Chronic Pain References

Biofeedback & Relaxation Training has been shown to significantly improve patients' ability to manage their chronic pain and insomnia (National Institute of Health, 1995). This type of behavioral medicine uses a physiological monitor and relaxation techniques to increase a patient's control over basic physiology (breathing, heart rate, temperature, skin resistance, etc.), thus helping them to decrease pain. It typically takes about 10-12 individual sessions to be effective. The treatment last approximately 50 minutes per visit. Because of its strong support in the research, it is sometimes authorized by insurance plans. Here at PRI, Philip Corrado, Ph.D., and Michelle Post, M.A., provide these services.

Cognitive-Behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to significantly improve patients' ability to manage their chronic pain and insomnia (National Institute of Health, 1995), stress and cardiac problems (New York Times, Jan. 22, 2002). It is a type of behavioral medicine that examines the relationship between thoughts, behaviors, physiology, and moods to see how they may be exacerbating pain. It typically takes about 10-12 individual sessions to be effective. Each visit lasts approximately 50 minutes, and is a type of talk psychotherapy. Sometimes insurance plans will cover this type of treatment. However, due to its alternative nature, it is not always a covered benefit under some insurance plans. When this is the case, you can pay out-of-pocket, use bibliotherapy, or try to access the services in a less expensive group format (e.g., through the pain support group here at PRI).

Psychotherapy Services can also be provided. These include individual, couples, and family counseling for those seeking psychotherapeutic treatment for depression, anxiety, interpersonal problems, and etceteras.

Psychological Services: We also provide psychological assessments including MMPI testing, neuropsychological testing, gastric-bypass psychological evaluations, and citizenship psychological evaluations.

Pain Support Group Services: We lead support groups, which educate people on topics that improve pain management skills, communication and assertiveness skills, sleep, pacing, anxiety, depression, relationships, and give people a connection to and support from other patients who are experiencing similar chronic pain symptoms.

Bibliotherapy is a type of therapy that uses self-help books to work on cognitive-behavioral aspects of pain management. If you are self-disciplined, and motivated to improve, you may also benefit from bibliotherapy (SEE THE BOOKS REFERENCED BELOW). Many books are available in local libraries or bookstores in the Health Psychology section or self-help section.

• Brand, P., & Yancey, P (1993). Pain: The gift nobody wants. HarperCollins Publishers, inc., New York. (Addresses pain management techniques, and more.)
• Burns, D. D. (1999). Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy. Avon Books; New York. (Addresses CBT techniques, moods, self-esteem, stress, anger, guilt, criticism, personal growth, depression and suicide, and more. Approximate cost = $8.00)
• Catalano, E. M. (1987). The Chronic Pain Control Workbook, New Harbinger Publications, Inc., Oakland, CA. (Chapter titles include learning to cope, exercise, stress management, medications, vocational rehabilitation, Dealing with others, information on various chronic pain problems and more. Approximate cost = $20)
• Caudill, M. A. (2002). Managing Pain Before It Manages You, The Guilford Press; New York. (Chapter titles include Beginning to take control of your pain; Understanding pain; the mind-body connection; nutrition and pain; effective communication; problem solving and more. Approximate cost = $20)
• Greenberger, D., & Padesky, C. A. (1995). Mind Over Mood. The Guilford Press; New York. (Chapter titles include Understanding Your Problems, Situations, Moods, and Thoughts, Automatic Thoughts, Alternative or Balanced Thinking, Understanding Depression, Anxiety, Anger, Guilt, Shame, and more. Approximate cost = $20)
• McKay, M,, Davis, M., & Fanning, P. (1981). Thoughts & Feelings: The art of cognitive stress intervention. New Harbinger Publications; Oakland, CA. (Addresses CBT techniques, stress, moods, self-esteem, problem solving, and more.)
• Wells, C., & Nown, G. (1998). The Pain Relief Handbook. Firefly Books (US) Inc. Buffalo, NY. (Pain information, pain medications, using your doctor wisely, alternative medicine, exercise, diet, relaxation, and more.)