Chronic pain and insomnia often involve cycles of physiological arousal, anticipatory anxiety, frustration, and attempts to resist or control uncomfortable experiences that can intensify distress and suffering. What if the path toward greater ease begins not with eliminating symptoms, but with transforming how we relate to them?
This experiential workshop introduces clinicians and contemplative teachers to an integrative, evidence-informed approach drawing from Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT), Mindfulness-Based Therapy for Insomnia (MBTI), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy, Mindful Self-Compassion, other self-compassion interventions, and clinical hypnosis.
Rather than positioning symptom reduction as the primary measure of success, we will explore three complementary therapeutic pathways: mindful awareness and metacognitive flexibility; compassionate responding and self-soothing; and hypnotic processes involving imagery, suggestion, and experiential engagement. Together, these approaches offer opportunities to step back from habitual patterns of reactivity, soften the struggle with difficult experiences, and cultivate greater ease, rest, and equanimity—even when pain or sleeplessness persists.
Through brief guided contemplative and hypnotic practices, clinical examples, and practical applications, participants will explore how to select, sequence, and adapt these approaches for individuals experiencing chronic pain, insomnia, and diverse cognitive, sensory, and physical needs. Emphasis will be placed on translating these practices into everyday life, helping individuals access internal resources for steadiness, compassionate holding, and restoration amid ongoing challenges.
CE Learning Objectives
Following this presentation, participants will be able to:
- Identify cognitive, emotional, and physiological processes that contribute to cycles of distress associated with chronic pain and insomnia, including therapeutic processes that support psychological flexibility and equanimity.
- Differentiate the complementary contributions of mindfulness, self-compassion, and clinical hypnosis in cultivating metacognitive awareness, compassionate responding, and experiential resources for working with pain and sleeplessness.
- Describe at least two strategies for selecting, adapting, and integrating mindfulness, compassion-based, and hypnotic practices to support individuals experiencing chronic pain, insomnia, and diverse cognitive, sensory, and physical needs.
About Presenter
Esther Estey, PhD, is a bilingual Hispanic rehabilitation psychologist at VA Palo Alto Health Care System, affiliated with Stanford University School of Medicine, and part-time Lecturer in Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. She serves as Associate Director of Mindfulness-Based Teacher Training Operations at the Center for Mindfulness and Compassion, Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School, and on the board and faculty of the Institute for Meditation and Psychotherapy, a Harvard Medical School affiliate.
Raised in a religious cult in the mountains of Washington State, Dr. Estey did not set foot in a formal classroom until age 27. Her journey from isolation to international scholarship informs her commitment to helping others reclaim agency, reconnect with their bodies, and restore embodied freedom amid trauma, injury, and illness.
A certified Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) teacher, trained Mindful Self-Compassion teacher, and yoga teacher, she has extensive contemplative training through Oxford, Brown, UMass, and UC San Diego. Her approach integrates mindfulness, compassion, somatic therapies, clinical hypnosis, and evidence-based psychological interventions.
Her clinical and teaching work spans Veterans, special operations forces, and individuals navigating neurological injury, chronic pain, insomnia, and traumatic stress. She is known for her expertise in clinician training, supervision, and designing accessible, neurodiversity- and disability-informed mindfulness programs.
Dr. Estey co-edits the forthcoming Oxford University Press volume Mindfulness and Contemplative Interventions in Health and Rehabilitation Psychology.
References
Bindicsova, I., Hides, L. M., Brain, K., Hodson, F. J., Jackson, P., Jensen, M. P., Ehde, D. M., & Day, M. A. (2025). Internet-delivered mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (iMBCT) for chronic pain symptom management in adults: A pilot randomized controlled trial. The Journal of Pain, 32, Article 105429. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpain.2025.105429
Chamine, I., Atchley, R., & Oken, B. S. (2018). Hypnosis intervention effects on sleep outcomes: A systematic review. Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine, 14(2), 271–283. https://doi.org/10.5664/jcsm.6952
Day, M. A. (2017). Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy for chronic pain: A clinical manual and guide. John Wiley & Sons. https://doi.org/10.1002/9781119257875
Elkins, G. R. (Ed.). (2016). Handbook of medical and psychological hypnosis: Foundations, applications, and professional issues. Springer Publishing Company.
Lanzaro, C., Carvalho, S. A., Lapa, T. A., Valentim, A., & Gago, B. (2021). A systematic review of self-compassion in chronic pain: From correlation to efficacy. The Spanish Journal of Psychology, 24, Article e26. https://doi.org/10.1017/SJP.2021.22
Ong, J. C. (2016). Mindfulness-based therapy for insomnia. American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/pubs/books/4317416
Ong, J. C., & Sholtes, D. (2010). A mindfulness-based approach to the treatment of insomnia. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 66(11), 1175–1184. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20736
Torrijos-Zarcero, M., Mediavilla, R., Rodríguez-Vega, B., Del Río-Diéguez, M., López-Álvarez, I., Rocamora-González, C., & Palao-Tarrero, Á. (2021). Mindful Self-Compassion program for chronic pain patients: A randomized controlled trial. European Journal of Pain, 25(4), 930–944. https://doi.org/10.1002/ejp.1734
Intended audience: Mental health professionals, healthcare clinicians, and contemplative teachers.
This presentation is intended for licensed healthcare practitioners and advanced graduate student trainees seeking licensure with at least 1000 clinical practice hours. The instructional level of this presentation is BEGINNER.
Note: This workshop does not require attendees to have a formal mindfulness practice.
Continuing Education
- Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
- Philadelphia Behavior Therapy Association is also approved by the NY State Education Department to offer psychology continuing education
- This program provides one (1) CE credits
- PBTA is also an authorized provider of CE credits for Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Clinical Social Workers licensed in the state of Pennsylvania. Non-Psychologist Licensees outside of PA & practitioners outside of the USA please confirm eligibility with your specific licensing board.
- Full attendance with video display is required to obtain CE credit for this program. APA guidelines do not permit PBTA to issue partial CE credits. No refunds are provided for CE programs. No exceptions allowed.
- All events are Eastern Time Zone
- Contact Claire, PBTA's CE assistant if you need any learning accommodations no later than one week before event. Email Claire at pbtacontinuingedassistant@gmail.com
