About Glenn Banks
Biography
Glenn Banks, LISAC, MFCT, CCTP-II is a licensed professional counselor in Arizona and Utah. He is certified as a Clinical Trauma Professional-Level II and a Critical Incident Stress Debriefer. Glenn has spent a vast amount of time in creating innovative programs that seek outside-the-box alternatives to modern therapies. One of notable programs he developed was the Strategic Harm Reduction Plan for chronic pain and opioid use, which reduced recidivism rates by 18%. He has also spent time in alternative therapies such as equine therapy and wilderness therapy.
Prior to joining The CORE Institute, Glenn was the Director of Behavioral Health at a wellness clinic in Mesa. There, he oversaw all clinical treatment programs and was a facilitator for individual and group counseling. He also spent time as a SMI (Serious Mental Illness) Evaluator in Tempe where he performed evaluations for the State of Arizona. Additionally, Glenn served as a Psychology Associate at the Arizona Department of Corrections where he provided mental health services to inmates.
Glenn earned a master’s degree in Marriage, Family, and Child Counseling from the University of Phoenix. He went to Arizona State University for his bachelor’s degree where he studied political science. He is a current doctoral candidate at the Cummings Institute.
Glenn Banks is a member of the National Association for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors.
Read Our Latest Blogs
Reversing the Forces Behind Persistent Pain
Power of Neuroplastic Transformation: Reversing the Forces Behind Persistent Pain
Introduction
For far too long, the approach to treating persistent pain has focused solely on managing symptoms, attempting to rein in the relentless waves of discomfort. However, a paradigm shift is underway—a shift from symptom management to addressing the root causes that perpetuate pain's persistence. In this blog post, we'll explore the transformative power of neuroplastic transformation in reversing the forces behind persistent pain and restoring normalcy.
Understanding the Forces Behind Persistent Pain
Persistent pain is not a random occurrence but rather a complex interplay of forces within the brain and body that maintain its grip. These forces, ranging from molecular and cellular changes to physiological adaptations, perpetuate the cycle of suffering and hinder the body's ability to return to a state of equilibrium (Vaso et al., 2014).
The Stages of Treatment
Traditional approaches to pain management often fall short in addressing the underlying mechanisms driving persistent pain. However, a new approach is emerging—one that aims to reverse the fundamental forces that maintain pain's persistence. This involves harnessing the incredible power of the brain to:
(1) disconnect expanded pain networks,
(2) halt perpetually firing pain-dedicated nerves,
(3) resolve inflammatory processes,
(4) reverse the energy used to maintain pain receptors, and
(5) restore normal pain responses (Flor & Diers, 2013).
Harnessing Neuroplastic Transformation
At the heart of this transformative approach lies neuroplastic transformation—the brain's remarkable ability to adapt, rewire, and heal. By tapping into this innate capacity for change, individuals can break free from the shackles of persistent pain and reclaim their lives. Through targeted interventions that leverage neuroplasticity, individuals can dismantle the neural circuits that sustain pain and pave the way towards lasting relief (Moseley & Flor, 2012).
Conclusion
The goal of treatment for persistent pain is no longer to merely manage symptoms but to reverse the underlying forces that maintain its persistence. By understanding these forces and the stages of treatment, healthcare providers can unleash the power of neuroplastic transformation to restore normalcy and alleviate suffering. Through innovative research, multidisciplinary collaboration, and a deep understanding of neuroplasticity, we can embark on a journey towards a future where persistent pain is no longer an insurmountable obstacle, but rather a challenge to be overcome with resilience and hope.
References
Apkarian, A. V., & Fields, H. L. (2014). Brain mechanisms of chronic pain: clinical implications. Handbook of Clinical Neurology, 131, 35-58.
Davis, K. D. (2016). Neuroplasticity and chronic pain. Pain Management, 6(1), 71-75.
Moseley, G. L. (2012). Reconceptualizing pain according to modern pain science. Physical Therapy Reviews, 17(3), 123-134.
Woolf, C. J. (2011). Central sensitization: Implications for the diagnosis and treatment of pain. Pain, 152(3 Suppl), S2-S15.
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