More Treatment Groups and Group Resources

Active Pain Coping: Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment (CBT) for Chronic Pain

(Formerly known as Self-Management Essentials)

When: 8 Weeks, 2 hour session each week

Taught by: Occupational Therapist, Psychologist, or Social Worker

Content Goals:

1. Improve understanding of self-management of chronic pain
2. Learn cognitive-behavioural treatment strategies for managing chronic pain
3. Practice the Big 5 Skills: Self-monitoring, pacing, relaxation, self-talk, and communication
4. Develop a daily coping plan and a flare-up plan for pain

Explore these other two very important resources:

Sleep Essentials: Cognitive Behavioural Treatment for Insomnia

When: 4 weeks, 2 hour session each week

Taught by: Psychologist

Content Goals:

1. Learn about sleep stages, sleep drive, and causes of poor sleep
2. Explore strategies for improving sleep including stimulus control, time-in-bed restriction, lifestyle habits, relaxation and cognitive skills
3. Learn how to use a daily sleep diary. Develop a daily sleep plan and relapse plan.

Nutrition Essentials

When: 4 weeks, 2 hour session each week

Taught by: Dietitian

Content Goals:

1. Learn dietary strategies for managing fatigue, poor appetite, and meal skipping
2. Learn about bowel health (i.e., constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome)
3. Improve understanding of hydration, glycemic control, food triggers and headaches
4. Educate about anti-inflammatory nutrition
5. Develop skills for food preparation and meal planning
6. Provide community resources for food security and weight management

Medication Essentials

When: 2 weeks, 2 hour sessions each week

Taught by: Pharmacist

Content Goals:

1. Describe the role of medications in the overall management of chronic pain
2. Explain why it is important to establish goals, create a plan for monitoring, and weigh pros and cons when starting, continuing, or stopping medications to manage chronic pain
3. Learn about medications used to manage chronic pain including common or serious side effects
4. Define and discuss the following medication terms: physical dependence, tolerance, addiction, opioid use disorder, withdrawal, and overdose or opioid poisoning

Improving Function and Independence

When: 4 weeks, 2 hour session each week

Taught by: Occupational Therapist

Prerequisite: When registering for this group, you will also book a 30 minute telephone appointment with an Occupational Therapist to discuss your goals for this group

Content Goals:

1. Learn about safe movement, posture and positioning options for chronic pain and apply these to your self-care, household management (e.g., cooking, cleaning, etc.) and work
2. Develop strategies to manage your energy better (i.e., fatigue management) for your self-care, household management and work life, and help you find balance between your daily activities

Review adaptive tools, equipment options, and pacing strategies to help make your home more accessible and keep it accessible for the long-term

Intimacy Group for Women: Cognitive Behavioural Strategies for Chronic Pain and Sexual Function

When: 4 Weeks, 2 hour session each week

Taught by: Psychologist and Physical Therapist or Kinesiologist

Please Note: This group is not intended to address other concerns that may affect sexual function such as unresolved past sexual abuse/assault, domestic violence including verbal/emotional abuse, and significant marital conflict.

Content Goals:

1. Improve understanding of the impact of pain on sexual function
2. Learn cognitive-behavioural strategies and sex therapy strategies for managing the impact of chronic pain on sexual function

Yoga Group

When: 4 Weeks, 1 hour session each week

Taught By: Physical Therapist

Prerequisite: Call reception at 403-943-9925 to request the “Yoga Group Screening Appointment” if you have not already had an initial physiotherapy assessment with your team physiotherapist.

Content Goals:

1. Learn a sequence of yoga poses and any necessary modifications