Cognitive Behavioural Therapy

Abstract

It refers to psychotherapies which help in the management of chronic pain. The primary aim of this therapy is to change the way in which a patient ascertains pain and reacts to it. This involves active behavioural and cognitive tasks to tackle the pain. It is used to improve physical fitness, decrease disability, increase coping mechanisms and decrease depression and therefore giving a possibility of return to work. The aim is for the patient to gain control of the pain and thereby gain self-confidence. Qualified staff is extremely important for imparting cognitive behavioural therapy. It is important for the staff to be empathetic with the patient and recognise the limitations borne out of the chronic pain. Involvement of the patient at the personal level is important as this will bring in the behaviour change which is the key to the success of cognitive-based therapy.