Chronic pain impacts every area of a person’s life, both physically and well as emotionally. In this training, you will learn how to best serve clients who are engaged in this struggle. We will explore a variety of drug-free psychological strategies to manage pain so that clients can improve the quality of their lives.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Discuss how chronic pain impacts a person’s life
- Identify at least three therapeutic modalities, such as CBT and ACT, that have been proven to positively impact chronic pain
- Practice at least five non-pharmaceutical tools to manage chronic pain
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Understand the Impact of Chronic Pain on Mental and Emotional Health
- Explore how chronic pain affects mood, cognition, and quality of life
- Identify common emotional consequences: depression, anxiety, grief, low self-esteem, guilt, anger
- Discuss disruptions in sleep, energy, and social functioning
Objective #2: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Chronic Pain
- Identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts such as: Emotional reasoning, Catastrophizing, Black-and-white thinking, “Should” statements, Fortune-telling and overgeneralizing
- Teach cognitive restructuring techniques to help clients reframe thoughts about pain, their body, and their future
- Explore how beliefs influence pain perception and emotional responses
Objective #3: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Shift focus from symptom reduction to psychological flexibility
- Support clients in accepting pain while committing to value-based actions
- Utilize techniques such as defusion, mindfulness, and values clarification
Objective #4: Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT)
- Introduce evidence-based acupressure for emotional regulation
- Activate the parasympathetic nervous system
- Practice EFT as a tool for reducing pain-related anxiety and stress
Objective #5: Mindfulness and Meditation for Pain Management
- Define mindfulness and its role in separating pain from suffering
- Practice techniques such as: 5-finger breathing, Observer self, Heart-centered breathing
- Benefits include reduced rumination, increased acceptance, and reduced physiological arousal
Objective #6: Additional Somatic and Sensory Interventions
- Use somatic tracking to recondition the brain’s response to pain
- Introduce yoga and gentle movement to support body awareness and mobility
- Teach self-hypnosis and guided imagery for focused pain relief and relaxation
Objective #7: Lifestyle and Integrative Approaches
- Consider the impact of nutrition and eliminate potential triggers (e.g., nightshades, processed foods)
- Explore complementary modalities: Acupuncture, Gentle chiropractic, Magnet therapy, Water intake and hydration
- Discuss supplements and botanicals such as magnesium and CBD oil
Objective #8: Writing and Expressive Techniques
- Encourage journaling to process pain-related thoughts and emotions
- Use prompts to help clients externalize distress and create meaning
- Support identity reconstruction and empowerment through writing
Objective #9: Comprehensive Client Support
- Combine therapeutic modalities to tailor pain management plans
- Empower clients with accessible, non-pharmaceutical strategies
- Validate the chronic pain experience while encouraging agency and resilience
Recommended Resources
- Provide a list of books on mindfulness, ACT, nutrition, and pain psychology
- Share online videos and educational tools for clients and clinicians
- Encourage continued exploration of holistic and integrative approaches to chronic pain
Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 1.5 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: May 5, 2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com