A Mindfulness Program Adapted for Adolescents with Chronic Pain

Mindfulness Based Interventions (MBIs) are emerging as promising treatments to reduce physical and emotional distress among individuals with chronic pain.  While most MBIs have been implemented with adults, several studies now exist that document initial outcomes for children with chronic pain conditions.  This presentation will provide 1) an overview of why mindfulness approaches are thought to help with chronic pain citing both research and clinical examples 2) describe an 8 week mindfulness group program specifically adapted for adolescents with chronic pain ( MBI-A) 3) highlight MBI-A study findings especially with respect to feasibility, acceptability and initial outcomes

You will learn how to:

• Understand rationale for application of mindfulness and acceptance approaches for chronic pain.
• Obtain a review of research on MBIs for adults and children with chronic pain.
• Become familiar with components of an 8 week MBI adapted for adolescents with chronic pain (MBI-A) and learn about preliminary research findings.
• Be introduced to practical mindfulness based approaches employed in the MBI-A group.