Programs for Patients

LIFE BEYOND PAIN

THE NATURE OF PAIN

Two Aspects of Pain
The experience of pain has two basic aspects: physical and mental. The physical aspect is sensation. Sensation begins with neural impulses generated at sensory nerve endings and then travels through several switching stations in the spinal cord and lower brain and eventually comes to the higher centers in the brain. The impulses are registered as pain only when they are evaluated by the higher brain centers. The mental aspect involves neural input from various parts of the brain which gives the sensation context, emotional impact and meaning. This is the aspect involved in the experiences of suffering and evaluating sensation as unpleasant (i.e. as “pain”). Hypnotic and psychological interventions harness the power of the mind to influence both aspects of pain.

Tension and Pain
When someone experiences chronic pain, they naturally tense their muscles to protect themselves. Over time, the chronic tensing worsens and broadens the pain. A vicious
circle of tension and pain then develops that can destroy confidence, relaxation and self control. As a result, relaxation is one of the goals of any non-medical pain management treatment.

LIFE BEYOND PAIN PROGRAM
We offer a non medical approach to management of chronic pain that helps patients harness the resources of the body, mind, emotions and spirit to reclaim their lives. Our program involves a variety of approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, education, communication skills training and hypnosis.

Internal Resource Development
Relaxation, emotional balance, self acceptance, calming, and mastery of the mind are all internal resources. Development of these resources is the cornerstone of pain mastery.

External Resource Development
It is common for relationships to suffer when under the
strain of chronic pain. Enhanced relationship and communication
skills help people to get the support they need
from others: social (e.g. caring and understanding) and
material (e.g. help with cooking and parenting).

How Hypnotherapy Can Help
Hypnotherapy is one of the most effective methods of non-medical pain management. It can be so effective that people have had major surgery completely without chemical anesthetic. Almost everyone can get noticeable relief with hypnotherapy.

Individual & Group Programs
Life Beyond Pain groups, led by CIBM associates, provide structure for several different approaches to pain mastery, a workbook and peer support.

Partnership with Physicians
Life Beyond Pain is a treatment program designed to be used in conjunction with your physician(s) and is not intended as a replacement for conventional medical diagnosis and treatment.