Chronic Pain Counselling in Canada: How PRT, SSP, and Pacing Can Help You Reclaim Your Life
Introduction: More Than Just Pain
Living with chronic pain or fatigue often feels like running a marathon you never signed up for. It isn’t only about sore muscles or flare-ups — it’s the exhaustion, anxiety, and grief that come with it. At The Woods Counselling, I work with adults across Canada who are navigating chronic illness, trauma, and persistent pain. My approach blends cutting-edge therapies like Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT), the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP), and practical tools such as pacing strategies to help clients build resilience and regain energy.
Pain Reprocessing Therapy can be combined with regular online sessions.
What Is Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT)?
PRT is an evidence-based approach that helps the brain reinterpret pain signals as safe rather than threatening.
How it works: Many chronic pain conditions involve the nervous system staying “stuck in danger mode.” PRT uses awareness, guided exercises, and emotional support to teach your brain that the pain is no longer harmful.
Why it matters: Clients often report a significant decrease in symptoms once the brain stops amplifying pain signals.
Who benefits: PRT can help people with conditions such as fibromyalgia, back pain, and chronic migraines — especially when medical treatments haven’t provided relief.
At The Woods Counselling, I integrate PRT with trauma-informed therapy so clients can address both the physical and emotional dimensions of pain.
For Safe and Sound Protocol to help with Chronic Pain all you need is over-the-ear headphones and a subscription.
What Is the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)?
The Safe and Sound Protocol is a listening therapy developed by Dr. Stephen Porges, based on the Polyvagal Theory.
How it works: Clients listen to specially filtered music designed to calm the autonomic nervous system. This supports emotional regulation and lowers fight-or-flight responses.
Why it matters: A calmer nervous system allows for deeper therapeutic work, reduced anxiety, and improved resilience.
Who benefits: SSP is especially effective for trauma survivors, individuals with chronic illness, and people experiencing high levels of stress.
In my practice, SSP often lays the groundwork for other therapies by creating safety and stability in the body.
An online course with 1 to 1 therapist teaching, will help you to learn symptom management and energy pacing. Each session is focused on your personal symptoms.
Pacing: A Practical Lifeline for Chronic Illness
For clients living with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, or post-viral conditions, pacing is essential.
What it is: Pacing is the practice of managing your activity levels to avoid energy crashes.
My approach: I use a simple tool I call the “marble method.” Imagine starting each day with ten marbles representing your available energy. Every activity — cooking, parenting, even thinking hard — costs a marble. The key is to stop before the jar is empty.
Why it matters: This visual system helps clients plan realistically, reduce flare-ups, and feel more in control of their daily life.
Pacing isn’t about giving up — it’s about using energy wisely so you can live more fully.
Online Chronic Pain Counselling
Why Online Counselling Matters
One of the biggest barriers for people with chronic illness is access. Traveling to appointments can trigger fatigue or pain. That’s why all sessions at The Woods Counselling are available online across Canada.
Attend from home — no commuting required.
Flexible scheduling to fit around unpredictable health days.
Secure, professional care tailored for adults with complex health challenges.
Taking the Next Step
If you’ve been searching for a counsellor who understands the realities of chronic illness and persistent pain, you don’t have to do it alone.
At The Woods Counselling, I specialize in supporting clients with:
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS/ME)
Fibromyalgia
Persistent or unexplained pain conditions
Trauma related to health or medical experiences
📅 Ready to begin? Book a consultation today and let’s start building a path back to stability, energy, and peace.
