Dr. Halpern’s education and training qualified him to treat a wide variety of patients of different age groups, diversified cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. His interest in chronic pain started when he worked on his PhD dissertation, which involved teaching people relaxation strategies. His research provided understanding that not only does relaxation training reduces anxiety, but also lowers blood pressure and helps patients cope with chronic pain. Dr. Halpern’s experience includes working with patients in chronic pain at the rehabilitation hospital in Southfield Michigan. In 1997, he became an independent pain consultant for the Michigan Pain Institute at St. Joseph Mercy, Saline, Chelsea, and McPherson Hospitals. Since that time he has evaluated and treated thousands of chronic pain patients suffering from numerous types of pain disorders. His approach to treating pain patients is a combination of relaxation therapy and talk therapy.