About Clarissa
Clarissa James (RSW, MSW, BSW, BA) is a compassionate and client-centered therapist specializing in the treatment of chronic pain and trauma for adults and youth (ages 14+). Clarissa is a Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) Practitioner, certified by the Pain Reprocessing Therapy Center, and is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy. She is one of a small number of mental health professionals in Ontario with advanced Pain Reprocessing Therapy training. Clarissa is the founder and owner of Chickadee Therapy.
###Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT)
Pain Reprocessing Therapy is a scientifically supported, mind-body approach designed to treat chronic pain that originates from the brain and nervous system—rather than from ongoing tissue damage or structural injury. This type of pain is often called neuroplastic pain. While the pain is very real, it is the result of a hypersensitive or misfiring pain system in the brain.
PRT helps clients retrain the brain to interpret bodily signals more accurately and reduce the threat response that fuels chronic pain. This is done through education, somatic (body-based) awareness, and emotional processing. The goal is to rewire the brain’s response to pain, allowing people to break free from persistent pain cycles and return to the activities they value.
Neuroplastic pain is much more common than people realize. Research suggests that a large percentage of chronic pain cases are neuroplastic in nature, meaning the pain is generated or amplified by the brain and nervous system—not necessarily due to ongoing physical damage. Some common conditions PRT can help with include:
Chronic back or neck pain
Fibromyalgia
Headache disorders and migraines
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
Temporomandibular Joint Disorder (TMJ)
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS)
Pelvic pain
Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
Sciatica (without significant structural cause)
Tinnitus
PRT is not a replacement for medical care in cases of clear tissue damage or active medical conditions. However, when pain persists beyond expected healing time or when no clear medical explanation can be found, PRT can be a life-changing part of recovery. Clarissa is proud to be part of a collaborative team at Cobblestone Medicine and Rehab, where interdisciplinary care is prioritized to best support each client’s needs.
Clarissa’s personal experience with chronic migraine, which she was able to successfully treat using PRT, deeply informs her work. Her healing journey inspired her to specialize in treating chronic pain with compassion, insight, and a commitment to cutting-edge, evidence-based care.
### Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing Therapy (EMDR)
Clarissa also offers EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) Therapy—an extensively researched, evidence-based approach for treating trauma and emotional distress. EMDR helps people process traumatic memories and reduce their emotional charge, often leading to significant relief from symptoms of trauma, including post-traumatic stress.
Unlike traditional talk therapy, EMDR uses bilateral stimulation (such as eye movements or tapping) to help the brain reprocess distressing experiences and integrate them more adaptively. This supports the brain and body in re-establishing safety, calming the nervous system, and promoting lasting emotional resilience.
Clarissa integrates EMDR into her trauma work with both adults and adolescents (14+), drawing on its powerful ability to support nervous system regulation, emotional processing, and the resolution of stuck trauma responses. EMDR also complements her work with chronic pain, as unresolved trauma and persistent pain are often deeply interconnected.
With a deep commitment to helping individuals reclaim their lives, Clarissa blends cutting-edge mind-body therapies like PRT and EMDR with a warm, relational style grounded in empathy and collaboration.
###In addition to her work with chronic pain and trauma, Clarissa supports individuals navigating:
Anxiety and depression
Addiction and recovery
Caregiver and family stress
Emotional dysregulation and nervous system overwhelm
Her approach is strengths-based, honouring each person's resilience and capacity for growth. By creating a safe, nonjudgmental space, she empowers people to explore their experiences, build emotional insight, and develop tools for long-term well-being.
Clarissa brings over a decade of experience in social service work, which has shaped her trauma-informed, client-centered approach and deepened her understanding of how people’s unique identities and life experiences shape the challenges they face. She works collaboratively with each person to create a support plan that fits their individual needs. Drawing on evidence-based practices and a deep respect for each individual’s unique story, she is dedicated to helping people move toward healing, self-awareness, and a more fulfilling life.
To learn more about Clarissa and her services, visit www.chickadeetherapy.ca
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