Pain Reprocessing Therapy in Hamilton, Ontario

When pain persists even after the body has healed, the nervous system may need a different kind of support.

Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) is an evidence-based approach designed to help people with persistent or chronic pain.

In some cases, pain continues not because of ongoing injury, but because the brain and nervous system have become stuck in a protective pattern. PRT helps retrain how the brain interprets pain signals, reducing the fear and sensitivity that can keep pain going.

Sessions are eligible for reimbursement through most extended health insurance plans.

Do any of these sound familiar?


  • Pain that persists despite normal scans or treatment

  • Pain that comes and goes unpredictably

  • Fear of movement or reinjury

  • Pain that worsens with stress

  • Feeling stuck despite doing “all the right things”

If this sounds familiar, your nervous system may be stuck in a protective pain pattern. Pain Reprocessing Therapy helps retrain how the brain interprets pain signals so the cycle can begin to change.

A woman sitting in bed with her hands on her head, appearing distressed or upset.

Sometimes pain becomes learned by the brain even after tissues heal.

Two Ways to Work with Pain Reprocessing Therapy

People experience persistent pain for many different reasons. Some people simply want practical skills to retrain their brain’s response to pain, while others feel that emotional stress or past experiences may also be affecting their nervous system.

At Access Therapy, we offer two pathways into Pain Reprocessing Therapy, so you can choose the approach that feels most comfortable and relevant for you.


Skill-Based

Pain Reprocessing

For people who want practical tools to change how their brain responds to pain.

This pathway focuses on learning and practicing the core skills of Pain Reprocessing Therapy. Together with a therapist, you’ll learn techniques that help your brain interpret pain signals differently and reduce the cycle of fear, attention, and sensitivity that can keep pain going.

Sessions are focused, practical, and goal-oriented.

Structure

  • 1-hour initial assessment

  • Four 30-minute sessions focused on learning and practicing pain reprocessing skills

  • Support and accountability as you apply these skills to your real-life pain triggers

This pathway is often a good fit for people who want a structured, skills-based approach to managing persistent pain.

Deeper Pain &

Nervous System Work

For people who sense that emotional stress, past experiences, or nervous system patterns may be influencing their pain.

In some cases, persistent pain is connected to deeper nervous system responses shaped by stress, trauma, or emotional experiences. This pathway allows space to explore those connections while continuing to work with pain reprocessing techniques.

After the initial assessment, you and your therapist will identify meaningful goals related to pain, emotional patterns, and nervous system regulation.

Structure

  • 1-hour initial assessment

  • Ongoing therapy sessions tailored to your goals

  • Integration of pain reprocessing skills with emotional, somatic, or trauma-informed work

This pathway can be helpful for people who want to work more deeply with the underlying factors that may be shaping their pain experience.

Not Sure Which Path Is Right for You?


Your therapist can help you decide during the initial assessment. Some people start with the skills pathway and later choose to explore deeper work, while others know right away that they want a more comprehensive approach.

Fill out a contact form and we’ll be in touch.

Read about Sabrina Reid-Smith, our PRT Therapist.

Pain Reprocessing Therapy Contact Form