What is Behavioral Medicine?
Behavioral Medicine combines the psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of the whole person. Clinicians use the integration of these concepts to understand the trajectory of a person’s injury and their pathway to health. Understanding the development of the behavioral, psychosocial, and medical background help providers individualize care to establish prevention, diagnosis, and treatment interventions.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, also referred to as CBT, is a type of therapy in which patients identify negative thought patterns and replace them with positive ones. In other words, we will examine how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors impact each other, as well as your beliefs and emotional experience of pain.
- Unlike other forms of psychotherapy, CBT focuses on the present, not past conflicts. CBT is usually short-term and has been used to help those living with chronic pain. CBT is most effective when used in conjunction with other treatments, including physical reconditioning or medications.
- CBT may be conducted one-on-one or within group settings. Skills that patients may be taught include keeping a thought diary, pacing activities, and relaxation therapy.
What are the benefits of CBT?
- Decreased psychological distress
- Improved pain management skills
- Increased self-efficacy (the belief in one’s capacity to organize and execute the sources of action required to manage prospective situations)
- Improved quality of life and increased physical and emotional functioning
- Some research has shown that patients treated with CBT have fewer visits to healthcare providers.
What topics are covered in CBT Group?
In order to maximize self-management skills of chronic pain, the ROC staff work to discuss a variety of subjects. Topics include, but are not limited to the following:
- Acceptance and Commitment
- Acute versus Chronic Pain
- Anger Management
- Assertiveness Training
- Barriers to Maintaining Skills
- Cognitive Distortions
- Cultural Sensitivity and Issues
- Pain Related Medical Issues
- Motivational Interviewing
- Relapse Prevention
- Relaxation Exercises, including Diaphragmatic Breathing/Deep Breathing/Relaxation Breathing, Visualization/Guided Imagery, Passive Muscle Relaxation, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, and Mindfulness Meditation
- Sleep Hygiene, Architecture, & Stages of Sleep
- Stages of Change
- Stress Management