Business Details
Expert Chronic Pain Therapy in Los Angeles
The Pain Psychology Center is a pioneering Benefit Corporation dedicated to transforming chronic pain treatment through evidence-based psychotherapy. Our team of licensed, accredited therapists specializes in Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), a groundbreaking approach that targets the brain's neural pathways to deactivate chronic pain signals. Backed by rigorous research, including a randomized controlled study at the University of Colorado Boulder, our methods have demonstrated 98% patient improvement rates. We combine PRT with cognitive-behavioral therapy, hypnotherapy, and mindfulness training to address neuroplastic pain rooted in psychophysiologic processes.Our mission extends beyond individual treatmentwe conduct clinical research, train practitioners globally, and educate medical communities about mind-body pain mechanisms. With personalized virtual and in-office sessions, we empower clients to overcome chronic symptoms like back pain, fibromyalgia, and migraines through scientifically validated techniques that prioritize long-term recovery and nervous system safety.
Services
Pain Reprocessing Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Hypnotherapy
Mindfulness Training
ISTDP
Highlights and features
- We offer Pain Reprocessing Therapy validated by University of Colorado Boulder research
- Our therapists combine neuroscience with personalized treatment approaches
- We provide evidence-based solutions for neuroplastic pain conditions
- Our team includes authors of groundbreaking pain psychology research
- We maintain rigorous clinical standards through ongoing research partnerships
Services
Pain Reprocessing Therapy
Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) is a neuroscience-based approach that retrains the brain to reinterpret chronic pain signals as non-threatening. This evidence-based protocol uses somatic tracking and cognitive reframing to address pain originating from learned neural pathways rather than structural issues. Clinical studies show 98% improvement rates for conditions like fibromyalgia and chronic back pain through this brain-focused treatment.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for chronic pain addresses maladaptive thought patterns that perpetuate discomfort. Our therapists help patients identify fear-based thinking about symptoms and develop healthier cognitive responses. This approach effectively reduces pain-related anxiety while breaking cycles of hypervigilance and catastrophization that maintain neuroplastic pain conditions.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy accesses the unconscious mind to reframe pain perception through deep relaxation techniques. Our sessions use guided meditation to deactivate defense mechanisms and promote somatic awareness in a safe state. This method helps patients retrain automatic stress responses that contribute to chronic pain cycles while fostering nervous system regulation.
Mindfulness Training
Mindfulness training develops present-moment awareness to break automatic pain response patterns. Based on Jon Kabat-Zinn's research, our program teaches non-judgmental observation of bodily sensations to reduce anxiety-driven symptom amplification. Regular practice has been shown to physically alter brain structures associated with pain processing and emotional regulation.
ISTDP
Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) targets emotional repression contributing to physical symptoms. This accelerated approach identifies psychological defense mechanisms maintaining chronic pain by accessing buried emotions. Through structured sessions, patients learn to process suppressed feelings that manifest as neuroplastic pain conditions like tension headaches and psychosomatic disorders.
People
Alan Gordon
Founder
Alan Gordon is a Los Angeles-based psychotherapist who developed Pain Reprocessing Therapy. He completed a neuroimaging study on PRT at the University of Colorado-Boulder. Featured in major media outlets, he authored 'The Way Out' and presented nationally on chronic pain treatment.
Vanessa Blackstone
Executive Director
Vanessa Blackstone co-authored 'The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook' and lectures at UCLA. She integrates CBT with mindfulness practices, drawing from personal recovery from migraines and IBS. She trains providers globally in PRT and specializes in nervous system safety.
Sherry Del Campo
Clinical Director
Sherry Del Campo specializes in chronic pain treatment using PRT. A former spinal fusion patient, she combines holistic approaches with self-compassion techniques. She supervises clinical staff and provides training on mind-body symptom resolution.
John Gasienica
Director of Clinical Research
John Gasienica conducts PRT research with the University of Colorado and VA. He trains clinicians in contemporary pain management techniques while maintaining a private practice focused on anxiety and depression comorbidities.
Melany Cohen
Clinical Supervisor
Melany Cohen is a certified hypnotherapist with advanced PRT training. She integrates legal analytical skills with compassionate care, specializing in neurodiverse family support. Her personal recovery from chronic symptoms informs her therapeutic approach.
Questions
What is Pain Reprocessing Therapy?
Pain Reprocessing Therapy is a neuroscience-based approach that retrains the brain to reinterpret chronic pain signals as non-threatening through somatic tracking and cognitive reframing techniques.
How effective is PRT for chronic pain?
A University of Colorado Boulder study showed 98% patient improvement with 66% achieving pain-free outcomes through twice-weekly PRT sessions over four weeks.
What conditions do you treat?
We treat neuroplastic pain conditions including fibromyalgia, chronic back pain, migraines, IBS, and tension headaches using mind-body therapeutic approaches.
Are sessions in-person or virtual?
We offer both virtual and in-office sessions in Los Angeles, providing flexible access to our evidence-based pain management programs.
What research supports your methods?
Our treatments are validated by studies at Northwestern University, University of Colorado Boulder, and published findings in neuroscience journals about brain-based pain mechanisms.
How do I start treatment?
Begin by scheduling a consultation to determine if our program suits your needs. Our intake team will match you with a certified therapist for personalized care planning.
