Mental Illness Happy Hour

#757 Chronic Pain - Vanessa Blackstone

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Jul 18, 2025
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ANECDOTE

Personal Path From Pain To Therapy

  • Vanessa Blackstone described developing migraines, pelvic pain, IBS, and hives from childhood into grad school while pursuing therapy training.
  • Her lived experience with chronic pain shaped her career focus and empathy as a clinician.
INSIGHT

Pain As A Nervous System Signal

  • Chronic pain can be driven by the nervous system rather than only structural injury.
  • Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) uses neuroplasticity to rewire how the brain interprets danger signals.
ADVICE

Three-Step Practice Framework

  • Understand your nervous system's role, practice new responses in session, then integrate them into daily life.
  • Use repeated review to identify where you got stuck and adjust your approach.
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