Frequently Asked Questions

Yes — and the research strongly supports this. Chronic pain and trauma are deeply connected. Studies consistently show that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), unresolved trauma, and chronic stress significantly increase the likelihood of developing chronic pain conditions. This isn't because the pain is 'in your head' — it's because the nervous system, the immune system, and pain-processing pathways are all profoundly shaped by our history. When the nervous system is stuck in a state of chronic activation or shutdown, pain signals can become amplified and persistent — even in the absence of ongoing tissue damage. Healing the nervous system can therefore directly impact the experience of chronic pain.  Approaches used at Marlo Drago Therapy for chronic pain include:•       EMDR therapy targeting trauma memories and pain-related beliefs•       Somatic therapy to work directly with body sensations•       Polyvagal-informed nervous system regulation•       Mindfulness and breathwork to reduce central sensitization•       Parts work to explore the emotional layers underneath the pain  Therapy for chronic pain isn't about eliminating sensation — it's about changing your relationship with it, reducing the suffering, and addressing the nervous system patterns that may be maintaining it.