What are the Goals of a Cognitive Behavioral Approach?
Specific goals of CBT are to: • Re-conceptualize the view that the chronic pain is not overwhelming, it is manageable. This provides for a more benign view of the problem, it translates physical and psychological symptoms into difficulties they can be pinpointed and addressed, and it teaches the patient that problems are amenable to solutions. This fosters hope, positive anticipation, and the expectancy for success. • Convince patients that the skills necessary for responding to problems more actively will be included in treatment • Reconceptualize patient ideas that passive and reactive approaches are useless and that active and resourceful approaches lead to success • Ensure that patients learn how to monitor their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physiology. • Teach patients how to use and when to use adaptive coping behaviors required for healthy adaptation to pain. • Encourage patients to attribute success to their own efforts. • Anticipate problems and discuss these as well as
