Medical Counseling

Medical Counseling addresses a patient's need for education about their wellness potential and encourages them to explore the impact that emotional factors have on efforts to restore function. A cognitive-behavioral approach is used that is firmly based in individual responsibility and accountability. Patients are taught that they can improve physically and emotionally by examining their thoughts and beliefs that shape emotional reactions and behavior. This therapy focuses on the present and is solution-focused. Patients' misconceptions about their condition, prognosis and disability are challenged. Through Medical Counseling patients will learn the interdependence of the mind and body. A proactive, rather than passive approach to pain management is encouraged. This therapy works to establish realistic goals and seeks to decrease pain behaviors that tend to reinforce the 'sick' role or invalidism. Indentifying and then 'letting go' of dysfunctional ways of thinking and living will assist in restoring function.