The Psychologically-Informed Pain Practitioner Certification™ is a professional training that equips practitioners with psychological, behavioral, and whole health approaches to treat pain. Developed at the Integrative Pain Science Institute.
ENROLL NOWThe Psychologically-Informed Pain Practitioner Certification™ was developed by Joe Tatta, PT, DPT in collaboration with a team of leading educators, researchers, and clinicians. The curriculum closely follows best practice recommendations for pain management outlined by:
- APTA Clinical Practice Guidelines
- International Association for the Study of Pain
- Academy of Orthopedic Physical Therapy Pain Education Guidelines
- American College of Physicians Clinical Practice Guidelines
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Task Force on Pain Management
- UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) Guidelines for Pain
- And many others…
Certification Includes:
- Pain Education and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Motivational Interviewing for Chronic Pain
- Trauma-Informed Pain Care
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Pain
- Mindfulness-Based Pain Relief
- Mindful Clinical Mentoring
How This Certification Prepares You For Your Role in Pain Management
The certification approach goes beyond pathology-based treatments that rely on “find-it-and-fix-it” methods consistent with an outdated biomedical model. Instead, it integrates whole health, psychological, and behavioral approaches so that you, the provider, have a better understanding of the patient’s lived pain experience. This improved understanding is used to individualize interventions so that both the physical and psychological factors are addressed. This multimodal approach is supported by empirical evidence and benefits the patient by providing viable options for improving life activities previously limited due to pain. It prepares you with an up-to-date and in-demand approach sought out by physical therapy clinics, pain management centers, rehabilitation hospitals, universities, behavioral health, and addiction treatment centers. The certification ends with how to teach these skills to junior staff and peers.
CEU-Approved Professional Training
Fully accredited for 61 Physical Therapy Continuing Education Units!
The Integrative Pain Science Institute is an approved provider for PT, OT, and health coaches. If your profession is not represented, we will provide you with the information needed to submit for board approval.
Early positive scientific findings demonstrate that professionals who complete the didactic and experiential aspects of the training possess essential skills and tools which positively influence their professional practice and patient outcomes.
Key components of the training are also associated with decreased professional burnout, compassion fatigue, and secondary traumatic stress. Practitioners graduate from the program with a comprehensive understanding of pain and are armed with evidence-based tools to empower and build resilience for improved quality of life.
The Psychologically-Informed Pain Practitioner Certification™ is comprehensive, science-backed, and ready for immediate implementation into your classroom, clinic, or research study.
ANY healthcare clinician may register for the certification!
ENROLL TODAYFaculty
Joe Tatta PT, DPT, CNS
Dr. Joe Tatta is an innovator and leader in integrative pain care. Through the Institute, he teaches courses and provides mentorship to practitioners interested in reinventing pain care through evidence-based treatment, research, and professional development. His research and career achievements include scalable practice models centered on lifestyle medicine, health behavior change, and digital therapeutics. He earned his BS in physical therapy from SUNY Health Science Center and DPT from Arcadia University. He is also a Board-Certified Nutrition Specialist and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy trainer. Joe is the author of two bestselling books and host of The Healing Pain Podcast. Additionally, he is an adjunct professor at the Arcadia University DPT program.
Annette M. Willgens
PT, MA, EdD
Dr. Annette Willgens is a clinical associate professor in the department of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences and Program in Physical Therapy at Temple University. She earned her Physical Therapy degree at Ithaca College, her Master of Education at New York University, and her Doctor of Education at Northcentral University. She is a pediatric practitioner of over 30 years and continues to practice clinically at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. As director of admissions, her scholarly agenda includes student success, resilience to stress, and affective domain skills across the curriculum.
Jeremy Fletcher
PT, DPT, OCS
Dr. Jeremy Fletcher currently serves as the Director of Community Integration for Veterans Recovery Resources, a by-Veteran for-Veteran non-profit mental health organization located in Mobile, Alabama. Dr. Fletcher recently served as an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy where he also earned his Doctor of Physical Therapy degree in 2010. He has presented at state, national, and international levels on the topics of chronic pain, health behavior, and community/population health. He is Board-Certified Orthopedic Clinical Specialist, a Major in the US Army Reserve, and holds several leadership positions for non-profit organizations in Mobile, AL. His service in the War in Afghanistan earned him the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious service in a combat zone. He is a Veteran, father, coach, and husband.
Rose M. Pignataro
PT, PhD, DPT
Dr. Rose M. Pignataro leads the Institute course on Motivational Interviewing for Chronic Pain. She is a doctor of physical therapy with more than 30 years of direct patient care experience, including the treatment of chronic pain and associated conditions. In addition to her clinical background, Dr. Pignataro has a PhD in public health, with a strong focus on social and behavioral theory, health promotion and wellness. She is a certified health education specialist (CHES) and certified wound management specialist (CWS). Rose is an Associate Professor and Assistant Chair of Physical Therapy at Emory & Henry College in Marion, Virginia.
Carey E. Rothschild
PT, DPT, OCS, SCS, CSCS
Dr. Carey Rothschild is an Assistant Professor in the Doctor of Physical Therapy Program at the University of Central Florida. Dr. Rothschild earned a Bachelor of Health Science in Physical Therapy in 1999 from the University of Florida and a Doctor of Physical Therapy from Boston University in 2005. She became board-certified in Orthopaedic Physical Therapy in 2006 (recertified 2016) and in Sports Physical Therapy in 2012. She completed the course work in pelvic physical therapy and earned a Certificate of Achievement in Pelvic Physical Therapy in 2020. Her 20 years of clinical practice has been in the areas of orthopedics and sports medicine. Her research interests include management of running injuries, conditions of the female athlete, and pain neuroscience education.
What Professionals Are Saying…
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who can register for this certification? ExpandWe welcome anyone who cares for people with pain. This includes PT, PTA, OT, COTA, MD, DO, DC, RN, NP, PA, Pharm, mental health, RD, nutritionist, health coach, life coach, fitness/wellness professional and pastoral counselors.
Is this program approved for CEUs? ExpandYes! The certification is worth a total of 61 CEUs.
The Integrative Pain Science Institute is an approved provider for PT, OT, and health coaches. The Integrative Pain Science Institute is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. If your profession is not represented, we will provide you with the information needed to submit for board approval.
How long does it take to complete the certification? ExpandThe certification can be completed in as little as six months.
How much time do I have to complete the certification? ExpandYou have unlimited access to coursework.
What if I fall behind, get sick, etc.? ExpandIf you have a life event that slows you down, we’ll create a custom plan so you can comfortably complete the certification.
What credentials can I use after my name to indicate certification? ExpandThe value of certification enhances credibility and respect from peers. Upon successful completion of the certification, you can use the initials PIP® (Psychologically Informed Practitioner) after your name to indicate validation of knowledge.
How does this fit within my scope of practice? ExpandAll health and wellness professionals may (and do) use principles of behavior change. This certification provides important psychologically-based skills and techniques proven to help people overcome pain.
Have more questions?
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