Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) Coaching

An evidence-based treatment for chronic pain

Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) is a system of psychological techniques, developed by Alan Gordon, LCSW and his colleagues, that retrains the brain to accurately interpret and respond to signals from the body, breaking the cycle of chronic pain. Although various treatments aim to manage pain, PRT stands apart as an evidence-based treatment to eliminate pain.

The PRT approach has 5 main components:

  • learning PAIN SCIENCE: how pain works in the brain, and how the brain builds new neural connections

  • gathering EVIDENCE: examples and experiences, specific to you, that demonstrate your pain is a function of your brain, not a structural issue with your body

  • building SAFETY: attending to pain/symptoms through a lens of safety to help your brain reinterpret the threat value of sensations in the body

  • addressing EMOTIONS: exploring the presence of emotions and stress as contributing factors in the experience of your pain/symptoms

  • moving towards POSITIVE feelings and sensations: teaching your brain to attune to (and enjoy!) the positive, not only the negative

PRT helps individuals recognize that while their pain is very real, it is often caused by safe signals being misinterpreted in the brain as if they were dangerous. Techniques such as somatic tracking and mindfulness help re-wire the brain and reduce pain sensitivity over time.

This information comes from The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Center and more reading can be done here.

My PRT Experience

I experienced chronic foot pain for 3 years after the birth of my second child. I received treatment from multiple practitioners, in various modalities, and while at times treatment felt helpful in the moment, ultimately there was no change. The practitioners I saw were focused on a structural diagnosis: my arches had fallen, my feet and legs needed to be stronger, I needed orthotics, etc.

In fact, some of that was true. I did need to build back strength that I had lost. My body was not functioning the way it had in the past. But this point of view was missing a crucial piece of the picture.

Once I was able to see my pain through the PRT lens: that my brain was misinterpreting sensations and essentially “turning up the volume” on my pain, I was able to use the tools of somatic tracking and mindfulness and I was able to “turn down the volume” to the point where I no longer notice painful sensations in my feet.

How I Utilize PRT Coaching with my Clients

As a practitioner, I blend my knowledge of movement and the body with the psychologically-based PRT tools to provide a holistic approach to working with pain and chronic symptoms. Sessions are typically part education, part somatic tracking, part movement - all tailored to your specific circumstance and needs.

I help my clients learn the interplay between their body’s movement and their brain’s response using:

  • pain science education

  • somatic tracking

  • mindfulness

  • breathwork

  • graded imagery

  • graded movement

  • and nervous system regulation

Together, we build an environment of safety to explore what is possible.

PRT was primarily developed by social workers and is often used by therapists, as well as medical doctors and other healthcare practitioners.

I am not a therapist or mental health worker, and my approach to utilizing PRT with my clients reflects my scope of practice. When appropriate, I encourage clients to seek out mental health support in conjunction with the coaching I provide, and I eagerly collaborate with other practitioners if the client wishes.

Pricing

Initial 15min Phone Consultation FREE (contact to schedule)

50min PRT Online Coaching Session $120 + GST