In-person in Greater Boston (Sharon, MA) | Telehealth across Massachusetts
Breaking the Cycle: Evidence-Based Care for Sleep and Chronic Pain
When physiological patterns like insomnia or chronic pain become entrenched, they require more than general support.
As a specialist in Health Psychology/Behavioral Medicine, I help you implement personalized interventions to recalibrate your system and restore your quality of life.
Dr. Patricia Wong, Clinical Health Psychologist
The Science of Why You’re Stuck
If you are struggling with sleep or persistent pain, you aren’t "just stressed"—you are navigating a complex physiological feedback loop within the mind-body relationship. In the U.S. alone, over 50 million adults live with chronic pain, and 30% of the population experiences insomnia.
Many of my clients come to me feeling betrayed by their own bodies. They’ve done the research, seen the specialists, and tried the standard medical treatments, yet they still feel like their nervous system is stuck in a state of "high alert."
Understanding the Mechanism
For many people, the frustration often lies in not understanding why the body won't reset or how to break out of the cycle.
-
In Chronic Pain: The brain can become overly sensitive, treating benign signals as "danger," a process known as central sensitization.
-
In Insomnia: The natural "sleep drive" often becomes decoupled from the body's internal clock, creating a cycle of hyperarousal that makes sleep feel like a strenuous nightly performance rather than a natural, restorative process.
A Path Forward
Specialized Support for Sleep, Chronic Pain, and Chronic Illness
You don't need another person telling you to "just relax." You need the knowledge and tools to recalibrate your system.
If you work with me, we will go beyond general talk therapy. My approach is protocol-driven, holistic, and focuses on the intersection of your biology, behavior, and psychology. By targeting the specific neural and behavioral patterns perpetuating your symptoms, we work to help you move from simply managing symptoms to regaining a sense of agency in your body.
Ways We Can Work Together
1
Sleep Treatment (CBT-I)
Pediatrics + Adults
Insomnia treatment using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), the gold standard in Behavioral Sleep Medicine, to help you restore sleep without relying on medication. I also help address other sleep disorders, CPAP adherence, and support for tapering off sleep medications.
With a personalized, data-driven approach and flexible care options, we target the underlying causes of sleep difficulties so you can see lasting improvement in weeks, not years.
2
Chronic Pain Treatment
Adolescents + Adults
Chronic pain treatment using Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) to recalibrate the nervous system and reduce neuroplastic (non-structural) pain, alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to build the psychological flexibility needed to reclaim your quality of life from pain.
With a tailored, targeted approach, we work to reduce pain intensity, improve daily functioning, and help you re-engage with life based on your values rather than limitations.
3
Integrated Therapy
Adults Only
Chronic illness often initiates a complex cascade of physiological and psychological stress. Integrated therapy addresses the medical trauma, health-anxiety, and depressive cycles that often complicate long-term health journeys.
Using CBT, ACT, and health-focused interventions, we address the "hidden" burden of illness and help you reconnect with your core values and restore a sense of agency and intention, even in the presence of physical limitations.
Meet Dr. Patricia Wong
Many of my patients arrive with a stack of research and the frustrating sense that they’ve ‘tried everything.’ If you feel that way, it’s usually because your symptoms have been treated as separate parts rather than a connected system. Sleep and pain aren’t just in your head—they are physiological loops that have simply gotten stuck.
As a Clinical Health Psychologist, I bridge the gap between science and the reality of being a human. My approach is less 'generic therapy' and more 'collaborative realignment.' We use a structured, mechanism-based framework to target the biological drivers of your symptoms—but we tailor that science to fit your actual life, not a textbook.
I’m a big believer in evidence-based protocols, but I also know that clinical data is useless if it doesn't come with a dose of humor and a grounded, down-to-earth partnership. Whether we are working in a short-term, targeted sprint to resolve a specific sleep issue or engaging in longer-term support to navigate the complexities of chronic illness, our goal remains the same: moving you from passive symptom management to active, meaningful recovery.
A Note to Prospective Clients
Thank you for visiting. I welcome you to explore this site to learn more about my background and specialized services.
To ensure the highest standard of dedicated, individualized care—unencumbered by the constraints of insurance—I maintain a private pay practice. For those with out-of-network benefits, I am happy to provide documentation to assist you in seeking reimbursement. I encourage you to contact your carrier to verify your specific coverage, and I am available to discuss this process with you further.
Choosing a psychologist to partner with on your health journey is a significant step. I welcome you to reach out with any questions so we can determine if my clinical framework and collaborative style align with your goals. I look forward to the possibility of partnering with you on your path toward restoration and functional health.
-Patricia Wong, PhD