Pain Management

What is CBT for pain management?

Cognitive behavioural treatment (CBT) for pain management is based upon a CBT model of pain developed through extensive research with patients experiencing physical pain.
 

CBT is an evidence based approach which aims to assist people to manage their experiences of pain in more helpful and productive ways.

The central concept of our approach is that pain is a complex experience that is not only influenced by its underlying physical experience, but also by an individuals' thoughts/images, feelings and behaviour.

Our approach to CBT for pain management has the following basic elements:

• a treatment rationale that helps to understand that thoughts/images and behaviour can affect the pain experience

• emphasis on the role that clients can play in controlling their own pain.

How the CBT Pain Management approach works

• CBT teaches coping skills through a broad range of cognitive and behavioural strategies for managing pain, including relaxation training, guided imagery, and cued relaxation techniques.

• Activity pacing and pleasant activity scheduling are used to help patients increase the level and range of their activities and return to more "normal" activities and levels of activity in a helpful way.

• Training in distraction techniques such as pleasant imagery, counting methods, and use of a focal point helps clients learn to divert their attention away from episodes of severe pain.

• Cognitive restructuring is used to help patients identify and challenge overly negative pain-related thoughts/images and to replace these thoughts/images with more helpful coping thoughts/images.

• Problem solving methods are taught to enable clients to consider and develop plans for dealing with sudden pain episodes and other challenging situations. Specific techniques to maintain what has been learnt during sessions will be implemented to maintain therapeutic ongoing improvements.

How are clients referred?

CBT-Birmingham is a private treatment service which provides access to CBT therapists working in clinics in the Midlands and in a selected location in London. We also work online. We take referrals from individuals, organisations, solicitors, GPs, and case managers.

While CBT is highly effective for many, EMDR may be a better fit for others. Visit EMDR-Birmingham.co.uk to explore which approach best suits your needs.

CBT-Birmingham
+44 7828 754390
info@cbt-birmingham.co.uk

Mo, Tu, We, Th, Fr 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Outside of our opening hours please leave a message and we will get back to you within 24 hours. You can contact us via email or WhatsApp. If we are not available we will respond to you within 24 hours.

Please be aware that we do not offer a crisis or out of hours service.

If your need is urgent, please use your GP, NHS111 or your local A&E service.
If you need to speak to someone, contact the Samaritans on a free 24-hour line from any phone on 116 123.