Chronic Pain & CBT

Presenter: Dr Rob Schütze

***SOLD OUT***

Chronic pain is highly prevalent and is often disabling, distressing and costly, but psychologists are not always well-equipped to help people with their pain experience. This masterclass aims to increase your confidence and interest in working with people in pain.

One in five Australians lives with chronic pain and there is an increased incidence of comorbid mental health problems in this population. Psychologists will therefore commonly work with people in pain, although this might not be the reason for referral or the focus of therapy. Research suggests we are not always confident with these presentations and current psychology training curricula have limited content related to pain.

This masterclass provides an overview of the role of psychologists in pain management, including a review of the evidence for different interventions. We will discuss the lived experience and ‘normal psychology’ of chronic pain, as well as influential cognitive-behavioural models of pain-related disability. Key challenges and obstacles when working with pain clients will be explored, along with ideas for overcoming these.

Key Learning Objectives

1. Understand the lived experience of chronic pain
2. Understand the role of and evidence for psychology in pain management
3. Understand how to address key challenges in working with clients in pain

Assumed Background Knowledge and Experience of Attendees

Intermediate: Working knowledge of topic area; e.g., treated a few cases

Implications / Applications of Learning for Clinical Practice

Participants will hopefully come away with a better understanding of pain psychology, as well as increased confidence and enthusiasm for working with people whose pain causes distress and disability.

Duration & Format / Training Modalities

This masterclass will be using didactic presentation, discussion and case examples.

This workshop has 2 hours CPD, and morning tea is included in your registration.

References – readings

Darnall, B. D. (2019). Clinical health psychology series. Psychological treatment for patients with chronic pain. Washington, DC, US: American Psychological Association

Nicholson Perry, K. (2016). The psychology of chronic pain. InPsych 38.

Eccleston, C., Morley, S., and Williams, A. (2013). Psychological approaches to chronic pain management: evidence and challenges. BJA: British Journal of Anaesthesia, Volume 111, Issue 1, 1 July 2013, Pages 59–63.

Please arrive after 9:30am for a 10:00am start.

Non-members can join now and have free entry, plus all the other advantages of AACBT Membership!