How Does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Help with Pain Management
Pain psychology is the use of evidence-based treatments for chronic pain that target not only the body but the mind as well. Our pain specialists of North Carolina offer pain psychology therapies because we know that pain does not exist in a social vacuum. Non-physiological factors such as personality, cognitions, beliefs, socio-cultural variables, learning and emotional reactivity all contribute significantly to a patient’s perception of pain.
Several weeks ago, we wrote a post about Biofeedback – a very popular form of pain psychology therapy that we offer at our clinic for chronic pain. Today we’re going to unpack another type of treatment that falls under the pain psychology umbrella: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
There are several well-researched methods of treating chronic pain that fall under the umbrella of Pain Psychology. One of the more widely recognized techniques is known as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
CBT is a pain management strategy that target’s the brain’s perception of pain. With the help of a specialized psychologist, a patient can learn how to identify and change his/her thoughts, feelings and behaviors about their condition.
How Does CBT Treat Pain?
CBT helps the patient recognize irrational thinking and unhealthy behavioral patterns. These patterns are often automatic and unconscious. Through the use of talk therapy, patients learn how to identify pain responses and create new methods of managing them.
What does this look like?
CBT changes the way a person thinks about pain: Techniques and tools will be taught that help the patient reimagine the emotions and thoughts surrounding the idea of pain. This is also designed to target the anxiety and/or depression surrounding chronic pain.
CBT changes the way a person responds to pain: Once the thoughts surrounding pain are more positive and manageable, patients will also be taught practical skills to gain control over their physical response to pain. This can include strategies for muscle relaxation, breathing and mindfulness.
Our pain psychology team of pain specialists of North Carolina would be happy to answer any questions you may have about how CBT could affect your specific condition.
What to Expect in a CBT Session
If you’ve ever participated in traditional counseling or therapy, you will notice that CBT is very similar. While each patient will experience slight differences in their CBT sessions according to their specific needs, most can generally expect the following:
Intake with the therapist to learn about your specific condition, past/current treatments, goals and biggest challenges.
Several sessions focused on identifying current patterns, thoughts and behaviors surrounding your chronic pain.
Several sessions creating new [healthier] patterns, thoughts and behaviors surrounding your chronic pain.
Homework/exercises for you to practice CBT techniques between sessions.
Consistent, regular evaluation of how CBT is impacting your chronic pain.
As with any therapy, the more effort you are willing to put into it, the greater the potential for success.
Pain Clinic Asheville NC
Whatever type of chronic pain you are living with, you don’t have to go through it alone. We offer several different forms of pain psychology services at our pain clinics, including CBT, health and nutrition counseling, psychological evaluations and more. Visit our Pain Psychology and Treatments pages to learn about all the ways we can help. Call today to speak with a specialist about what we can do for you!