Psychology and pain. Presented by Anthony Berrick, MAPS
How psychologists work with people challenged by chronic pain
Pain affects the whole person, not just the specific body part in pain. It makes sense then that the most impactful interventions use a whole-person approach. Psychological therapies, particularly Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, focus on helping individuals to engage in life‐enhancing behaviours by changing the way they experience their pain.
As a movement professional, you are placed well to be an advocate for clients who live with persistent pain. Understanding the role of a psychologist in chronic pain allows you to facilitate appropriate onward referrals, enhancing your client’s experience of effective care and support.
Anthony addresses myths of psychological therapies, clarifies the relevance of a psychologist in the biopsychosocial model and offers insight into how a psychologist might work with beliefs, experiences and behaviours in the presence of chronic pain.
Adopting a biopsychosocial and pain science lens supports consistency across disciplines- we can use shared language, expectations and perspectives. Expect to feel clear and motivated about working proactively in a multidisciplinary team to support your clients who experience pain.
Anthony Berrick is a psychologist with over a decade of clinical experience helping individuals struggling with pain, anxiety and depression using ACT- acceptance and commitment therapy. He is an NCAS-accredited powerlifting coach and competitive powerlifter. His practice Barbell Psychology combines strength training with pain psychology to help people with pain get stronger, hurt less and live life to the fullest.