The science behind the approach
Understanding the science and research behind Neuroplastic recovery
Pain Reprocessing Therapy and Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy are not emerging wellness trends — they are evidence-based approaches supported by peer-reviewed research, clinical trials, and decades of neuroscience. This page explains how they work, why they work, and what the research says.
If you are a healthcare professional considering referring a patient, you will find the clinical studies and research links further down this page.
“It is more important to know what sort of person has the disease than what kind of disease the person has.”
- Hippocrates
Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) is a system of psychological techniques that retrains the brain to accurately interpret and respond to signals from the body, breaking the cycle of chronic pain. Although various treatments aim to manage pain, PRT stands apart as an evidence-based treatment to eliminate pain.
An evidence-based treatment for chronic pain and symptoms
Emotion Awareness and Expression Therapy (EAET) was developed to treat chronic pain and somatic symptoms by resolving underlying emotional conflict and trauma, not just managing symptoms.
Rather than changing thoughts and behaviours using techniques such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), EAET works by helping patients identify, experience, and express avoided emotions such as anger, grief, and guilt. This directly addresses the brain's role in generating pain driven by stress and unresolved emotional conflict.
Studies show EAET outperforms CBT for some patients, with 63% reporting clinically significant pain reduction - making it one of the most promising approaches for conditions like fibromyalgia, IBS, and musculoskeletal pain.
Endorsing Emotional Awareness and Expression therapy for chronic physical symptoms
“Multiple randomised trials show EAET can significantly reduce pain severity and outperform cognitive-behavioural therapy (regarded as the gold standard) for chronic pain conditions. Better quality of life — People often report improvements in mood, sleep, and daily functioning as emotional burdens lessen. EAET reframes emotional expression as a strength rather than a threat. EAET helps individuals understand how emotional stress can amplify physical symptoms, and learning how to manage pain and emotions differently can result in significant reductions in symptoms and overall better health.” *
“I, Professor Bruce Arroll, approve of the use of this therapy by Sarah Burrows.”
Professor Bruce Arroll - MBChB, PhD, FRNZCGP (Distinguished); FRNZCUC (Honorary)**
“To summarize, when we experience difficult or stressful situations, especially if we have had significant stresses earlier in life and if we are unable to express or show how we feel, we will be at risk for our bodies to experience pain.”
― Howard Schubiner,
Unlearn your Pain.
Clinical Studies
Both PRT and EAET have been well-researched in clinical studies. Not only are patients reporting less pain, but fMRI scanning shows changes in the way the brain interprets pain and symptoms - showing us in real-time how the brain can unlearn chronic pain and symptoms.
Emotional Awareness and Expression, as published in Pain Medicine & Future Medicine
Other Resources
*Yarns BC, Jackson NJ, Alas A, et al. Emotional Awareness and Expression Therapy vs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain in Older Veterans: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2024;7(6):e2415842. doi: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.15842 [published Online First: 20240603]
**Bruce Arroll MBChB, PhD, FRNZCGP (Distinguished); FRNZCUC (Honorary)
Personal Chair and Elaine Gurr Chair in General Practice/Director of the Goodfellow Unit for Continuing Education
https://www.goodfellowunit.org/
Department of General Practice and Primary Health Care
University of Auckland
Private Bag
92019
Auckland
New Zealand