Psychology treatments

Psychological and pain assessments

Psychological interventions

Follow-up (1-5 appointments)

Short-term Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, offered when short-term therapy can help with a defined problem related to pain and quality of life. These sessions are usually conducted by psychology interns, under supervision of staff psychologists. Patients with insurance are expected to pay for Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (but not for psychological assessment) since our psychological services are funded primarily by private donors

The programme consists of 10 weekly sessions of three hours each. These consist of two hours of pain management psychotherapy with a pain psychologist and some sessions with a nurse who provides information on medications and nutrition. There is an additional hour of gentle exercise and body movement education with a physiotherapist. One follow-up meeting is scheduled four to eight weeks after the 10th session. Groups are available in French and in English. As the cost of the group programme is not supported by the hospital, a fee is charged, most of which insurers will cover. For patients without insurance there is a generous sliding scale; no patient is excluded for inability to pay

Objectives of the Pain Management Group:

1. To learn about chronic pain and understand the complexities of its treatment

2. To learn effective management skills for dealing with pain and distress

3. To regain a sense of control, self-esteem, and purpose

4. To identify options for enhancing quality of life

5. To recognizing and accept the active role a patient must play in improving his/her quality of life

6. To increase daily activity without increasing pain

7. To improve communication with family, friends and health professionals

8. To learning relaxation and visualization technique