

Meet Dr. Chris Winfrey, MD

Dr. Chris Winfrey, MD, is a board-certified psychiatrist and founder of New Image Wellness, a neuropsychiatric practice in New Jersey.

His work integrates traditional psychiatry, psychoanalysis, functional medicine, environmental medicine, and approaches to complex neurological and psychiatric conditions.

His clinical interests include:

Lyme disease and tick-borne infections
PANS/PANDAS
Neuropsychiatric symptoms
Chronic fatigue and cognitive dysfunction
Mold-related health concerns
Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder
Brain health and nervous system regulation
The relationship between physical illness and mental health

Dr. Winfrey also serves on the board of ILADS, where he hopes to make complex medical information more understandable and expand awareness of Lyme disease in underserved communities.

He explains that Lyme disease is sometimes incorrectly perceived as affecting only certain racial or socioeconomic groups.

One of his goals is to help make education, resources, and conversations about tick-borne illness more accessible.

Learn more about his background and approach through Tick Boot Camp's featured profile of Dr. Chris Winfrey.

A Tick Boot Camp Fan Favorite Returns

Rich opens the interview by welcoming Dr. Winfrey back to the podcast.

The two originally connected through Tick Boot Camp's LIVE from ILADS interview series.

Despite the relatively short format of their first conference interview, Dr. Winfrey became one of the podcast's most popular guests.

He subsequently joined Tick Boot Camp for a longer conversation about Lyme disease, brain health, psychiatric symptoms, and nervous system recovery.

Rich credits Dr. Winfrey's ability to explain complicated medical concepts in language patients can understand.

This new interview expands on an important subject they had not previously explored in depth: the spiritual dimension of healing.

For more from Dr. Winfrey, listen to:

How Dr. Winfrey's Grandmother Shaped His Understanding of Faith

Dr. Winfrey begins by honoring his grandmother.

He shares that he experienced PANDAS during childhood and struggled with behavioral, organizational, and emotional challenges.

While others doubted his future, his grandmother continued to believe in him.

She prayed for him and maintained faith that he could overcome the difficulties he was experiencing.

Dr. Winfrey recalls an especially meaningful childhood memory of his grandmother placing olive oil on his head and praying before he went to school.

Her belief in him became an important part of his understanding of faith, hope, and perseverance.

He credits those early experiences with influencing how he now approaches healing.

What Addiction Recovery Taught Dr. Winfrey About Chronic Illness

Dr. Winfrey explains that his interest in 12-step programs began long before he developed his chronic illness framework.

During his early years, he completed community service at an Alcoholics Anonymous facility.

He listened to people describe their experiences with addiction, recovery, accountability, and personal transformation.

His understanding deepened during medical school, residency, and subsequent professional training.

He also worked as a medical director at a drug and alcohol treatment facility.

Over time, he began recognizing parallels between addiction recovery and the psychological challenges faced by people living with chronic illness.

Both experiences can involve:

Loss of control
Fear and uncertainty
Changes in identity
Shame and isolation
Strained relationships
Difficulty accepting reality
The need for community support
Rebuilding meaning and purpose

Drawing on these observations, Dr. Winfrey developed his 12 Steps for Chronic Illness.

He describes the framework as a way to help patients address the emotional, relational, and spiritual consequences of prolonged illness.

It is a supportive framework rather than a validated medical treatment for Lyme disease.

Fight-or-Flight vs. Rest-and-Digest: Understanding the Nervous System

Before introducing the 12 steps, Dr. Winfrey discusses the autonomic nervous system.

He explains the distinction between two important branches:

The sympathetic nervous system helps the body respond to perceived threats through fight-or-flight responses.

The parasympathetic nervous system supports functions associated with rest, digestion, and recovery.

Dr. Winfrey observes that many people with chronic illness spend significant time feeling threatened, overwhelmed, or constantly on guard.

They may find themselves fighting symptoms, doctors, medications, family members, treatment plans, or the circumstances of their illness.

He compares this experience to struggling in quicksand.

The harder someone fights against every aspect of their circumstances, the more exhausted and overwhelmed they may become.

His message is not that patients should stop advocating for themselves.

Rather, he encourages them to recognize when constant conflict may be adding to their emotional and physical burden.

Stress management and nervous system regulation can support well-being, but patients do not have to achieve a particular emotional state for medical treatment to work. Being stressed, frightened, or overwhelmed does not mean someone is preventing their own recovery.

Dr. Chris Winfrey's 12 Steps for Chronic Illness

The centerpiece of this interview is Dr. Winfrey's 12-step framework.

Each step encourages patients to explore a different part of the chronic illness experience.

Step 1: Acceptance

Recognize that chronic illness has changed your life and that fighting reality can deepen suffering.

Dr. Winfrey begins with acceptance.

He explains that patients may spend years resisting the reality of their circumstances.

They may be angry about their symptoms, frustrated by treatment failures, or grieving the life they had before becoming ill.

These emotions are understandable.

Acceptance does not mean approving of the illness, abandoning treatment, or giving up hope.

It means acknowledging the present situation so that decisions can be made from a clearer understanding of reality.

Dr. Winfrey distinguishes between survival mode and growth.

He believes recognizing what has happened is an important foundation for moving forward.

Step 2: Finding Meaning and Purpose

Believe that life can still hold meaning, peace, and joy, even in the presence of illness.

Dr. Winfrey explains that chronic illness can disrupt a person's sense of identity.

Someone who previously defined themselves through work, parenting, caregiving, or physical activity may struggle when those roles change.

He recalls a patient questioning the purpose of getting better because her children had grown up and she no longer had the responsibilities that once gave her life meaning.

Dr. Winfrey believes patients benefit from identifying a reason to keep moving forward.

Rich connects this idea to Tick Boot Camp's belief that people can discover new aspects of their identity and purpose through the recovery journey.

The discussion emphasizes that meaning does not have to wait until symptoms disappear.

Purpose can evolve alongside illness.

Step 3: Surrender

Stop battling what cannot be controlled and focus on the choices, attitudes, and actions that remain available.

Dr. Winfrey distinguishes surrender from defeat.

He describes surrender as acknowledging that a challenge may be too great to navigate alone.

For patients who have already lost careers, relationships, financial stability, or physical abilities, the idea of giving up anything else can feel unbearable.

Dr. Winfrey encourages patients to consider releasing patterns that may be increasing their suffering.

These might include unrealistic expectations, relentless self-criticism, or the belief that they must handle everything independently.

Surrender, in his framework, creates room to ask for help.

It allows patients to recognize the need for medical professionals, caregivers, supportive relationships, and community.

Surrendering to the reality of illness is not the same as surrendering the possibility of a better future.

Step 4: Self-Reflection

Take an honest look at how illness has affected your body, mind, emotions, and relationships.

Dr. Winfrey encourages patients to examine the full impact of chronic illness.

The consequences often extend beyond physical symptoms.

Illness can change how people communicate, respond to stress, maintain relationships, and perceive themselves.

He believes self-reflection can help patients identify both their suffering and the ways they have adapted to it.

This process should be approached with compassion rather than blame.

A person is not responsible for becoming ill simply because their illness has affected others.

Step 5: Sharing the Struggle

Speak openly with trusted people rather than carrying the entire burden of illness alone.

Dr. Winfrey discusses the isolation that can accompany chronic illness.

Patients may withdraw because they feel misunderstood, ashamed, exhausted, or concerned about burdening others.

Some may struggle to explain symptoms that are invisible or difficult to describe.

Dr. Winfrey believes sharing these experiences with trustworthy people can help reduce isolation.

That support may come from family members, friends, counselors, support groups, or other people living with similar conditions.

The goal is not to disclose everything to everyone.

It is to find relationships where honesty and vulnerability can be met with understanding.

Step 6: Willingness to Change

Become willing to release destructive patterns, unhelpful comparisons, and unrealistic expectations.

Chronic illness often creates pressure to compare progress with others.

Patients may wonder why someone else recovered more quickly or responded to a treatment that did not help them.

Dr. Winfrey encourages patients to recognize when these comparisons are causing additional distress.

He also discusses the importance of reconsidering expectations about productivity, independence, and recovery timelines.

Willingness means remaining open to change without demanding perfection.

Step 7: Self-Compassion and Grace

Acknowledge personal limitations and practice gentleness instead of judgment.

This is one of the most emotionally powerful parts of the interview.

Dr. Winfrey discusses the harsh internal criticism he encounters among patients.

Some people blame themselves for becoming ill.

Others feel guilty about the financial, emotional, or practical consequences their illness has had on their families.

Dr. Winfrey compares this internal dialogue to a courtroom where the patient becomes their own judge, jury, and prosecutor.

He argues that many people impose punishments on themselves that they would never consider appropriate for someone else.

His response is to encourage self-mercy, self-compassion, and grace.

Rich connects this to negative self-talk and the importance of treating ourselves with the same kindness we would extend to a loved one.

Patients deserve compassion even when they cannot work, complete daily responsibilities, or make the progress they hoped for.

Step 8: Healing Relationships

Identify relationships affected by illness and consider opportunities for reconnection.

Dr. Winfrey believes chronic illness can create distance between patients and the people closest to them.

Years of pain, fatigue, emotional distress, and uncertainty can strain marriages, friendships, and family relationships.

He encourages patients to reflect on these changes without assuming that every damaged relationship is their responsibility.

Where appropriate, reconnecting with supportive people may help restore a sense of belonging.

Dr. Winfrey emphasizes that relationships are important sources of emotional support and resilience.

Step 9: Making Amends and Setting Boundaries

When appropriate, work toward repairing strained relationships while protecting your health.

Dr. Winfrey explains that relationship repair must be balanced with healthy boundaries.

Reconnection is not always possible or advisable.

Some relationships may be unsafe, dismissive, or emotionally harmful.

His framework encourages patients to consider opportunities for reconciliation while recognizing the importance of protecting their well-being.

The goal is not to force forgiveness or contact.

It is to approach relationships intentionally and thoughtfully.

Step 10: Daily Check-Ins

Continue reflecting on your emotional and physical state while acknowledging your needs without guilt or shame.

Dr. Winfrey encourages ongoing self-awareness.

Patients can benefit from periodically asking themselves how they are feeling, what they need, and whether their current routines are sustainable.

A daily check-in might include reflecting on:

Physical symptoms and energy levels
Emotional well-being
Stress and sleep
Personal boundaries
Support needs
Activities that bring comfort or meaning

This practice can help patients communicate their needs and recognize changes over time.

It should remain flexible rather than becoming another obligation that creates pressure.

Step 11: Mind, Body, and Spirit Connection

Explore practices that nourish the spirit and support resilience.

Dr. Winfrey discusses several activities that may help patients reconnect with themselves and their sense of meaning.

Examples include:

Meditation
Prayer
Spending time in nature
Journaling
Creative activities
Personal reflection

For Dr. Winfrey, spirituality has been a major source of strength throughout his life.

He encourages patients to explore practices that align with their own beliefs and values.

Spirituality is personal, and meaningful support does not require adherence to any particular religious tradition.

These practices may complement medical and mental health care, but they do not replace treatment for infection or other underlying conditions.

Step 12: Service and Community

Share your experiences and offer encouragement to others living with chronic illness.

The final step brings the framework back to community.

Dr. Winfrey believes people can find meaning by supporting others who are facing similar challenges.

That support might involve listening to another patient, sharing helpful information, participating in advocacy, or offering encouragement.

Rich connects this principle to Tick Boot Camp's mission of helping people liberate themselves and others from Lyme disease.

Both emphasize the value of community, shared experience, and modeling hope.

Service does not have to be physically demanding.

For someone experiencing severe symptoms, a kind message or brief conversation may be meaningful.

Even while living with illness, people can have value, purpose, and a positive impact on others.

How Lyme Disease May Affect Identity and the Brain's Default Mode Network

During the discussion of meaning and purpose, Dr. Winfrey introduces the brain's default mode network.

This network involves several interconnected brain regions associated with self-referential thinking, autobiographical memory, and aspects of personal identity.

Dr. Winfrey discusses his view that Lyme disease and related neuroinflammatory processes may disrupt brain network connectivity.

He believes these disruptions could contribute to difficulties with identity, meaning, and emotional processing in some patients.

This is an area requiring further research.

Although neurological Lyme disease can affect the nervous system, the interview's proposed relationship between Borrelia infection and specific default mode network disruptions should not be interpreted as an established mechanism in every patient.

For a more extensive conversation about neurological symptoms, listen to Dr. Winfrey's earlier interview on Lyme disease, brain health, and nervous system recovery.

Why Community Matters in Chronic Illness Recovery

One of Dr. Winfrey's strongest messages concerns the importance of relationships.

He believes meaningful healing involves connection with other people.

Rich expands on this idea by discussing the relationship between serving others and allowing others to provide support.

For many patients, accepting help can be difficult.

Someone who was previously independent may struggle with relying on family members, caregivers, or friends.

Dr. Winfrey encourages patients to recognize that needing support is part of being human.

Social connection can benefit mental health, reduce isolation, and provide practical assistance during illness.

However, patients without strong social networks are not incapable of recovering. Community is a valuable source of support, not a prerequisite that determines whether medical healing is possible.

Faith, Spirituality, and the Chronic Illness Journey

Dr. Winfrey's framework includes a strong spiritual component.

He credits his grandmother's faith with helping shape his understanding of hope and perseverance.

He also draws from the spiritual principles commonly associated with 12-step recovery programs.

For him, surrender involves recognizing personal limitations and accepting help beyond what one individual can accomplish alone.

Rich shares his own perspective on faith, purpose, and the importance of serving others.

Together, they explore how spiritual practices can help patients navigate uncertainty and find meaning.

The conversation offers a perspective on spirituality as a source of comfort, connection, and resilience.

It does not suggest that patients must have religious faith to recover or that illness results from inadequate belief.

Does Nervous System Regulation Help Lyme Disease Recovery?

Dr. Winfrey discusses the relationship between chronic stress and autonomic nervous system activity.

He believes that learning to recognize and respond to prolonged stress may help patients improve their overall well-being.

The interview explores the importance of moving away from constant hypervigilance when possible.

Supportive practices may include appropriate psychological care, relaxation techniques, meditation, and other individualized approaches.

These strategies can help some people manage stress and improve quality of life.

However, nervous system regulation is not a substitute for appropriate medical evaluation or treatment.

Patients should not interpret ongoing symptoms as evidence that they have failed to relax, surrender, or think positively enough.

For related conversations, explore:

Why Dr. Winfrey Wants to Make Lyme Education More Accessible

Dr. Winfrey also discusses his responsibilities as an ILADS board member.

He identifies two major priorities.

First, he wants to help translate complex medical information into language patients and the public can understand.

His background in psychiatry and psychoanalysis has taught him the importance of making difficult subjects accessible.

Second, he wants to expand awareness of Lyme disease among minority and underserved communities.

Dr. Winfrey explains that some people incorrectly perceive Lyme disease as an illness that primarily affects white patients.

He wants to challenge that perception and help more people understand that tick-borne diseases can affect individuals across different communities.

His advocacy reflects a commitment to improving access to information, education, and appropriate care.

What's Next for Dr. Winfrey and Tick Boot Camp?

At the conclusion of the interview, Rich proposes continuing the conversation in greater depth.

Because LIVE from ILADS interviews are relatively short, they can introduce important ideas without allowing time to explore every detail.

Rich suggests that Dr. Winfrey return for an extended discussion, potentially including an in-studio video series dedicated to the 12 Steps for Chronic Illness.

The goal would be to expand the framework, explore practical applications, and provide the community with additional opportunities to learn.

Dr. Winfrey welcomes the idea.

The conversation leaves open the possibility of future educational content exploring the relationship between chronic illness, spirituality, psychological well-being, and community.

Key Takeaways

Dr. Chris Winfrey introduces his 12 Steps for Chronic Illness. The framework draws inspiration from addiction recovery, psychiatry, faith, and his personal experiences.
Healing involves more than physical symptoms. Chronic illness can affect identity, relationships, emotions, and a person's sense of purpose.
Acceptance is not giving up. Recognizing reality can help patients make decisions and identify their needs.
Surrender can create room for support. Patients do not have to navigate every challenge independently.
Finding meaning matters. Purpose and meaningful activities can support emotional resilience.
Self-compassion is essential. Patients deserve kindness rather than relentless guilt or self-criticism.
Chronic illness can strain relationships. Reconnection may be valuable when it is safe and appropriate.
Healthy boundaries remain important. Forgiveness and reconciliation should never require tolerating harmful behavior.
Nervous system regulation may support well-being. Stress management can complement, but not replace, medical treatment.
Faith and spirituality can provide comfort. Patients may draw strength from religious or nonreligious sources of meaning.
Community reduces isolation. Supportive relationships can help patients feel understood and connected.
Helping others can create purpose. Sharing experiences and offering encouragement may benefit both patients and their communities.
Dr. Winfrey advocates for greater access to Lyme education. His ILADS work includes improving communication and outreach to underserved populations.

Learn More About Dr. Chris Winfrey

Dr. Winfrey is a board-certified psychiatrist and founder of New Image Wellness, with clinical interests in complex neuropsychiatric conditions, Lyme disease, PANS/PANDAS, trauma, and brain health.

To explore his work and previous Tick Boot Camp appearances, visit:

About This LIVE from ILADS Interview

Recorded at the 2025 ILADS Conference in San Antonio, Texas, this interview features Dr. Chris Winfrey discussing his 12-step framework for people living with chronic illness.

Rich and Dr. Winfrey explore the psychological, emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges that can accompany Lyme disease.

From acceptance and surrender to self-compassion, faith, and community, the conversation provides a framework for thinking about life and personal growth during illness.

The episode also highlights Dr. Winfrey's work to improve Lyme disease education and his commitment to making complex medical concepts accessible to patients.

Explore more conversations from the conference through Tick Boot Camp's LIVE from ILADS podcast series.

You are more than your diagnosis. Your illness may have changed your life, but it does not erase your value, your purpose, or your ability to make a difference.