TAKE CONTROL!
Free Yourself from Excessive Smartphone Use.
Reset Your Dopamine Levels.
Reclaim Focus, Enjoyment and Drive for the Things that Matter.
In as Little as 8 Weeks.
Are you truly
in control
of your
smartphone?
Let me ask you a question...
It starts subtly.
The quick check of a notification, a scroll through your feed while waiting in line, or an email "just for work."
Thirty minutes later, you’ve scrolled through Instagram, replied to two emails, read the news, and forgotten what you sat down to do.
And did you notice that you unlocked your phone 117 times today?
"I realized I was not only underperforming professionally but was also neglecting my home life and personal well-being. I knew I couldn’t keep going down this path. What seemed like innocent smart phone use had such a bigger impact that went beyond even just the time on the phone. I was feeling like I didn't have the drive to complete necessary tasks. I was having a hard time concentrating and staying on task" (former participant).
Sounds familiar?
But it’s not just the time you lose.
It’s the drive, the focus, and your fire to accomplish the things that truly matter to you that gets chipped away, one seemingly innocuous scroll at a time.
Take a look at whether this applies to you...
Do you often find yourself:
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Promising yourself you won’t check your phone in the morning, only to grab it first thing - again and again.
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Mindlessly scrolling late at night, only to feel exhausted and irritable the next day.
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Having a hard time completing important tasks because focus and brainpower are harder to muster than they used to.
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Sitting at dinner with loved ones, only half listening because you’re thinking about wanting to check your phone (or maybe you're already on it).
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Small joys—like savoring your favorite coffee or having a great exercise session—no longer giving you the pleasure they used to.
"I remember one day being on my phone and I looked up and the kids were on their i-pads and we were just coexisting in a room with zero connection between us. I realized the example I was setting was not one I ever intended. I couldn't preach to the choir so to speak unless I also set better examples. I realized if I didn't go through this program that I couldn't support my children with the change as well" (former participant).
You are not alone!
Let me tell you my own story...
From the outside you would have never said that I had "an addiction". I saw myself as a capable and passionate person. I had a strong foundation in mindfulness and self-discipline.
AND YET...
I've started noticing subtle changes in my life, slowly building over time. Like a silent, insidious current running through my day it showed up like:
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My motivation and fulfillment were not where I knew they could be;
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My focus was less sharp than it used to be;
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I was strangely tired;
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I was not moving my body as much as it needed;
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I had a hard time choosing my priorities and finishing what I started;
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My mood was subtly deteriorating;
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The little things in life seemed to have lost some of their magic;
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I was not as emotionally involved in important relationships in my life;
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I was more vulnerable to emotional upset and physical aches;
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I seemed to need more rest but when I'd rest I would end up not feeling recharged.
Sounds familiar? What was going on? The answer kept escaping me.
Until one day I finally made the connection with my knowledge as a neuropsychologist. The answer came in a split second, as obvious as exhilarating...
Over the course of months and even years, I had disrupted my dopamine balance. Not with the severity that drugs or alcohol would. But in a much more insidious way, one phone scrolling, news reading and email checking at a time.
What was totally baffling is that I did it without realizing it. I wasn't getting drunk from alcohol, high from drugs or bankrupt from gambling. I was "just" doing stuff on my phone. How bad could that be?
But our dopamine system is a delicate miracle. It's incredibly sensitive. It takes little to throw it out of whack. And it immediately makes a difference when you bring it back to a more optimal level. Those seemingly benign out-of-control behaviors had more than enough firepower to totally destroy the level of mental clarity, drive and heart expansiveness that I wanted to have in my life.
Armed with my knowledge of the brain and know-how in emotion regulation, I was able to turn this around in just a few weeks.
This is what my change felt like:
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I felt more in the driver's seat of my life;
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I felt more optimistic about my life and willing to take risks;
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I felt again that subtle undercurrent of awe running through the day;
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I felt greater capacity to rest and like I needed shorter periods to feel re-energized;
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I felt more desire to move and I found ways to exercise more regularly regardless of how much time I had available on that week;
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I put my rich knowledge about what's good for me to use more frequently instead of letting it sit idle in my mind;
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I was able to focus on important projects from start to finish with laser focus, determination, no detours and less second-guessing myself - for example, I was able to create the first version of this program from idea to copy written, website up and running and first participants registered in 48 hrs (while sleeping great, playing with my kids and exercising);
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I felt more grateful for my family and took initiative to improve my parenting, taking action on things that "I knew I should do" but I wasn't doing;
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I felt less resentful for technology and more grateful for what it enables me to do;
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I felt more deliberate in my learning and less driven by an algorithm-driven fear of missing out;
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I reached out to important friends more than I have in the past- which seemed counterintuitive given that I basically eliminated my casual phone usage;
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I become less dupe and more able to see clearly my mind playing tricks on me, like when it's set on trying to convince me that "using it right now is just okay" at times where I know it's not going to feel good.
The power of my own transformation lead me to share this path with anyone interested in reclaiming their mind, their life and their sovereignty over technology.
Let me introduce you to...
TAKE CONTROL!
Free Yourself from Excessive Smartphone Use
and Restore your Dopamine Balance
in as Little as 8 Weeks
✔ Get back in control of your smartphone/social media/email usage
✔ Reset your dopamine levels
✔ Reclaim enjoyment, focus, vitality, clarity, motivation and time
"After spending less time on my phone I started noticing how many times a day the kids looked my way to see if I was watching them. The connections that we started making were so much more pure and true than anything I could get over my phone" (former participant).
"I believe many other could benefit from this program, especially the younger generation, because our phones have become a part of our body and we do not seem to realize the harms it's causing to our brains" (former participant).
How it works
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8-week online coaching program
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Weekly incremental skills, strategies and tactics through pre-recorded trainings (~ 1hr/week)
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Weekly group live coaching calls every Wednesday, 12:30-2:30 pm EST
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Fundamentals of dopamine in the brain (taught by a neuroscientist)
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Craft your own tailored approach - one size does not fit all.
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Real-life accountability partnering - no more Facebook groups, thanks!
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Phase 1 - "Get Ready", weeks 1-2: We learn about how dopamine works; we gather intelligence about our habits; we set goals around meaningful projects to progress on during the 8 weeks and develop a plan of action.
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Phase 2 - "Deep Reset", weeks 3-8: We immerse ourselves in a state of functional fasting, that is, eliminating or drastically reducing the use of devices while at the same time continuing to use them where they are necessary for certain tasks in our lives; we develop a rich stack of skills and strategies to sustain the reset period and thrive in it; we support each other and hold each other accountable; we pour the energy springing from the reset in the pursuit of our meaningful projects.
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Language: English (see here for the Italian course).
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Enrollment is currently: OPENING on Jan 22nd, 2025.
ENROLLMENT
Option 1:
Solo
985$ USD
"Beat the winter" special!
495$ USD
Financial support available for highly motivated individuals with limited financial means. Reach out to arrange.
Option 2:
With a buddy
495$ USD
20% off
396$ USD
Register with a friend and each of you saves 20% compared to registering alone.
Use the coupon:
WITHABUDDY
at checkout
If you have tried to get in control of your phone before, you already know that quick fixes and apps alone don't work.
Restructuring your relationship with technology requires a strategic and comprehensive approach. Developed by an expert with years of coaching experience and a background in neuroscience, this program is designed for real, lasting transformation.
Here is how we tackle it, week-by-week:
Pillar 1: Awareness
Face reality.
Most of us drastically underestimate the time we spend on our phones—and the toll it takes. This pillar helps you uncover the hard truths about your usage and the hidden costs. You’ll connect the dots between your screen habits and their consequences—on your relationships, goals, and mental health.
Pillar 2: Supercharged Dopamine Goal
Declare what control means to you.
You’ll create a customized “I’m in Control” Plan, mapping out when, where, and how you’ll use your phone as well as what exactly you will save your valuable dopamine for. This blueprint turns vague goals into clear, actionable steps. You’ll set the stage for a life lived intentionally— with technology as a tool, not a temptation.
Pillar 3: Managing Urges
Tame the impulse beast.
Ever feel that itch to check your phone—whether from boredom, anxiety, or habit? This pillar teaches you a rich set of techniques to master those impulses. With each managed urge, you weaken the grip of old habits and strengthen your resolve.
Pillar 4: Phone Restructuring
Your phone needs to return to being just a tool, not a master.
In this pillar, you’ll declutter your apps, reorganize settings, and remove distractions. Your phone will become a simple, neutral tool—not an extension of yourself. Feel the relief of no longer being tethered, lured, monitored and judged.
Pillar 5: Pleasure Restructuring
Enjoy your life without a screen.
Smartphones manipulate your brain’s “wanting” and “liking” systems, driving you to seek stimulation that rarely satisfies. This pillar helps you reconnect with pleasures that actually change your life for the better. Build a life filled with rewarding, offline activities that bring true satisfaction.
Pillar 6: Relationships Restructuring
Foster deeper connections - in real life as well as online.
Smartphones often replace genuine interaction with shallow digital exchanges. Here, you’ll learn to prioritize high-quality relationships both face-to-face and in the virtual world. Elevate joy and fulfillment in your life by creating deeper, more meaningful connections.
Pillar 7: Pain Restructuring
Embrace effort and discomfort.
By leaning into challenges—rather than avoiding them—you can retrain your brain to find joy in effort. This is the science of hormesis, where small doses of discomfort build resilience. Life’s challenges become opportunities for growth and fulfillment.
Pillar 8: Emotion Regulation
Master your emotional triggers.
Boredom, anxiety, and stress often drive phone use. This pillar helps you address these emotions at their root, so you’re no longer tempted to distract yourself. Experience competence, freedom and flexibility in your inner life. Forget about doomscrolling.
Here is what former participants say:
"I've drastically reduced my screen time and feel more present in my daily life. I’m not constantly distracted by my phone, which has led to increased focus and productivity. I’ve developed healthier habits around technology, such as setting boundaries for phone use and finding more meaningful ways to spend my time, like reading or engaging with my family or in outdoor activities. I’ve gained a deeper understanding of how technology impacts my mental health and dopamine levels, which has helped me make more intentional choices about how and when I engage with my devices"
"Working with Nicolo has had an indescribable impact on me. The importance of this work truly hits home for me. We often say, "Everyone is just on their phones these days," and we’ve all probably admitted out loud, "I need to cut back on my phone use." The Take Control program not only educates you, but it guides you through the stages of change and offers ongoing support. If we can return to simply being present with each other, the connections we build will be far more meaningful and life-changing than anything we can experience on our phones. The ripple effect of this change, especially on the next generation, is profound. I can’t stand the thought that my phone use might influence how my grandkids see their parents' relationship with technology".
"Nicolo's zone of genius lies in his deep understanding of how our brains work, particularly when it comes to technology and dopamine. He educates with science-backed facts, which gave me the confidence that the strategies he's offering are grounded in research. What stands out the most is his ability to truly empathize with where I am in my journey. He has this rare talent of putting himself in my shoes, which makes his coaching incredibly personalized and spot-on. His insights are always practical, actionable, and deeply aligned with my goals, which is why they resonate so strongly with me".
"I had my eyes opened to not only how much and how I use technology, but I was given help and coaching with my road blocks along the way. Now his program is not a one and done. But, it is a foundation, in which one can build upon and keep working towards ones ultimate goal. The reality is we have technology, we have smart phones; we are going to use them, and they serve a purpose. While doing that though, they are stealing our dopamine reserves with very little if not any payback. And honestly, at least for me, sucking joy from my life. I have to use my phone and my computer for work and life, but after going through Nicolo’s program I have a plan and skills to create a more healthy boundary around technology".
"Once you experience the freedom of not needing your phone, it’s incredibly liberating. It’s like a weight has been lifted—one you didn’t even realize was there. The constant pull and distraction fade away, and you start to feel more present and at ease. It's a quiet sense of relief that makes you realize how much you’ve been carrying without even knowing it".
I came into the program knowing that I had a problem of being addicted to social media and feeling anxious and powerless about it. There was a moment when I picked up my daughter from school and was asking her about her day. When she started talking, I had a message come in on my phone, and I looked at it. She said, “You don’t have control over it, and you don’t listen.” It was a big wake-up call to model better behavior by example. Today I feel a lot more disciplined and discerning about whether I need to pick up my phone instead of just acting on impulse. Also, at events, I’m not reaching for my phone but maximizing the quality of relationships right in front of me, which is huge. I have a more peaceful rest because I no longer have a phone in my bedroom, which was an instant relief. And I have more discipline when driving, not touching the phone and feeling positive about it.
"This program is needed everywhere and for many if not most people. As the world of tec and smart phones suck us in more and more, I just feel like we keep seeing more disconnect, more depression, more anxiety, more fatigue, etc. I noticed even in our short weeks together the difference I felt about myself, in my body, and how I viewed my life. It changed and it is changing for the better. I got a taste of what it is like to have healthier boundaries around it all and it was something I want more of and will continue to work towards".
"I think this program is vital for anyone in a health field, and can be a game changer for any individual. We talk about screen time use all the time with patients; how it's impacting social connectedness of our youth, increasing depression, anxiety, insomnia etc. The list goes on. Now we have real tangible ways to educate our patients on practical steps to reduce the virtual world and enter reality. Through the program, we worked to build foundations for supporting our lifestyles outside of low quality entertainment via the phone- this means really trying to restructure our goals. I was able to implement and sustain a yoga practice in my morning routine which is something I've tried to do off and on through the years. It took Nicolo's transformational coaching approach and content to bring enlightenment!".
"Every person is not the same and some struggle in different areas then others so he so effortlessly meets each individual where they are at and coaches them through the space they need it most. Nicolo’s program lays it out so beautifully in what is happening to our bodies and dopamine reserves with these technologies. You feel you understand the physical science behind it all. Then he focuses on our mindset as we embark on these changes to how we use technology, how we view it, and how we may feel with creating limits and boundaries around it. Throughout the program we don’t ignore the big feelings or emotions we may be having, we bring them forth and work through them together".
"This is a process, and it goes beyond just the time spent in the program. However, I now have better tools to gradually reduce my phone use and make more intentional choices. What's been really valuable is the continued connection with some of the people from my class. It’s comforting to have that ongoing support, knowing we're all in this together, helping each other stay accountable and continue making progress".
Meet your coach:
Nicolò F. Bernardi, PhD, ACC
I've coached over a thousand individuals in building emotional skills to cope well in high-stress and high-stakes situations. My understanding of the science of emotions comes from 15 years in the trenches conducting cognitive neuroscience experiments on the neural mechanisms of learning and brain-body interactions, as well as training in the gold-standard approach for addressing emotion dysregulation, the Dialectical Behavioral Therapy Skills.
But first and foremost, I am myself a person with big emotions and big passions, who at some point got trapped in the lure of these technologies. Simply installing an app blocker didn't cut it for me. The smartphone is tough beast and it requires a systemic and comprehensive solution.
I'm grateful for every piece of that journey. It lead me to discover what solving this problem truly looks like. I had to learn and practice myself every single skill that I'm going to teach you. Those skills actually worked. Today I feel in control and like I'm using these technologies to propel my career and my friendships, instead of sabotaging them.
It took me some time to get here. I can help you get there a lot faster.