Attention and Imagery in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for Chronic Pain: An Exploratory Study

Abstract

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to have a small to medium effect on chronic pain, necessitating further research to identify which components of CBT work for which type of patient. Previously, we developed a high-intensity individual CBT protocol and conducted a single-arm, uncontrolled feasibility study for chronic pain. In the current study, we explored patients' experiences in CBT sessions, including tactile attention-shift training; memory work using the peak-end rule; mental practice of action using motor imagery rescripting; and video feedback, including mirror therapy. Fourteen patients with chronic pain completed 16 CBT sessions. The tactile attention-shift training was very helpful for two patients and somewhat helpful for five, memory work was helpful for nine, mental practice was very helpful for four and somewhat helpful for three, and visual feedback was very helpful for six patients. Effective methodologies for new chronic pain CBT components should be developed. [ Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services, 60 (5), 45–54.]

The impact of aphantasia on mental healthcare experiences: Quantitative results

“…When examining negative thoughts and exposure scenarios for anxiety, practitioners are encouraged to elicit scripts with detailed visual imagery (Simos & Hofmann, 2013). More recent literature on CBT includes recommendations for increasing the use of visualization techniques for pain management (Kutsuzawa et al, 2022). Visualization techniques are particularly noted in CBT approaches for children and young people (Stallard, 2020).…”