Chronic lower back pain is a major health concern involving physical, financial, and social costs for many patients and their family members. Contemporary pain management is guided by the biopsychosocial model in which a professional counselor can contribute to recovery through integrated behavioral health care. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavioral activation interventions are effective in breaking the cycle of chronic pain. Successful outcomes involve partners and family members in CBT, education, and structural family interventions. A case study is presented to examine thoughts and feelings associated with chronic lower back pain. CBT and family interventions contribute to recovery of functions, meaningful roles, and health in relationships.
Examines current literature on technology-assisted counseling for couples and families. The authors offer a critique of current technology-assisted practices for couples and families and in addition provide examples of current technology-assisted practices for couples and families. The authors summarize terminology in the literature, ethics and ethical and legal issues, and history regarding technology-assisted counseling in relation to couple and families. There are recommendations and future directions for advancing practice, theory, and research in technology-assisted counseling for couples and families. Keywords technology-assisted counseling, couples and families, ethical considerations Review of the Literature Terminology As technology continues to grow, the counseling field works to incorporate technology in an ethically sound way. Clinicians are acknowledging that counseling may not only occur face-toface (FtF; ACA, 2014). Terminology regarding using technology in a therapeutic manner has been called many different things across mental health organizations, state boards, and even ethical codes. Ostrowski and Collins (2016) discussed the
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