Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT)
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PRT is a psychological technique that helps people reframe chronic pain as a brain-generated process rather than a sign of ongoing damage. It’s based on the idea that many types of chronic pain are caused by learned neural pathways, not structural injury, and that these can be “unlearned” through gentle reprocessing and reappraisal.
Originally developed from the Mindbody model (e.g. John Sarno, Alan Gordon), it teaches people to change their relationship to pain using neuroplasticity-based techniques.
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PRT involves:
Educating yourself about the true cause of chronic pain
Learning to respond to pain with curiosity, calm, and safety rather than fear
Practising somatic tracking (noticing pain with calm awareness)
Shifting underlying emotional patterns contributing to the pain
Often done through guided exercises, journaling, and working with a therapist trained in PRT
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Chronic back pain, migraines, fibromyalgia, tension headaches, IBS, pelvic pain, Long COVID, and other “neuroplastic” pain conditions.
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Gained popularity following a 2021 Boulder Back Pain Study, which showed significant long-term pain relief using PRT
Free resources available via the Curable app and Alan Gordon’s bookThe Way Out
Often overlaps with somatic work, journaling, and emotional processing
May not be appropriate if there's active or untreated trauma, without proper support
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Prices for PRT vary depending on location, whether you choose group sessions or one-to-one work, and the practitioner’s training level.
US: Group programmes are typically around $500–$550 for an 8-week series. One-to-one sessions often cost $75–$150 each, with some drop-in groups from $45.
UK: Individual sessions range from £70–£140 for 30–60 minutes. Full programmes (8 × 90-minute sessions) are often around £895.
Europe: Sessions are usually €80–€90 each, with some offering packages (for example, 4 sessions for €300).
Canada: Expect around CA$150 per 60-minute session.
Australia: Psychology-based sessions typically range from AUD $150–$250.
Most people complete PRT in around 8 weekly sessions, though some need fewer or more depending on pace and goals. Some practitioners offer sliding-scale rates, payment plans, or short intro workshops to make it more affordable.
Free & Low-Cost Resources:
Free Intro Materials from Official PRT Site: Audio/video samples, guided exercises like somatic tracking, and sample session clips. Perfect for getting a feel for PRT before committing.
One-Hour Webinar with Dr. Yoni Ashar: A complimentary,on-demand lecture that introduces the PRT model and tools. Includes CME credits for professionals.
"Reign of Pain" MOOC via Coursera: A free-to-audit course (pay only if you want a certificate). Covers how the brain learns pain, pain’s connection with emotions, and emerging recovery strategies like PRT.
Free resources available via the Curable app
Alan Gordon’s book The Way Out
Discount-Friendly Directory
Many offerings are US-based, but some providers (especially outside the US) offer sliding-scale fees, particularly for chronic illness clients.
Group and drop-in options can be more affordable and manageable for those with limited energy or finances.
PRTCenter (USA): 8-week workshop ~$525; scholarships and partial funding available for those on low income or disability benefits.
PRTCoach: ~$75/session; free initial consultation and reduced rates for chronic pain clients who are unemployed, on sick leave, or on benefits.
UK-based therapists sometimes charge £30–£40/session for illness support, often on a sliding-scale based on income or benefits status.
Some group programmes are donation-based if you disclose financial hardship or long-term illness.
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