Chronic Pain

Chronic pain may be constant or episodic, however it is unquestionably unpleasant and may therefore affect mood and emotions. This common problem is typically diagnosed in individuals who experience pain for several months. It is also often linked to mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety.

Here at CBT Denver we often treat individuals who struggle with either mood or anxiety issues (or both) that are related to the experience of long-term physical pain and discomfort. Common areas for pain include low back, neck, pain associated with fibromyalgia, headache, irritable bowel, or pain associated with chronic illness.

Pain can disrupt desire for everyday activities, including the ones that would normally feel pleasant or joyful. Chronic pain is associated with other problems as well, including substance use, diet concerns, social isolation, and emotional distress—all of which can significantly affect quality of life.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Associates of Denver approaches chronic pain treatment with a variety of evidenced based skills and strategies. Cognitive Behavioral (CBT) approaches include understanding, observing, and shifting how an individual thinks about and reacts to their pain. In using CBT for chronic pain, we help clients develop more helpful responses to the automatic thoughts and reactions that often drive mood and anxiety.

At CBTDenver we also use Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) strategies for helping patients with chronic pain discover and understand how their values play a role in behaviors and how pain can interfere with committed action.

We also use mindfulness-based approaches to chronic pain that include teaching clients diaphragmatic breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, body scan, and other experiential awareness strategies.

These approaches, along with structured skills training, aim to support functional improvements, emotional balance, and ultimately, an improved pain experience over time.