47: Rewiring Pain: From Velociraptors to Victory with Dr. Laura Katz

Episode Overview

Join Kristen Parise as she sits down with Dr. Laura Katz, a health, rehabilitation, and clinical psychologist who's revolutionizing how we understand and treat chronic pelvic pain and endometriosis. From the evolutionary biology of pain signals to groundbreaking interdisciplinary treatment approaches, Dr. Katz shares her expertise on helping women reclaim their lives from chronic pain through the power of pain science and neuroplasticity.

What You'll Learn

• Why our pain signals haven't evolved past the "velociraptor era" and how this impacts chronic conditions
• The critical difference between acute and chronic pain in the nervous system
• How pain sensitization works and why chronic pain isn't always a sign of tissue damage
• The revolutionary science behind neuroplasticity and pain rewiring
• Why cognitive behavioral therapy is a game-changer for chronic pain management
• The innovative Endometriosis360 program combining psychology, physiotherapy, and nutrition
• Practical tools and homework assignments that create lasting change

Episode Highlights

Dr. Katz's Journey: From Pain Lab to Patient Care

Dr. Katz describes her path from clinical psychology training in a specialized pain lab focusing on bladder pain syndrome and pelvic pain conditions to becoming a registered health psychologist. Her unique background combines traditional clinical psychology with specialized expertise in chronic health conditions, pain management, and helping patients stick to treatment plans.

The Evolutionary Mismatch: Why Our Pain System is Outdated

Learn why our nervous system's danger detection mechanisms, perfectly designed for escaping predators, can become problematic in modern life. Dr. Katz explains how chronic pain conditions like endometriosis involve a sensitized nervous system that sends danger signals even when there's no actual tissue damage, creating a cycle of fear and avoidance.

The Science of Pain: Acute vs. Chronic

Discover the critical 12-week transition point where acute pain can become chronic, and understand how the nervous system becomes "sensitized" over time. Dr. Katz breaks down complex neurobiology into understandable concepts, explaining how chronic pain involves mixed-up chemical messengers rather than ongoing tissue damage.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Rewiring Your Pain Response

Explore how CBT helps patients examine and change their relationship with pain-related thoughts and beliefs. From "pain equals danger" to "pain is uncomfortable but not dangerous," learn how shifting these core beliefs can dramatically impact functioning and quality of life.

The Endometriosis360 Revolution: Interdisciplinary Care at Its Best

Get an inside look at this innovative 6-week virtual program that combines the expertise of Dr. Katz (psychology), Jill Mueller (physiotherapy), Dr. Matthew Leonardi (gynecological surgery), and Emily Arthur (nutrition). Discover how this "master class" approach addresses endometriosis from multiple angles simultaneously, leading to profound transformations in just six weeks.

Beyond Pain Relief: Identity Transformation

Learn about the surprising "identity crisis" many patients experience when they're no longer defined by their pain. Dr. Katz shares how successful treatment can lead to profound questions about purpose, relationships, and life goals when chronic pain no longer dominates daily existence.

Episode Chapters

00:00-11:00: Introduction and Dr. Katz's Background – From pain lab research to clinical practice
11:01-24:00: Understanding Pain Science – Evolutionary biology meets modern neuroscience
24:01-32:00: The Acute to Chronic Pain Transition – When protective mechanisms go wrong
32:01-45:00: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Pain – Changing thoughts to change outcomes
45:01-58:00: The Endometriosis360 Program – Revolutionary interdisciplinary care
58:01-68:00: Practical Tools and Home Practice – What patients do between sessions
68:01-75:00: Success Stories and Transformations – From pain patient to empowered individual

Connect with Dr. Laura Katz

Endometriosis360 Program: @endometriosis360 on Instagram
Private Practice: MindFit (Director of Health Psychology)
Academic Role: Assistant Professor at McMaster University
Clinical Work: Michael G. DeGroote Pain Clinic at McMaster University

Connect with The Hole Shebang

Website: Blueberry Therapy Pelvic Health and Pediatrics
Instagram: @blueberrytherapyepelvichealth

Dr. Katz's Theme Song for Her Life and Career

"Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift – representing the resilience needed in trauma work, parenting young children, and innovating in healthcare. As Dr. Katz explains, "Part of resiliency is just being able to shake it off" whether dealing with challenging patient sessions, demanding toddlers, or healthcare system obstacles.

Key Resources Mentioned

• Bounce Back: Ontario's online CBT program with self-guided modules
• Mind Over Mood: CBT book by Padesky and Greenberg
• Pain-specific CBT books: (Available through Dr. Katz's recommendations)
• Endometriosis360 Assessment: 90-minute interdisciplinary virtual assessment
• Endometriosis360 Group Program: 6-week evidence-based virtual program