John Moffat
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Clinical Psychologist, University of Victoria, Wellington, NZ
John possesses extensive experience in the field of chronic pain management, having initially worked with the Wellington Regional Pain Management Service and subsequently with TBI Health, one of New Zealand's largest private healthcare entities. He is currently the manager of the clinical psychology training program at Victoria University of Wellington/Te Herenga Waka, while also operating a small private practice.
John's specific area of interest involves the implementation of third-wave behavioral therapies, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), and mindfulness-based interventions, in the context of pain management. John is further exploring the application of the 4E Cognition and 3E Psychopathology models to persistent pain, highlighting the intricate interconnection between the experience of pain, bodily perception, environmental factors, and actions. |
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Clinician Use of Self-Directed Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Guide Interactions with Chronic Pain Sufferers
In contrast to traditional biomedical approaches that focus on trying to eliminate or control chronic pain, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a different perspective. A key component of ACT, known as Creative Hopelessness, encourages individuals suffering from chronic pain to recognize how attempts to eliminate or control pain can come to dominate their lives. This struggle with pain may result in misdirected problem-solving behaviours, and can contribute to emotional, relational, and spiritual distress. Creative hopelessness does not imply surrendering to a life of suffering; rather, it redirects energy and focus toward leading a values-driven and meaningful life, in spite of the ongoing pain.
Healthcare practitioners may unintentionally reinforce the traditional biomedical paradigm in their interactions with patients experiencing chronic pain. This can solidify beliefs that chronic pain is solely a biomedical issue, necessitating an exclusively biomedical approach. This talk will highlight how clinicians can incorporate Creative Hopelessness into their interactions with chronic pain patients. By recognizing and managing their own discomfort, clinicians can engage in open and realistic discussions with patients about attainable pain management outcomes that incorporate both biomedical and non-biomedical strategies.
Healthcare practitioners may unintentionally reinforce the traditional biomedical paradigm in their interactions with patients experiencing chronic pain. This can solidify beliefs that chronic pain is solely a biomedical issue, necessitating an exclusively biomedical approach. This talk will highlight how clinicians can incorporate Creative Hopelessness into their interactions with chronic pain patients. By recognizing and managing their own discomfort, clinicians can engage in open and realistic discussions with patients about attainable pain management outcomes that incorporate both biomedical and non-biomedical strategies.
