This group focuses on building skills for coping with chronic pain and trauma, the connection between trauma and chronic pain, and building a “coping kit” that includes: deep breathing, using the five senses, coping with triggers, and gentle movement. Through the exercises in this group, participants will develop an understanding of the relation between traumatic stress and chronic pain and illness, learn skills for regulating and tolerating emotional responses, calm the autonomic nervous system.
Experiential Exercises:
This group utilizes a variety of experiential exercises to help participants develop practical coping skills for managing the effects of trauma and chronic pain. These exercises are designed to be accessible and adaptable, focusing on building internal resources and promoting self-regulation.
- Body Scans: These exercises involve systematically bringing awareness to different parts of the body, helping participants connect with their physical sensations and identify areas of tension or discomfort. This practice aids in grounding and increasing body awareness, which is crucial for managing the physiological effects of trauma and chronic pain.
- Cognitive Restructuring: This exercise focuses on identifying and challenging negative or unhelpful thought patterns that contribute to emotional distress and pain exacerbation. Participants learn to reframe their thoughts, develop more balanced perspectives, and reduce the impact of triggering thoughts.
- Group Discussions: These discussions provide a safe and supportive space for participants to share experiences, learn from one another, and build a sense of community. Sharing and listening can reduce feelings of isolation and validate individual experiences.
- Guided Imagery: This exercise involves using mental visualizations to create a sense of calm, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation. Participants are guided through imagery that can help them access inner resources and create a sense of safety.
- Mindfulness Practices: These exercises focus on cultivating present-moment awareness without judgment. Participants learn to observe their thoughts, feelings, and sensations with curiosity and acceptance, which helps in managing emotional reactivity and increasing self-regulation.
- Relaxation Techniques: Participants learn and practice various relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and grounding exercises, to calm the autonomic nervous system and reduce the physical and emotional symptoms of stress and trauma. These techniques are essential for building a "coping kit" for daily life.
| Type | Group Therapy |
| Format | Telehealth (sometimes in-person) |
| Duration | 6 weeks (90-min sessions) |
| Facilitated by | Health Psychologist |
| Home practice (time spent outside of group) | While home practice is not required, participants are encouraged to try skills out (~5 minutes) throughout their daily activities. |
| Insurance Based? | Yes |
| Referral | Osher Provider - as part of an integrative health plan |
FAQ
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This group provides education and skill acquisition to assist patients in coping with chronic pain and trauma.
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If you are looking to better understand the connection between trauma and chronic pain, and how they impact your daily life, this group may be a right fit for you. If you are seeking practical skills to regulate your emotional responses, calm your nervous system, and develop a personal "coping kit," this group can provide valuable tools. Furthermore, if you desire a supportive environment to learn and connect with others who share similar experiences, this group offers a safe space for growth and healing. The best way to determine if this group is right for you is to speak with your Osher provider.
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The Safety Skills group is designed for individuals with a history of trauma and chronic pain or illness who are seeking to better understand how these experiences impact their daily lives and develop effective coping strategies.
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No, this group is not physically demanding. The exercises and practices are designed to be accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability. We focus on mindfulness, relaxation, and cognitive strategies, and any movement-based activities are gentle and adaptable.
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Yes, this group offers a complementary learning opportunity that can enhance the effectiveness of other pain management strategies and medical treatments. By focusing on emotional regulation, nervous system calming, and coping skills, it addresses the often-overlooked connection between trauma, emotional distress, and chronic pain. The skills learned here can improve your overall ability to manage pain and engage more effectively in your existing treatment plan.
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While formal home practice isn't required, participants are encouraged to try skills out for short periods, around five minutes, throughout their daily activities. Consistently applying the learned skills in your daily life will significantly enhance the group's benefits. We encourage you to dedicate a few moments each day to practicing techniques like deep breathing, grounding exercises, and mindfulness. Experiment with using these skills in real-life situations to build your "coping kit" and strengthen your ability to manage triggers and emotional responses.
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No, this is a foundational-level group.
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Patients, to learn more about this group, speak with your Osher medical provider or health psychologist.