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Learning from Physical Pain to Help with the Management of Emotional Pain

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Abstract

There may be important similarities between chronic emotional pain and chronic physical pain. Both forms of chronic pain may promote negative beliefs about the self and the future. Chronic emotional pain and chronic physical pain both serve to disrupt patients’ focus from their actions and goals. Techniques used for the treatment of physical pain may be translated into the treatment of emotional pain. Four core strategies are reviewed including: (1) reducing catastrophic interpretations, (2) increasing tolerance by promoting acceptance, (3) cultivating positive expectations, and (4) remaining flexible in movements and attitudes. Patients can learn to tolerate limitations while pursuing their goals. Clinicians can help patients to reduce emotional pain by making a series of small changes in their thoughts and behavior.

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  1. Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, 1220 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, OH, 44106-7123, USA

    Alison Athey & James Overholser

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  1. Alison Athey
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  2. James Overholser
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Correspondence to Alison Athey.

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Athey, A., Overholser, J. Learning from Physical Pain to Help with the Management of Emotional Pain. J Contemp Psychother 46, 119–127 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10879-016-9330-y

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