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What is pain psychology ?
Psychologists working in pain management specifically work with patients who experience persistent pain and persistent pain-related issues.
Your doctor or nurse may have suggested that it could be helpful to meet with the Psychologist . This does not mean that they believe “the pain is all in your head”. Psychologists are involved in pain management because they know that pain affects the way we think, feel and behave. Pain can affect all areas of people’s lives, including their ability to work, complete domestic chores and participate in social activities; this can have a significant impact on their roles and relationships and overall quality of life.
The way pain impacts on your life can understandably leave you feeling frustrated, angry or down and you may worry about the future because of the pain and how it affects you, the people around you and your life overall. These feelings in turn can negatively impact on your confidence and motivation, leaving you feeling even worse and stuck.
What can I expect from my first appointment
Before you meet with a Cognisance clinician you may be asked to complete a number of questionnaires.
The specialist will initially meet with you for individual sessions to complete an assessment. This will help to clarify if individual psychological/occupational therapy input around pain will be helpful for you. You will be asked about the pain and its impact on you and your life. Your social circumstances and current situation will also be discussed. Your appointment(s) will last 50 minutes.
The number and duration of sessions may vary depending on your individual needs and circumstance.
How can occupational therapy help?
Occupational therapy practitioners collaborate with patients to identify and incorporate self-management strategies into their daily routines to reduce pain, increase participation in meaningful occupations, and improve quality of life.