Groups are 8 weekly 90-minute sessions and can have up to 5 trainees. Each group will dedicate time to both didactic, case consultation, and skills practice. Drs. Krohner and Tankha lead all of the groups. All sessions are held virtually.

In this module, we will cover pain neuroscience education and conducting the initial assessment for treatment fit

Goals:

1. Gain knowledge of relevant research findings on neuroplastic pain

2. Develop skills in conducting an initial assessment for neuroplastic pain

In this module we will illustrate the critical role of psychoeducation about chronic pain in beginning EAET with patients. We will also address potential challenges in alliance-building or patient buy-in.

Goals:

1. Understand the utility of psychoeducation in the early stages of treatment.

2. Gain skills in providing psychoeducation about chronic pain and in addressing common challenges in alliance-building.

In this module, we will present the theoretical underpinnings of pain reappraisal techniques and outline clinical application. There will be time allotted for practice in the group.

Goals:

1. gain an understanding of the conceptual model and empirical evidence for pain reappraisal strategies

2. gain competence in utilizing pain reappraisal techniques

In this module, we will discuss somatic tracking as a clinical tool that can guide clinician intervention. We will introduce conceptual models derived from other therapeutic modalities (e.g. intensive short-term dynamic psychotherapy) to ground our presentation. Trainees will learn to recognize somatic indicators of affect, anxiety, and defense mechanisms. Time will be allotted for modeling and practicing somatic tracking.

This module will begin a deep dive into affect exposure work, including the theoretical basis and research evidence for the benefits of affect exposure for chronic pain conditions. Trainees will begin learning how to formulate their cases from an affect exposure framework.

In this module, trainees will be offered affect exposure strategies, including in vivo and imaginal exposure tools that target affect from current and past interpersonal experiences. This module takes a trauma-informed and trauma-focused lens so that trainees learn how to balance patients’ need for safety in sessions with healthy discomfort that promotes growth and healing. Time will be allotted for modeling and practice.

This module will focus on tracking and managing anxiety during affect exposure. Trainees will learn how to apply somatic tracking and other tools to identify the patient’s window of tolerance and intervention targets from moment to moment during affect exposures.

Goals:

1. learn how to tailor affect exposures to patient’s window of tolerance for anxiety.

This final session will be discussion based. Trainees will be encouraged to reflect on their learning and growth during the course. Trainers will elicit feedback about the course.