The Chronic Pain Playbook

The Chronic Pain Playbook is a guide designed to support clinicians in helping child and adolescent clients (ages 9–16) understand and navigate chronic pain through developmentally appropriate, research-informed psychoeducation. This workbook focuses on conditions often labeled as medically unexplained symptoms, often labeled as neural circuit dizziness, functional neurological disorders, or Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), all under the umbrella of neuroplastic symptoms. It includes tools based on validated assessments to tailor psychoeducation to each client’s understanding of pain. Structured across nine units with worksheets and play-based interventions, the curriculum builds foundational knowledge before introducing customized exposure-based interventions. Additional units cover systemic, cultural, and clinical considerations. Clinicians are encouraged to collaborate closely with parents or caregivers, recognizing the vital role of attachment and family support in the healing process.