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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain

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Abstract

Over one-third of Americans report chronic pain of one type or another. The causes of chronic pain are multi-faceted, and often do not involve identifiable tissue damage. Opioid therapy for chronic pain has a high risk for opioid dependency, addiction, and possible death. CBT is a proven alternative intervention. This article describes a 10-session CBT program for the treatment of chronic pain.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. University of Alabama, USA

    Beverly E. Thorn PhD, ABPP (Professor Emerita of Psychology, a licensed psychologist, and board certified in Clinical Health Psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology)

Authors
  1. Beverly E. Thorn PhD, ABPP
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Since her official retirement in September 2016, she has remained professionally active, focusing her research and clinical efforts on dissemination and implementation of psychosocial treatments for chronic pain in low-income, multiply disadvantaged populations. She also consults with healthcare settings to integrate psychosocial approaches into comprehensive chronic pain management.

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Thorn, B.E. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain. J Health Serv Psychol 44, 25–32 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03544660

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