Theories, therapies and cognitive and behavioural techniques influencing the design of the course
| Underlying theories and therapies | Influence on course design | Cognitive and behavioural change techniques used throughout the course as determined by the groups and the facilitators |
|---|---|---|
| Biopsychosocial model of medicine Physiology, psychology and the social environment and society play a part in health | Whole course | Plan social support/social change Facilitate social comparison Barrier identification/problem solving Devise behavioural goals Action planning Model/demonstrate the behaviour Provide information on where and when to perform behaviour Provide instruction on how to perform the behaviour Provide opportunity to devise ways of performing the behaviour Learn where and when to perform behaviour Learn how to perform the behaviour Prompt generalisation of a target behaviour Provide information on the consequences of behaviour Reflect on the consequences of behaviour Reflect on where and when to perform behaviour Prompt self-monitoring of behaviour Prompt self-monitoring of behaviour outcome Review of behavioural goals and outcomesStress management Prompt self-talkPrompt use of imagery Prompt practice Emotional control training Environmental restructuring Communication skills Provide feedback Prompt focus on past success Environmental restructuring Teach to use prompts/cues Repetition Use of follow-up prompts Prompt anticipated regrets and setbacks Relapse prevention/coping and planning |
| Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Accepting the here and now and living with it | Pain information Acceptance: the uninvited guest Relaxation and mindfulness | |
| Fear avoidance and catastrophising Pain and fear lead to avoidance behaviour which is not always beneficial | The pain cycle, goal setting and action planning | |
| Attention management Keeping the brain occupied on things other than pain, reduces pain perception | Attention control and distraction Relaxation, breathing, visualisation and imagery Taster sessions (eg, art) | |
| Social cognitive theory Behaviour may be influenced by interaction between personal, environmental factors and own and others’ behaviour | Group work/discussion Reflection Listening skills | |
| Cognitive therapy Recognising the link between thoughts, emotions and behaviour Theory of planned behaviour Based on beliefs about likely consequences of behaviour Rational emotive principles Logical unemotional rationalisation of events, thoughts, emotions | Identifying problems, goal setting and action planning Barriers to change—unhelpful thinking Barriers to change—reframing negatives to positives Communicating with your GP Anger, irritability and frustration: managing emotion Follow-up—managing setbacks | |
| Mind body therapies Muscle relaxation, biofeedback, visualisation and mindfulness techniques | Relaxation and breathing Relaxation and visualisation Relaxation and mindfulness of thoughts | |
| Physical theory and therapies Alexander technique for posture and physical therapy practice on balance and stretch | Posture Balance and stretch Stretch |
GP, general practitioner.