The Women’s Pain Summit: Science, Stories, and SolutionsAn Experiential Panel for Mental Health Providers
Presented by the Women’s Wellness CommitteeSan Diego Psychological Association
When: Saturday, October 18th from 8:30am-1:00pm ***Light breakfast will be served*** Where: In person at the SDPA Office United Way Building, 4699 Murphy Canyon Rd, San Diego, CA 92123
Overview
Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent, complex, and misunderstood health issues facing women today. This experiential panel brings together clinicians, researchers, and lived experience experts to illuminate the intersection of women’s pain, trauma, and the need for integrated care models that bridge physical and mental health.
Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the patient experience of chronic pain, the physiology of pain, the impact of toxic stress and hormones, and how trauma-informed frameworks can radically shift outcomes for chronic pain patients—especially women. The session includes storytelling, case studies, clinical strategies, and interactive exercises designed to help providers
listen differently, respond more compassionately, and advocate more effectively.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Panel Presenters
Tracey Chester, LMFT
Founder, Pain Trauma Institute | Chronic pain specialist, author, and surf therapy researcher
“A Life Shaped by Women’s Pain and Insight”
Michelle Sexton, ND
Naturopathic Doctor,physician/scientist, author, speaker and Integrative Medicine specialist across the lifespan
"Whole Person Pain Care: the Biopsychosocial Model"
Autumn Backhaus, PhD
Psychologist; Founder, MID(ish) & ART + PSYCH Services | Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, UC San Diego | Psychologist, VA San Diego
"The Cultural and Systemic Story of Women’s Pain: History, Hormones, and Healthcare Navigation”
Lisa McJunkin, LMFT, CHTP
COO of Daydream MD l Complex Trauma Recovery & KAP Therapist
“Healing the Pain Body: Ketamine Assisted Therapy, Trauma, and the Nervous System”
Jandra Mueller, DPT, MS, IF
Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist and Educator SHEFit Physical Therapy
“Psychology Meets Pelvic Health: Collaborative Care for Women's Sexual Health”
Who Should Attend
Psychologists, LMFTs, LCSWs, primary care-integrated providers, and any clinician working with women, trauma, or chronic illness.
Registration
PLEASE NOTE: Registration will close on 10/15!
For questions about the content of this presentation please contact Tracey Chester, LMFT: tracey@paintraumainstitute.com, www.paintraumainstitute.com
For questions about registration/Women’s Wellness Committee, please contact Claire Deierhoi-Clark, PhD: claire@drdeierhoiclarkpsychology.com
PRODUCED BY: Ethics and Standards Committee
FACILITATED BY: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D.
DATE/TIME: Thursday, October 23rd, 2025 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
LOCATION: Zoom
RSVP: Rochelle Perper, Ph.D. rochelle@therapychanges.com
WHO: SDPA Members & Non-Members Welcome!
FEE: Free
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD): This event was designed to support CPD hours in the subject of laws and ethics as they apply to the practice of Psychology to meet California licensure requirements. Please note that it is the responsibility of the participant to maintain a record of the CPD activity that includes the date, medium, topic or title and the total number of hours. It is not the responsibility of SDPA to maintain a record of participation nor to provide certification of the event. Visit the California Board of Psychology Continuing Professional Development Information page for important CPD resources including FAQs, and a sample reporting form.
This year’s ceremony celebrates 65 years of SDPA leadership and impact. The evening will include inspiring conversations, community recognition, and awards honoring Senator Katherine Blakespear and the General Manager of KPBS (also, celebrating 65 years!).
Join us for an intimate evening honoring this year's outstanding award recipients through inspiring and connecting conversations (versus traditional acceptance speeches).
Note: Presenters, Awardee (and one guest), SDPA fellows and Past Presidents attend for free (They will still need to register)
Contact Us:San Diego Psychological Association4699 Murphy Canyon Rd. Suite 105San Diego, CA 92123
Katherine ProsserOffice Manager Office (858) 277-1463 Fax (858) 277-1402 E-Mail sdpa@sdpsych.org