The Women’s Pain Summit: Science, Stories, and Solutions
An Experiential Panel for Mental Health Providers
Presented by the Women’s Wellness Committee
San Diego Psychological Association
When: Saturday, October 18th from 8:30am-1:00pm
***Light breakfast will be served***
Where: In person at the SDPA Office
United Way Building, 4699 Murphy Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92123
Overview
Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent, complex, and misunderstood health issues facing women today. This experiential panel brings together clinicians, researchers, and lived experience experts to illuminate the intersection of women’s pain, trauma, and the need for integrated care models that bridge physical and mental health.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the patient experience of chronic pain, the physiology of pain, the impact of toxic stress and hormones, and how trauma-informed frameworks can radically shift outcomes for chronic pain patients—especially women. The session includes storytelling, case studies, clinical strategies, and interactive exercises designed to help providers listen differently, respond more compassionately, and advocate more effectively.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Identify the physiological impact of toxic stress and trauma on the chronic pain response.
- Describe how hormonal transitions (e.g., perimenopause, reproductive cycles) influence pain perception and treatment.
- Recognize the psychological consequences of delayed diagnosis and medical trauma, particularly in women.
- Explore emerging treatments such as plant-based medicine and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy for pain and trauma.
- Apply trauma-informed approaches and ACT/DBT strategies to support chronic pain patients more effectively.
- Understand the role of integrated care teams in chronic pain recovery, including the therapist's role in medical environments.
Panel Presenters
Tracey Chester, LMFT
Founder, Pain Trauma Institute | Chronic pain specialist, author, and surf therapy researcher
“A Life Shaped by Women’s Pain and Insight”
Michelle Sexton, ND
Naturopathic physician and cannabis expert
“The Biology of Pain: Toxic Stress, the Limbic System, and Neuroinflammation”
Autumn Backhaus, PhD
Psychologist, women's health researcher
“Hormones, Chronic Pain, and the Psychology of Healthcare Navigation”
Lisa McJunkin, LMFT
Trauma therapist and ketamine-assisted psychotherapy specialist
“Healing the Pain Body: Ketamine, Trauma Therapy, and the Nervous System”
Who Should Attend
Psychologists, LMFTs, LCSWs, primary care-integrated providers, and any clinician working with women, trauma, or chronic illness.
Registration
- $25 SDPA Member
- $35 Non-Member
For questions about the content of this presentation please contact Tracey Chester, LMFT: tracey@paintraumainstitute.com, www.paintraumainstitute.com
For questions about registration/Women’s Wellness Committee, please contact Claire Deierhoi-Clark, PhD: claire@drdeierhoiclarkpsychology.com
