Are psychological approaches effective?
Psychological techniques and approaches have been proven to help people with chronic pain improve the quality of their lives. People report that they are more active, less depressed and anxious, and feel more in control. Even though they continue to have pain, it is more manageable. While individual therapy may be offered, often people with chronic pain are treated in groups where they are able to share their experiences with others who live with pain. As chronic pain is complex, psychologists often work on teams with other health care professionals, such as physiotherapists, occupational therapists, physicians, nurses, social workers and pharmacists to help people with disabling chronic pain develop satisfying and healthy lifestyles. They can put a man on the moon, and replace a heart, why can’t they get rid of my pain? Or: Is there research being done to help people with chronic pain? In addition to working directly with people who have chronic pain, psychologists have advanced our u
