Cognitive Behavioral Pain Management Groups

Group 1: Cognitive Therapy for Chronic Pain

• Clarify the difference between acute vs. persistent pain
• Learn about the bio-psycho-social model of pain
• Learn about stages of treatment for persistent pain to understand emotional roller coaster
• Understand the relationship between pain and stress
• Learn what is most helpful in coping with pain (i.e. pacing, increased functional activity, relaxation, etc.)
• Understand the connections between events, thoughts, feelings, and actions in the pain experience
• Learn to monitor thoughts/self-talk and impact on how you feel
• Learn how to pace yourself and set healthy limits
• Learn how to balance activity and rest to increase function
• Learn progressive muscle relaxation and body scan exercises
• Learn how to find social and emotional support
• Identify and set personal goals for behavior change in spite of pain

Group 2: Finding the Healing Force From Within (Must complete group 1)

• Learn how to minimize pain behaviors and why (What are you signaling to others?)
• How to communicate better with your doctor and others (assertiveness and expressing needs)
• How to be productive and maintain life purpose (What good am I?)
• Identification of motivational challenges to rehabilitation (What gets in the way of you moving forward?)
• How your lifestyle can affect your pain (What about nutrition, sleep, tiredness?)
• Comfort for severe pain episodes-dealing with setbacks (But it’s really bad.)
• Don’t let pain ruin your relationships (No one understands.)
• Learning the power of deep relaxation and visual imagery
• Learn how to maximize the body’s natural healing abilities (Finding natural pain relief)

For more information on either of these Cognitive Behavioral Pain Management Groups, contact the Rehabilitation Psychology office at 608.417.6175.

Chronic Illness Support Group

Led by Health Psychologist Dr. Gretchen Diem, the goal of this group is to offer a supportive environment in which patients can learn how to better cope and manage their various chronic health conditions. Although there may be a copay, the group is likely to be covered by most insurance plans. 

This group will be offered quarterly on the 4th Thursday of the month from 1:30 – 3 p.m. at Meriter West Washington. Call 608.417.8300 for more information.

Mind Body Medicine

Led by Meriter's Health Psychologist Gretchen A. Diem, Ph.D., this group will help you recognize the sources of stress in your life and teach you how to manage stress-related symptoms and illnesses. Learn More