Vanessa Blackstone, ACSW (2025)

14/07/2025

If peace feels unfamiliar, boredom can start to look like a problem to solve.
But maybe you’re not bored. Maybe your brain is just confused because nothing’s on fire. 🔥

When chaos has been the norm, calm can feel suspicious. Terrifying even. Like something must be wrong.

This is a totally normal part of recovery. It doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means your brain is adjusting.

Give it a moment. Or a snack. Or a nap. Let the quiet grow on you.

You’re allowed to feel safe and unsure about it.

Drop a 🧠 if this hit home.

21/05/2025

The PRT Recovery Workshop is here ✨ A 10-week live group for anyone ready to feel more supported, more structured, and more connected in their recovery journey.

Led by me and Olivia Sinaiko — co-authors of The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook 📘 — this is a chance to show up just as you are, alongside others doing the work too.

You’ll join us weekly for 90-minute sessions on Zoom, where we’ll share tools, reflect together, and use the workbook as a guide to explore practices that actually stick.

Whether you’re brand new to PRT, deep into it, or currently working with a therapist and looking for a group space to complement your care — you’re welcome here 💛

Choose your group: 🗓 Wednesdays at 7 PM PT (starts June 18) 🗓 Fridays at 11 AM PT (starts June 20) 👥 Max 15 people per group 💵 $525 | $625 with optional 1:1 add-on 🎓 1 scholarship available per group

This is a structured, supportive group space — not therapy — but it can absolutely work alongside therapy if you’re currently in individual care.

Spots are limited. Fill out the interest form at the link in bio 🔗 We’d love to have you.

17/04/2025

There is no such thing as jinxing your healing by celebrating a good day.
Say it louder for the people in the back! 🔊

If the pain comes back tomorrow, it’s not because you got too excited or danced a little too hard in the kitchen. That’s not how healing works.

You didn’t mess it up. You didn’t fly too close to the sun. You had a good moment—and that moment counts.

You’re allowed to feel joy. You’re allowed to soak it up. You’re allowed to milk it.

Because healing isn’t about avoiding happiness just in case. It’s about welcoming those moments when they show up—and letting them be real.

So celebrate the crap out of your good days. Loudly. Shamelessly. You deserve that.

30/03/2025

📍Boulder, we’re coming your way!

I’m so excited to join my co-author, Olivia Sinaiko, for an in-person event at Boulder Bookstore on Wednesday, April 30th at 6:30pm 💫

We’ll be sharing the heart behind The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook—how it helps people navigating chronic symptoms, why this work means so much to us personally, and what it really looks like to retrain the brain out of chronic pain.

If you’re local or nearby, we’d love to see you there and connect in person. 💛

🎟️ Tickets are $5 (and include a $5 coupon toward the book or any purchase that day)
✨ RSVP through my Linktree!

19/02/2025

Friendly reminder ✨

06/01/2025

Take a breath and say it out loud…”This sensation is not the whole story of what’s going on.”

I know it can feel overwhelming—like your body is sending an urgent signal that something is wrong. But what if this sensation isn’t a problem to solve? What if it’s just a habit your brain has practiced for a long time?

Here’s what you can do when it feels big: 🌿 Pause and notice—Pausing doesn’t mean fixing. It just means taking a beat to observe what’s happening without rushing to make it stop. Notice the sensation and remind yourself, “This is familiar. My brain is doing what it’s used to doing.”
🌿 Breathe and soften—Let yourself exhale a little longer. See if you can allow just 5% more softness—maybe by creating a bit of space between your teeth, unclenching your bottom, or simply softening your gaze.
🌿 Shift focus—When the internal feels like too much, try turning outward. Notice what’s around you—the colors, textures, or sounds nearby. Let your senses help ground you in the present moment.
🌿 Offer reassurance—Remind yourself, “My brain is trying to protect me. It might be overprotective—like an anxious helicopter parent—but it’s coming from a place of care, not harm. And I’m safe right now.”

This isn’t about ignoring how you feel—it’s about making room for the rest of the story. 💛

✨ Want this reminder close by? Download this as a free screen saver for your phone—head to the link in my bio to grab it and keep it with you whenever you need it. ✨

31/12/2024

🎧 It’s Giveaway Time! 📚
 We are not giving away one… not two… but FIVE free downloads of the audiobook version of The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook! 🥳

To Enter:
✨Follow .therapist
✨Like this post
✨Tag your friends in the comments—each tag counts as an entry (no limit, tag away!)
✨Bonus Entry: Share this giveaway on your story and tag me!

✨ Winners Announced: Saturday, January 4th, 2025, at 12:00 PM (PST)

🚨 Important Reminder: Beware of scammers! I will only contact winners from .therapist and will never ask for payment info.

Good luck and happy listening! 🎧📖

30/12/2024

✨ Exciting News! ✨

I’m so excited to invite you to a FREE 8-week virtual book club starting Friday, February 7, 2025, at 12 PM (PST) to explore The Pain Reprocessing Therapy Workbook! 📖💛
Join me and my co-author, Olivia Sinaiko, as we guide you through tools to retrain your brain, calm your nervous system, and support your healing journey.

What to Expect:
✨Weekly virtual sessions (Fridays at noon PST)
✨Connection, insights, and support as we work through the workbook together
✨A welcoming space to learn and grow—no pressure, no cost!

💻 Register now at the link in my bio to claim your spot and receive the Zoom link! Space is limited—don’t wait!

Important Note: This group is not therapy and does not provide medical or mental health treatment. It’s for education, growth, and connection as we explore the workbook together. 💛

Tag a friend who might want to join, and let’s dive into this journey together. 💬💛

28/11/2024

Family gatherings can be special… and they can also be a lot. If you’re navigating boundaries or trying to stay grounded, here are some tools to help:

1️⃣ Step away: Taking a moment outside, in the bathroom, or with music can help you reset and regulate your nervous system.

2️⃣ You don’t owe anyone an answer: Some questions don’t need your energy. Disengaging or setting a boundary is perfectly okay.

3️⃣ Use your breath: Techniques like 4-7-8 breathing can calm your body and signal safety to your nervous system.

4️⃣ “No” is enough: You don’t need to justify your boundaries. Saying no is an act of self-respect.

5️⃣ Reconnect with your body: Loosen your shoulders, relax your jaw, and feel your feet on the floor to ground yourself.

6️⃣ Focus on what you can control: You can’t change others, but you can choose how you respond and protect your peace.

7️⃣ Protect your time: Set limits that honor your energy, whether it’s leaving at a certain time or taking a quiet moment to yourself.

8️⃣ Your well-being matters: Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re essential for connection and self-care. Honor what you need today.

✨ Save this as a reminder: Taking care of you is always worth it.

19/11/2024

It’s okay to want to feel better—really, it is. I get it, it’s so human of you to want relief right now. But sometimes, trying too hard to ‘fix’ things can leave us feeling even more stuck.

What if, instead, you focused on the next small step? Maybe that’s taking a deep breath, noticing what feels steady, or just pausing for a moment. Progress isn’t about doing it all at once—it’s about showing up for yourself, gently and consistently.

You’re doing enough, even when it doesn’t feel like it. 🌿✨

06/06/2024

✨What Your PRT Therapist Is NOT Doing...✨
…..I promise.

Starting the process of working with a Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) therapist is a HUGE step. And it can be a very scary one. This process is vulnerable and hard to not worry about if you are doing it “right.” And... it is essential to know that your fears of what we are thinking, feeling, or not telling you... are likely not happening.

🔹Getting irritated with you when you feel stuck: We get it—healing is tough. We know that you will feel stuck at times. And we might feel stuck too! But you are not irritating us in the slightest. In fact, it reminds us to be patient and compassionate with you and with ourselves.

🔹Comparing your process to other clients: Your journey is uniquely yours. Your therapist knows that everyone’s experience with pain and healing is different and honors your individual path. Not every individual is the same and we don’t expect you to be!

🔹Thinking that you are their most difficult client ever: You are never a burden. No matter how challenging things get, your therapist is dedicated to helping you, believing in your ability to heal and grow. If I had a dollar for every time I heard “I’m probably your most difficult client...” well then I would have a lot of dollars.

🔹Feeling annoyed if you forget to practice somatic tracking: Forming new habits can be hard, and it’s okay to forget sometimes. Your therapist is here to gently encourage you, not to feel annoyed or disappointed. We don’t expect you to be perfect. In fact... we are trying to get you away from that.

🔹Worrying that PRT won’t work for you, but working with you anyway: Your therapist believes in PRT and in you. They are committed to finding the best ways to support your healing, always with hope and dedication. We also aren’t going to lie to you. We will always be transparent, even when it is difficult.

Remember, your PRT therapist is here to create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can feel understood and supported. You are not alone in this, and your well-being is their top priority. 🌟

05/06/2024

Coping with Pain Flare-Ups 🌊💙

When you start changing the way in which you respond to symptoms of pain, you might experience what’s known as an “extinction burst.” This means that your pain symptoms might temporarily increase in intensity or frequency. Of course, when you are navigating healing, this is NOT what you want to experience when you have been in pain for years. And yet, it’s a sign that your brain and body are adjusting to new, healthier patterns. Remember, the goal isn’t to make the pain disappear forever, but to change how you respond to it. Here are some reminders to help you through these moments:

1. **Your Pain is Real** ❤️
- Your pain is valid, and your feelings are important. It’s okay to feel overwhelmed. You are not imagining this.

2. **Be Kind to Yourself** 💞
- Show yourself the same compassion you would offer a friend. You’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough. You deserve kindness and patience.

3. **It’s Okay to Pause** 🌸
- Allow yourself to take a break. Mindful moments can help you stay grounded and present, no matter how small. It’s okay to slow down.

4. **Move with Care** 🤸‍♂️
- Gentle movement can help us gain a little bit of power back. Listen to your body and move in a way that feels good to you. Respect your limits.

5. **Rest and Replenish** 💤
- Your body needs rest and nourishment. Make time for self-care, whether it’s sleeping, eating well, or simply relaxing. Your body and mind need this.

6. **You Are Not Alone** 🤝
- Lean on your support system. Reach out to people who understand and care for you. Connection is vital.

Changing your response to pain is a powerful step in your healing journey. It’s about finding ways to cope and live fully, despite the pain.

Vanessa Blackstone, ACSW

14/07/2025

21/05/2025

17/04/2025

30/03/2025

19/02/2025

06/01/2025

31/12/2024

30/12/2024

28/11/2024

19/11/2024

06/06/2024

05/06/2024

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