I'm so honored to be talking to Vanessa Blackstone, the Executive Director of The Pain Psychology Center and co-author of The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook.

While we don't necessarily go through the workbook on this podcast, I really recommend you get it. Instead I was inspired by how Vanessa spoke about the idea of safety during a workshop I attended. I noticed that she didn't just lead with the idea of experiencing your symptoms through a lens of safety, but instead asked what does safety mean. And I wanted to bring in her voice both as a woman of color who works with people who have experienced trauma and might have lived experiences of marginalization from the mainstream. Safety is a feeling that can be cultivated but she suggests an empowered approach of self inquiry and curiosity, and beginning to embrace the belief, "I am not as fragile as I fear I am."  

She views PRT foundations as understand, practice, integrate, we explore how psychoeducation around neuroplastic pain, self compassionate witnessing and exposure to sensations, discomfort and stressors can become opportunities for building or rebuilding self trust. She shares so many fantastic client stories as well as her own growth and learning. I cannot wait to have her back on the podcast to share more of what will be coming from her work and The Pain Psychology Center.

I emplore you to listen, relisten and take notes on what ideas you can start to practice now. And don't forget to pick up her book!

Bio - Vanessa M. Blackstone, MSW, citizen of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Nation, is executive director of the Pain Psychology Center. She earned her MS in social work from the University of Southern California. Following her own personal recovery from chronic pain, Vanessa began her career as a therapist in 2018. She was one of the first clinical consultants at the Pain Reprocessing Therapy Center and has helped train hundreds of practitioners in pain reprocessing therapy (PRT). In addition to chronic pain treatment, she specializes in sex therapy, substance use and recovery, mindfulness-based relapse prevention, and works on film sets as an onset wellness professional. Outside of her professional roles, Vanessa is a former foster youth who advocates for current and former foster youth by sharing her personal experiences in public speaking events. She lives in Los Angeles, CA.

Website - https://blackstonewellness.com/

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/that.therapist

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100065282659040&mibextid=wwXIfr

Resources mentioned:
Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook - https://www.newharbinger.com/9781648483769/the-pain-reprocessing-therapy-workbook/

The Five Invitations - https://fiveinvitations.com/

The Pain Psychology Center - https://painpsychologycenter.com/

Book a free half hour curiosity call with me - https://calendly.com/paincoachdeb

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pain.coach.deb/

Website - https://www.thecuriositycure.com