FOR PATIENTS
What is Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT)?
PRT is an evidence-based psychological treatment that aims to change the brain’s response to pain signals. It involves techniques designed to help the brain process and reinterpret body signals accurately, thereby reducing or eliminating the pain experience.
How does Pain Reprocessing Therapy work?
PRT teaches patients to recognize that their pain, while real, is often caused by the brain’s misinterpretation of safe messages from the body or an overreaction to harmless signals. Techniques like somatic tracking, mindfulness, and emotional processing help rewire the brain to break the pain-fear cycle and reduce sensitivity to pain over time.
I’m interested in receiving Pain Reprocessing Therapy treatment. Where do I begin?
First, we are excited that you found Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) and are interested in embarking on a new evidence-based path to recovery. We offer virtual psychoeducational group workshops. In these workshops, you will learn why chronic pain develops and how to rewire your brain using pain reprocessing techniques from expert pain coaches in a supportive group environment. Register here.
If you prefer one-on-one treatment, you can be matched with an individual provider at our private practice, WellBody Psychotherapy. Complete an initial intake form here and a provider will reach out to you within 48 hours.
You can also visit our Directory of PRT-Certified providers here to find a suitable practitioner. Find local practitioners by searching within your state. Fortunately, if you cannot find a practitioner near you, many will also offer telehealth to non-local clients. The directory lists four different professional associations. Medical Providers, such as doctors and nurses; Mental Health Clinicians and psychotherapists; Health Coaches, meaning health, life, or pain coaches; and Manual Therapists, including PTs, OTs, chiropractors, and others.
How do I know if I have neuroplastic pain?
Although the majority of chronic pain is neuroplastic, you always want to check with your medical provider to ensure that your pain is not caused by a physical issue or disease. You can also consult a PRT physician to assess for neuroplastic (brain-generated) versus structural pain. To browse a list of PRT-Certified physicians, see our directory here. If your symptoms are determined to be neuroplastic, that’s great, and you have some options with PRT!
Pain that does not behave as structural pain traditionally would can often be categorized as neuroplastic. You can collect evidence to a neuroplastic diagnosis with the following criteria:
- Did your pain begin during a time of stress?
- Did your pain originate without injury?
- Are your symptoms inconsistent?
- Do your symptoms spread/move around your body?
- Do you have a large number of symptoms?
- Are your symptoms triggered by stress?
- Do you have triggers that have nothing to do with your body (weather, sounds, smells, time of day)?
- Do you have symmetrical symptoms (same part of body on both sides)?
- Does your pain have a delayed start after movement/exercise?
- Have you experienced childhood adversity/trauma?
- Are you perfectionistic, conscientious, a people pleaser, or highly anxious?
- Do you lack a physical diagnosis?
Can PRT still benefit me if my pain is caused by a physical issue or disease?
PRT effectively treats neuroplastic pain and can address the emotional and neurological amplification of symptoms in “mixed pain” conditions (e.g., MS, cancer, or arthritis combined with stress-related pain). While it won’t eliminate structural pain, it can significantly reduce the added layer of suffering caused by fear, anxiety, and body preoccupation.
PRT concepts benefit everyone, and there is no harm or risk in incorporating a mind-body perspective, so long as you still engage in the medical interventions necessary given your circumstances.
Does Pain Reprocessing Therapy work for chronic physiological symptoms besides for pain?
PRT treats persistent pain and other chronic symptoms, including back and neck pain, shoulder pain, hip pain, knee pain, plantar fasciitis, repetitive strain injury, fibromyalgia, tension headaches and migraines, neuropathy, osteoarthritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), tinnitus, fatigue, insomnia, itchiness, nausea, dizziness, vertigo, multiple chemical sensitivity, and much more.
Does Pain Reprocessing Therapy work for chronic physiological symptoms besides for pain?
Yes! PRT treats other chronic physiological symptoms like fatigue, nausea, dizziness, IBS, insomnia, POTS, and skin changes caused by CRPS, to name a few. These symptoms often share the same neuroplastic mechanisms as chronic pain.
How long will it take for me to get better with Pain Reprocessing Therapy?
In our clinical trials, 98% of patients improved, and 66% were pain-free or nearly pain-free after eight sessions. Results vary depending on individual factors, but most clients see improvements within 8-12 sessions. Consistency and patience are key.
Do you offer groups for patients?
Yes! Our Healing Workshops are conducted entirely online and span eight weeks. Participants work with expert PRT recovery coaches and a supportive group of peers. Together, you learn the key components of neuroplastic pain recovery, gaining valuable insights and strategies for addressing chronic pain. Further details can be found here.
Do you accept insurance for Healing Workshops?
No, Healing Workshops are psychoeducational and not offered as psychotherapy. As such, they are not covered by insurance.
How do I know if a practitioner on the directory has availability, accepts my insurance, or sees patients virtually?
We are currently working on a more robust directory so that you can easily access that information. For now, you’re welcome to contact any practitioner listed to inquire about virtual appointments, availability, fees, and insurance.
Can I join as a patient in the next Pain Reprocessing Therapy study?
Yes! Our current study focuses on back pain. To apply, visit this link and check your eligibility. Learn more about our last study published in JAMA Psychiatry here.
How do I get started with Pain Reprocessing Therapy
You have several options: join a Healing Workshop, an eight-week online program guided by expert coaches; schedule one-on-one sessions with a provider through our practice, WellBody Psychotherapy; or use our Directory of Practitioners to find a provider near you or one offering telehealth.
FOR PRACTITIONERS
Who can take the PRT training?
Courses are directed at mental health and healthcare professionals. Qualifying professions are broken down into four subcategories:
- Medical Providers: Physicians, Nurses, Physician Assistants, Nutritionists, and Dietitians
- Mental Health Clinicians: Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, Professional Counselors, Psychologists, and Psychiatrists
- Health Coaches: Health/Life/Pain Coaches
- Manual Therapists: Physical Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Acupuncturists, Massage Therapists, and Chiropractors
If you do not have any prior qualifications or certifications, to become certified and listed in our Directory, you must complete a supplementary Coaching Training following your certification training. This brief on-demand course lets you train at your own pace, offering dynamic lectures paired with engaging prompts and the opportunity to practice.
What are the benefits of becoming Pain Reprocessing Therapy Certified?
Improved patient outcomes for chronic pain and neuroplastic conditions, expanded professional expertise in mind-body approaches, certification and listing in the PRT Directory for increased referrals, and ongoing professional development through advanced training opportunities.
Are continuing education units (CEUs) available?
Yes, participants will earn CEUs or CMEs for all live contact hours. View the full list of accrediting boards here for qualifying trainings.
How long does the certification process take?
The core training is 21 hours, taking place over the course of a month with asynchronous materials and live virtual sessions. Advanced certifications require additional case consultations or training modules.
When will you be offering more Pain Reprocessing Therapy training opportunities?
The currently available certification training sessions are listed here. We generally offer certification trainings every other month, along with additional advanced courses by professional discipline: see our Medical Provider Training and Physical and Manual Therapist Training. Reach out here to join our email list and stay updated as additional courses become available.
Is it mandatory to attend the live virtual training sessions?
We require attendance in at least three out of the four live sessions to qualify for PRT certification. We understand that fitting this into your schedule can be challenging. Still, these sessions are critical in integrating the skills learned in the asynchronous material and involve partner practice and interactive work.
Please note that CEUs are only available for live contact hours. As such, you must be present for at least 80% of each live session’s duration to receive credit for that session.
Live sessions are also recorded and made available for your review. However, recordings do not include any breakout rooms.
I signed up for a PRT training. How do I access the asynchronous video material?
We are thrilled to have you join us! Upon registration, you should have received a username and password to log into our website. This provides some member-only materials and resources. If you did not receive this information, please reach out to us at info@painreprocessingtherapy.com, and we will send you a password reset link.
Closer to the start date of the training, you will receive an email from CE-Go, the platform on which it is run. This will direct you to your personal attendee dashboard and provide further course access details. Look out for an email from support@ce-go.com and support@ceactivities.com.
How is Pain Reprocessing Therapy training different from other pain management courses?
PRT uniquely integrates neuroscience, psychology, and somatic techniques to address the brain’s role in pain. It focuses on treating pain at its source – how the brain processes pain signals – rather than only managing symptoms.
What kind of support is provided during and after training?
Participants receive live virtual sessions for hands-on practice and Q&A, access to a peer network and community forums for collaboration, and opportunities to pursue advanced certifications with Case Consultation groups and specialty ‘Mastery’ trainings.
Can Pain Reprocessing Therapy training help reduce practitioner burnout?
Yes! PRT trainings teach strategies to strengthen therapeutic alliances with patients, fostering a sense of purpose and connection and reducing emotional strain. This mind-body education fills holes in the healthcare system and enhances providers’ toolbox for treating pain patients, amplifying treatment effectiveness.
How can I market myself as a Pain Reprocessing Therapy-certified practitioner?
Use your certification to enhance your professional profile and attract new clients. Promote your PRT services on your website, social media, and through patient testimonials. Leverage the PRT Directory to connect with patients actively seeking mind-body therapy, and share your PRT credential on LinkedIn.
Are there group rates available for the Pain Reprocessing Therapy training?
Yes! If you are signing up with a group, please get in touch with us at info@painreprocessingtherapy.com so that we can provide you with a discounted rate.
What are the “Advanced Application” and “Mastery” designations?
The Advanced Application certification status is awarded to practitioners who complete a Case Consultation group. Mastery certification status is awarded to practitioners who complete a ‘Mastery’ level training, including the Medical Provider Training and Physical and Manual Therapist Training. A Mastery level course for mental health clinicians is in development.
How do I receive “Advanced” or “Mastery” designations on my directory listing?
Currently, nothing is required post-training to keep up your Basic Training certification. However, to earn an “Advanced Application” designation, you will complete a 6-week Case Consultation group.
As a medical practitioner (MD, DO, NP, or PA), you can earn a “Mastery” designation after completing our Mastery Medical Provider Training.
Stay tuned – we will soon launch a Mastery level for mental health practitioners, manual therapists, and coaches!
How do I access training materials?
Upon registration, you will receive a username and password to log into our website. This provides some Member-Only materials and resources. Closer to the start date of the training, you will receive an email from support@ceactivities.com – CE-Go, the platform from which the training is run. This will direct you to your personal attendee dashboard and provide further details on accessing the course.
Contact info@painreprocessingtherapy.com with questions or concerns.
When will consultation groups become available?
We offer new consultation groups shortly after each 21-hour PRT training series (approximately every other month). Reach out here to join our email list and stay updated as additional groups become available.