Pain Psychology Services at the Medical College of Wisconsin

Connecting with Pain Psychology services begins with an intake. This initial session serves an avenue for development of an individualized treatment plan. Patients meet one-on-one with a Pain Psychology provider, for about an hour, to help us learn more about your current and past experiences as they relate to chronic pain. In addition, patients complete several assessments/questionnaires related to function, mood, pain and anxiety, which will be tracked to evaluate progress.

For patients seeking an implantable device or other surgical or procedural intervention, we provide the necessary evaluation for approval and offer strategies to increase chances for a successful outcome.

We offer individual and group psychotherapy using a cognitive behavioral approach aimed at assisting patients to cope with their pain and life stresses. Therapy may include the following empirically supported treatments: cognitive behavioral therapy (including ACT-based approaches and behavioral activation), biofeedback, mindfulness-based approaches and guided imagery, and motivational interviewing to support health goals. 

Most therapy is scheduled for 45 minutes and is generally goal-oriented.

Biofeedback is a technique used to learn to control body functions, such as heart rate. In biofeedback, the patient is connected to an electrical sensor that helps to receive information (feedback) about the body (bio). This feedback helps focus on making subtle changes (such as using the breath to relax the body) to achieve the results you want (such as reducing pain and distress).

Essentially, biofeedback gives one the power to use thoughts to exert control in the body. Heart rate variability biofeedback, galvanic skin response (GSR) and thermal biofeedback modalities are often used. Biofeedback is often used as a relaxation technique with patients who experience chronic pain.

Mindfulness refers to a state of active, open attention on the present. Copious research exists regarding the benefits of mindfulness-based therapies for chronic diseases and pain conditions. 

Guided imagery is a gentle mind-body therapy using the imagination and visualization particularly applicable for patients who experience chronic pain.

Through supportive strategies such as groups and family/caregiver involvement, patients and families can be educated on effective techniques for living well with a pain condition.

Research into effective strategies for managing pain that involve the mind-body system is one of our goals. We have completed studies that examine the benefits of heart rate variability biofeedback and virtual reality, and preliminary data analyses are promising.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of treatment that focuses on examining the relationships between thoughts, feelings and behaviors. By exploring patterns of thinking that lead to less productive actions and the beliefs that direct these thoughts, people can modify their patterns of thinking to improve coping. Patients in CBT can expect their therapist to be problem-focused and goal-directed in addressing their symptoms. Since CBT is an active intervention, one can also expect to do homework or practice outside of sessions. There is extensive research to suggest the benefits of CBT for treating pain conditions.