Course overview:
The Pain & Wellbeing Course is for people with chronic pain conditions, like arthritis or fibromyalgia, that affect their mood and wellbeing. This course helps you understand the impact of pain on mental health and teaches strategies to manage both physical and emotional challenges. The course runs for four sessions, each lasting 60 to 90 minutes, and takes place once a week.
Course objectives:
The course will help you explore how chronic pain affects your mood and mental health, introducing tools to manage anxiety, low mood, and improve your quality of life.
What does the course cover?
In the first session, you’ll explore how chronic pain and mental wellbeing are connected, with an introduction to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques.
The second session will focus on pacing activities, building motivation, and tips for better sleep.
The third session covers strategies for managing negative thoughts and effective ways to communicate your needs around pain.
In the final session, you’ll review what you’ve learned and discuss ways to keep using these tools in daily life.
This course will introduce you to CBT and values-based work, helping you understand the psychological impact of chronic pain. You’ll learn pain management techniques, including pacing, relaxation, and sleep tips, to improve your overall wellbeing. You’ll also develop skills in cognitive restructuring to challenge unhelpful thoughts related to pain, and you’ll learn how to track your progress using a positive data log. One of the sessions will include a Pain Specialist Nurse, who will share expert advice on managing chronic pain.
After the course, you’ll receive a one-to-one follow-up call to check in, receive feedback on the course, answer any questions you may have and discuss what next steps are appropriate to continue your progress and development.
What to expect?
This is a face-to-face course in small group sessions at Thurrock Health Centre, which helps keep it private and comfortable. Although sessions are conducted in a group setting, it’s not traditional group therapy. Each session includes group discussions, practical activities, and tasks to try between sessions. The course creates a comfortable and private environment for learning, where you can feel at ease while gaining new skills to manage your condition.
Next steps
After referring to the service through a self-referral or through your GP, you will have a gateway assessment, which will determine what therapy options are appropriate. Attending this group is subject to appropriateness and availability that can be discussed at the assessment.