Treatments

View a for a more detailed description of our physical therapy treatment in the Integrated Healing Program. 

Cognitive behavioral therapy is an evidence-based type of psychotherapy and the gold-standard of care for kids with chronic pain, anxiety and depression. It focuses on addressing the relationship between thoughts, feelings, behaviors and pain. CBT targets unhelpful behavioral responses to pain, like avoidance of activity. Kids will be taught thought based strategies to identify and restructure unhelpful thoughts related to pain (cognitive) and behavioral strategies to improve coping and functioning (behavioral). These strategies are highly effective for reducing pain, reducing stress, increasing day to day function, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression and increasing self-efficacy. The skills learned can include stress management, relaxation skills, activity pacing, goal setting, and behavioral activation. CBT skills can have a big impact on how a child functions and manages pain.

In dialectical behavioral therapy, kids are taught healthy ways to cope with stress, to regulate their emotions, improve their relationships with others and learn how to be in the present moment. A key component to DBT is mindfulness which is learning to pay attention to the present moment on purpose, without judgment. This allows kids to learn to focus attention on what they choose rather than having pain, emotions, thoughts, or experiences control them.

The goal of behavioral activation (BA) is to reduce avoidance behaviors and increase engagement in activities that are important things that we all do (for example, hygiene behaviors), are enjoyable (or were previously enjoyable), and are in line with your values. Essentially, we want to help kids return to a fulfilling and rewarding life. 

Experiential therapy may include art therapy, music therapy, yoga, and movement therapy.

A child’s suffering impacts all members of the family. Our parent groups and family therapy are a key component to a child’s treatment and long term success. Parent groups offer both an educational component and an opportunity for parents to connect with other parents. Parent education topics include pain education, how to break the pain cycle, parenting tips on how to support a child in their treatment, parenting strategies in the context of parenting a child with chronic pain, education on depression and anxiety, and communication around pain.