Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain condition characterized by diffuse and persistent non-inflammatory musculoskeletal pain. It is estimated that the prevalence of FM in the general population ranges from 2-4%, with it being more frequently diagnosed in women compared to men (Galvez-Sánchez & Reyes del Paso, 2020).
Here is a very obvious and non-controversial statement: the thoughts that trauma survivors have about themselves, the world, and other people have an important impact on their recovery. Regardless of the model you use to help survivors of trauma to recover from their experiences, you are absolutely going to be addressing thoughts at some level. Treatments such Cognitive Processing Therapy address thoughts directly with socratic dialogue.
Over the past year, psychotherapy has undergone a revolution inspired by the widespread availability of digital technology. It was not long ago that psychotherapy was considered an intimate face-to-face connection between two people, unassisted by external apparatuses. Even with the increased popularity and accessibility of telemental health, some reservation remains regarding the role of technology in psychotherapy.
Over the years I’ve worked with a variety of patients and learned a few lessons along the way about efficiency… especially when it comes to the use of Evidence-Based Psychotherapies (EBPs). As a graduate student, I had very little exposure to EBPs and I was thoroughly immersed in existential and client-centered therapy. As I entered the military for my internship year I had my first introduction to protocol-based treatment and I was very skeptical. That year and the subsequent years have been transformative in the way I approach my patients' problems.
You have probably heard of motivational interviewing (MI), a therapeutic approach to working with patients who are considering making a behavior change. Initially developed with alcohol use disorders, it has spread to other types of behavior change, including health-related behaviors. The goals is to help patients generate change from within, arguably making it more lasting.