Presenter: Ann Steffen, PhD, ABPP & Dolores Gallagher-Thompson, PhD, ABPP

Date: March 10, 2023, 12pm- 2pm CT

There are a number of health conditions experienced by middle-aged and older adults that lead to persistent pain. This webinar supports providers as they help aging patients manage chronic pain and engage in daily living that is consistent with personal values and life goals.This presentation directs practitioners to help aging individuals apply the gate control theory of pain to regulate emotions, thoughts, and behaviors that increase pain perceptions and disrupt value-based living. These interventions are appropriate in both traditional psychotherapy and integrated primary care sessions.  Recommended clinical strategies can help patients to remember and use these skills, with a focus on being responsive to the needs of culturally diverse older adults.

Learning objectives:

  1. Explain the utility of the gate control theory of pain in clinical practice
  2. Select 3 clinical strategies to support daily functioning for older adults with chronic pain
  3. Identify resources for further professional development in chronic pain management.