Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Mindfulness for Chronic Pain: Model, Process, and Progress

About the Course:

This article reviews the progress of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in the treatment of chronic pain and the challenges now faced by researchers and clinicians interested in meeting this need for development. It then focuses in greater detail on areas of development within CBT, namely Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and mindfulness-based approaches, areas that may hold potential for future progress. Three specific recommendations are offered here to achieve this progress.

Journal/Publisher:

American Psychologist

Publication Date:

February – March 2014: Vol. 69, No. 2

Author

Lance M. McCracken & Kevin E. Vowles

Recommended For:

This course is recommended for health care professionals, especially psychologists, counselors, social workers, and nurses who seek knowledge about clinical techniques and approaches to target chronic pain. It is appropriate for all levels of participants’ knowledge.

Course Objectives:

1. Discuss the history, successes and challenges of the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in the treatment of chronic pain.

2. Discuss the model, process and evidence of the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a treatment approach within the family of CBT, and mindfulness in the treatment of chronic pain.

3. Discuss recommendations for progress in the continuing development of psychological treatments for chronic pain.