The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook: Using the Brain's Neuroplasticity to Break the Cycle of Chronic Pain

(Paperback)

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Free yourself from chronic pain with this powerful, evidence-based workbook.

Do you suffer from back, knee, or neck pain, migraines arthritis, fibromyalgia, or any other condition that causes chronic discomfort Have you searched far and wide for answers, hoping against hope to find lasting relief-only to find yourself disappointed and in pain again This discouraging cycle can be as damaging to your quality of life as the pain itself, especially if your pain has been minimized or disregarded. If you're tired of running into roadblocks when it comes to finding real solutions, it might be time for a new approach. It's time to leverage the natural power and flexibility of your brain, so you can finally free yourself from chronic pain and take charge of your life.

At the heart of this groundbreaking workbook is pain reprocessing therapy (PRT)-the most effective current treatment for chronic pain. PRT is a highly streamlined, evidence-based method that actually retrains the brain to accurately interpret sensory signals from the body, interrupting the perpetual pain cycle so you can find some relief. You'll begin by exploring the ins and outs of how pain works, with special emphasis on understanding the critical relationship between pain and fear. You'll also discover a wealth of in-the-moment tips to help you quickly recognize the aspects of life that trigger or aggravate your pain-so you can handle it quickly, healthily, and move on with less pain.

If your quest for relief has led to nothing but frustration, shame, stigmatization, and endless agony, the answers found in this friendly guide will illuminate a path away from pain and toward lasting comfort and peace of mind. Go ahead, take the first step.

Reviews

"The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook is an essential guide for anyone suffering from chronic pain. The authors have expertly translated the principles of PRT into an easy-to-follow prescription for pain elimination, with many invaluable techniques, tools, and exercises. This workbook will empower those suffering from chronic pain to take control of their pain and symptoms and finally get relief!"
--Laura Payne, PhD, assistant professor of psychology at Harvard Medical School, and clinical psychologist and director of the Clinical and Translational Pain Research Lab at McLean Hospital--Laura Payne, PhD
"There have been a lot of advances in our understanding of chronic pain over the previous twenty years. We now realize that taking a pill to reduce pain has been largely ineffective, but reprocessing your central nervous system can reduce your pain and change your life. Vanessa and Olivia's book will lead you through that process and will enable you to heal yourself and reclaim your life."
--Don Teater, MD, MPH, pain and addiction specialist at Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC)--Don Teater, MD, MPH

"Neurology is a very young science, and like all new scientific undertakings, practitioners often must invent their personal approach to deal with matters that are still difficult to conceive and describe. This interesting workbook does just that as it creatively asks those who suffer chronic pain to think through how reconceptualizing the neurological basis of their pain might serve to eliminate some significant degree of their suffering."
--J.W. Freiberg, PhD, JD, Trauma Research Foundation board member; and author of Four Seasons of Loneliness, Surrounded by Others and Yet So Alone, and Growing Up Lonely--J.W. Freiberg, PhD, JD
"The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook offers a concise yet powerful approach to reverse chronic neuroplastic pain syndromes. The authors have blended sophisticated neuroscientific principles with a practical approach that will help you recover."
--Howard Schubiner, MD, clinical professor at Michigan State University College of Human Medicine, and author of Unlearn Your Pain--Howard Schubiner, MD
"I owe a large part of my recovery from neuroplastic pain to Vanessa's guidance. Early on, she told me, 'There will come a time when you won't even be talking about your pain.' And she was right. Freedom from pain came sooner than I could have imagined. This fantastic workbook will give many more people access to the author's collective wisdom."
--Catherine Oxenberg, mother of three beautiful girls, award-winning actress, and author of Captive--Catherine Oxenberg
"Millions of people suffer from real pain or illness in the body that is generated by the brain due to unrecognized life stresses. Fortunately, the new treatment techniques described so clearly in this book by its highly experienced authors can provide relief even for people who have lost hope. Highly recommended."
--David D. Clarke, MD, clinical assistant professor of gastroenterology emeritus at Oregon Health & Science University, president of the Psychophysiologic Disorders Association (PPDA), and author of They Can't Find Anything Wrong!--David D. Clarke, MD
"The majority of my patients with chronic pain have neuroplastic pain mechanisms, and will benefit from having this workbook to learn and practice PRT. It's like having a therapist on their side, and there is no one better than Vanessa and Olivia to guide them. They have the practical knowledge and a solid understanding of the neuroscience of pain."
--Andrea Furlan, MD, PhD, professor in the department of medicine at the University of Toronto, and author of 8 STEPS to Conquer Chronic Pain--Andrea Furlan, MD, PhD
"This book is a new and exciting contribution to our understanding of pain reprocessing therapy (PRT). Its practical, easily understandable style will be a huge help for those seeking to learn in a fresh and dynamic way. The writing is engaging and compelling, drawing the reader into a greater depth of knowledge to apply with those who hurt."
--Martha Teater, licensed behavioral health clinician, author, consultant, and international trainer in the area of chronic pain treatment--Martha Teater
"This workbook translates the scientifically robust principles of PRT into a user-friendly, step-by-step manual--with heart! People suffering from neural circuit dizziness and other symptoms will find it so practical and reassuring--no screens or tech knowledge required, just willingness to do the work. The principles are thoughtfully supported by practical exercises, and walk the reader through a clear and effective plan for recovery from chronic symptoms."
--Yonit Arthur, AuD, audiologist, vestibular specialist, and coach and founder of The Steady Coach --Yonit Arthur, AuD

Author Bio

Vanessa M. Blackstone, MSW, LSCW, citizen of Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, is executive director of the Pain Psychology Center, and a clinical consultant at the Pain Reprocessing Therapy Center. She earned her MS in social work from the University of Southern California. Following her own personal recovery from chronic pain, Vanessa began her career as a therapist in 2018. In addition to chronic pain treatment, she specializes in sex therapy, substance use and recovery, mindfulness-based relapse prevention, and works on film sets as an onset wellness professional. Outside of her professional roles, Vanessa is a former foster youth who advocates for current and former foster youth by sharing her personal experiences in public speaking events. She lives in Los Angeles, CA.

Olivia Salisbury Sinaiko, MA, LPC, leads the behavioral health pain program at the Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC), the tribal health organization that serves both Native and non-Native people throughout southeast Alaska. She is a featured presenter in the American Society of Addiction Medicine's (ASAM) training modules on nonpharmacological approaches to pain treatment and interdisciplinary care in the treatment of chronic pain, and has presented to the Pain Psychology Center on the relationship between attachment trauma and chronic pain. She earned her BA from Stanford University and her MA in counseling psychology from The Wright Institute, as well as a JD from Yale Law School. She lives in Juneau, AK.