Psychotherapeutic issues encountered in the psychotherapy of chronic pain patients.

The clinical art of applying scientific knowledge to a patient's circumstances of suffering is especially challenging when practicing psychotherapy with people who are experiencing chronic pain. Health psychology has made substantial contributions by showing that psychosocial factors are essential in explaining the phenomenon of pain and, particularly, its chronic progression to debilitating degrees. In addition, clinical health psychology has developed empirically supported treatments that improve the lives of chronic pain sufferers across many dimensions. This article is not concerned with reviewing that evidence or the treatment programs, but with noting some issues pain management psychotherapists may face in using this knowledge effectively to improve the lives of their patients.