Explain Pain® Groups

Evidence-based education to help you understand pain and relieve suffering.

Our Explain Pain® Group is a supportive, interactive program designed to help you know and respond to chronic pain differently. The teachings and activities are based on modern pain science from the Explain Pain® books. The group objective is to help you reframe your Pain Story not eliminate the pain (through that may happen). Joining a group is an excellent addition to your recovery program.

 

You’ll learn:

  • How pain protects us and keeps us safe

  • The difference between pain and tissue damage

  • How the nervous system can become too sensitive

  • The many factors that can increase or decrease pain

  • Practical strategies to support a less protective system

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Join a Group

You’re Invited

Explain Pain® Groups are open to anyone with a desire to learn more about how pain works. Whether you’re living with persistent pain, supporting someone who is, or are simply curious, this group offers a welcoming space to learn, reflect, and connect with others.

How it Works

  • Groups are offered on a recurring basis for a specified duration.
  • Live attendance and active participation are encouraged at group meetings. Though listening and self-reflection are enough.
  • Meetings include short educational lessons, guided discussions and games, reflective journaling, optional sharing opportunities, and homework.
  • Registration is required and offered on a first-come first-serve basis, limit of 12.
  • Groups will be recorded and emailed to registrants for a limited review period.

Please note: this is not a support or therapy group. The focus is on learning modern pain science and applying it to your story.

Support Our Mission

Explain Pain® Group meetings are offered for a minimal donation, $60 ($10/hour). Pain Story Project is a 501(c)(3) organization and your donation is tax-deductible in the US. Additional contributions over this amount are greatly helpful and appreciated.

Donate

Participant Stories

The Explain Pain® program changed my relationship with pain in the most hopeful way possible. After dealing with persistent lower back pain (from spondylolisthesis) for 35 years and trying cortisone shots, surgery, pain relievers, acupuncture, massage, exercise, lidocaine patches and topicals I have finally found relief from the pain. This program has provided me with the tools to feel certain that I won't be living with chronic pain for the rest of my life.

– Tracy, 65-year-old retired elementary school teacher

The Explain Pain® program was incredibly beneficial. The understanding I gained continues to unfold, helping me not only navigate physical pain but also recognize and respond to fixed patterns in other areas of my life. I'm grateful for the science, skills, and new perspective I gained through this program.

– Sandra, 76-year-old retired MD

Upcoming Explain Pain® Group

25

August

4-Week Program

Discover the science of pain and explore how your Pain Story influences both pain and suffering. Learn why pain persists, what factors shape it, and how a new understanding can help you move forward with greater confidence, resilience, and ease.

Tuesdays: August 25 - September 15, 2026

5 pm PT / 6 pm MT / 7 pm CT / 8 pm ET

90-minute meetings

Zoom Online (linked provided upon registration)

Requested Minimum Donation: $60 ($10/hour)

What to Expect

Explain Pain® Groups are an interactive experience that includes the following:

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Expert-led teaching, exercises, games, and discussions of Explain Pain® concepts and core principles

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Connection and camaraderie with other people who share challenges in overcoming persistent pain

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A secure, confidential, respectful, and non-judgemental space to express yourself, be heard, and your story appreciated

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Personal discovery through optional reflective individual, partner, or group activities that promote inner awareness

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Increased motivation and confidence to take an immediate action step toward your recovery vision and goals

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Embodiment practices to relax the nervous system and develop new body-mind connections through focused attention

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To hear different voices and perspectives that can inspire you to think and act in new ways

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Compassionate support from your Explain Pain® Group leader and fellow participants

Contact

jessica@painstoryproject.org
(505) 412-3132

Pain Story Project is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in the US and funded by the generous donations of our supporters.