Why is it important to incorporate psychotherapy into pain treatment?

Research and clinical experience have shown that the best approach to treating chronic pain involves both traditional medical treatment and psychotherapy focused on pain management techniques.  Chronic pain can be very difficult to deal with and often leads to feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or chronic worry.  Indeed, research has shown that pain is perceived to be worse when accompanied by negative emotions or when the pain is the focus of attention.  Pain management psychotherapy can help in coping with the pain and can reduce the negative emotions that worsen pain.

What topics will be discussed as part of the pain program?

At the beginning of treatment, sessions will focus on education about “pain pathways” (how pain signals are transmitted in the body), including how emotions, thoughts, and stress can actually influence the pain experienced.  A main component of the program involves learning relaxation skills, and we will use biofeedback to help in learning what it feels like to have a relaxed body.  In addition, we will provide more information about what stress is and will explore ways to handle stress.  We will explain the connections among thoughts, emotions, actions, and feelings of pain.  In addition to teaching the behavioral techniques to manage pain, we will provide suport for the family.

What is biofeedback?

Biofeedback is a treatment tool that is used for individuals with many physical and emotional challenges, including chronic pain.  You will be connected to a computer that has software to measure certain physiological processes that are linked to the feeling of pain, such as hand temperature and muscle tension.  With training, you will learn how to bring some of these “automatic” processes under individual control and will learn the difference between what it feels like to be tense versus relaxed.  Biofeedback is generally paired with relaxation training.  The clinic uses biofeedback instrumentation supplied by Thought Technology Ltd. (www.thoughttechnology.com).

Are there any other benefits beyond pain treatment?

The skills taught in this program can be applied to a wide variety of life challenges.  Relaxation and stress management are associated with improved mental and physical health.

Where is the pain program being offered?

This program is being offered through the Clinical Psychology Center (CPC) at the University of Pittsburgh (Oakland campus).  The CPC is a training clinic for graduate students enrolled in the doctoral program in clinical psychology.  All students are closely supervised by licenced mental health providers.  The pain program is overseen by Drs. Anna Marsland and Linda Ewing, internationally known experts on the link between psychological factors and physical functioning.

How much will it cost?

Because the CPC is a training clinic, we determine session fees based on a sliding scale.  Based on your family income, our fees are generally between $5 and $40 per session.

When and how frequent are the sessions?

Therapy sessions will be offered on a weekly basis and will last 50 minutes.  The CPC is open on weekdays, including several evenings.

Whom should I contact for more information?

For more information, please contact the Clinical Psychology Center at the University of Pittsburgh.  The telephone number is 412.624.8822.  Our Email address is clinic@pitt.edu.

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