WHAT IS PAIN REPROCESSING THERAPY?
Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) is a system of psychological techniques that retrains the brain to interpret and respond to signals from the body in a different way, subsequently breaking the cycle of chronic pain. Pain Reprocessing Therapy has five main components: 1) education about the brain origins and reversibility of pain, 2) gathering and reinforcing personalized evidence for the brain origins and reversibility of pain, 3) attending to and appraising pain sensations through a lens of safety, 4) addressing other emotional threats, and 5) gravitating to positive feelings and sensations.
A randomized controlled trial at the University of Colorado Boulder validated Pain Reprocessing Therapy as the most effective current treatment for chronic pain. In the study, there were 150 chronic back pain patients. 50 patients received PRT twice a week for four weeks, 50 patients received treatment as usual, and 50 patients received an open-label placebo injection. In the PRT group, 98% of patients improved and 66% of patients were pain-free or nearly pain-free at the end of treatment. These outcomes were largely maintained one year later.
A secondary analysis of the trial demonstrates that PRT significantly reduces pain intensity and fear avoidance behaviors by increasing mind- or brain-related attributed causes of pain. Results suggest that using simple language to reattribute pain from the body to the brain may support effective treatment to relieve pain.
OPTIONAL PSILOCYBIN JOURNEYS
This program will also include optional group or individual psilocybin experiences near the start of the 8 week course (at additional cost). Psilocybin has been documented increasing neroplasticity (our nervous system’s ability to change), perhaps lasting weeks. This increased neuroplasticity is thought to enhance and solidify the change PRT causes in our nervous system. Psilocybin can also induce a great sense of connection.
REGISTRATION click here
OVERVIEW
8 Week Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) Educational Workshop
- Virtual sessions are held each Monday evening from 5pm - 6:30pm (pacific time zone) on Zoom. The 8-week program begins on February 2nd, 2026 and ends on March 23st, 2026.
- Led by two PRT expert clinicians with experience helpings hundreds of individuals heal their chronic pain and related symptoms.
- Designed to provide a supportive space to navigate your chronic pain journey with support and community.
Optional Group Psilocybin Experience
- Research shows psilocybin induces a surge of neuroplasticity, creating a unique opportunity for nervous system change.
- Hosted at a licensed psilocybin service center. Through this regulated system, psilocybin consumption is fully legal in Oregon.
- Psilocybin session led by licensed psilocybin facilitators with training and knowledge to keep the experience safe.
- All psilocybin is lab tested and produced by Oregon licensed growers.
- Group experience will occur on March 14th,2026. If you wish to participate, you will need to plan to be in Portland Oregon from March 13th - March 15th (or longer). Recommendations for accommodations available upon request.
Pain reprocessing therapy 8-week Workshop
&
Optional psilocybin journey
instructors
Vanessa Blackstone, LCSW
Vanessa Blackstone is the Executive Director of the Pain Psychology Center and co-author of The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook. She specializes in chronic pain and neuroplastic symptoms and is known for her warm, direct approach—supportive but honest—with a strong emphasis on self-compassion and nervous system safety. Vanessa has trained and provided consultation to hundreds of providers in Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), led in-depth speaking events across the globe, and currently lectures UCLA dental residents treating orofacial pain. Her clinical work integrates cognitive behavioral therapy with mindfulness-based practices to help clients build self-trust and emotional flexibility. Vanessa draws from her personal recovery from migraines (since age 11), vertigo, IBS, pelvic floor pain, neck pain, and chronic hives. Her background also includes work with sex therapy, substance-use disorders, couples therapy, and on-set wellness consulting.
mike averill, LCSW
Mike Averill is a psychotherapist based Portland, OR trained in EMDR, IFS, Pain Reprocessing Therapy, and is a teacher of the Mindful Self-Compassion program. Mike also is a licensed psilocybin facilitator and is the founder of PNW Integrative Center, a community space offering psilocybin therapy and mindfulness classes and programs.
Mike lives with his wife, daughter, and dogs and can often be found spending time outside with them in Oregon's beautiful nature.
PRT 8 Week Course: $525
Optional group 8 hour psilocybin journey: $475
cost
SCHEDULE
February 2, 2026 – PRT Virtual Session 1 5pm - 6:30pm (pacific time zone);
February 2, 2026 - optional info meeting regarding psilocybin (after PRT 1);
February 9, 2026 - PRT Virtual Session 2 5pm - 6:30pm (pacific time zone);
February 16, 2026 – PRT Virtual Session 3 5pm - 6:30pm (pacific time zone);
February 23, 2026 – PRT Virtual Session 4 5pm - 6:30pm (pacific time zone);
March 2, 2026 – PRT Virtual Session 5 5pm - 6:30pm (pacific time zone);
March 9, 2026 – PRT Virtual Session 6 5pm - 6:30pm (pacific time zone);
March 13th, 2026 – Friday night final psil prep in Portland, OR 6pm - 8pm (approx 2 hours);
March 14th, 2026 – Saturday psil experience in Portland, OR 9am- 5pm (approx 6-8 hours);
March 16th, 2026 – PRT Virtual Session 7 5pm - 6:30pm (pacific time zone);
March 23rd, 2026 – PRT Virtual Session 8 5pm - 6:30pm (pacific time zone)(final session)