Working through grief in people with chronic pain and chronic illness (October 15, 2024)

Presented by: Katy Owens 

Pain is a pervasive human experience, and grief often co-occurs (Dysvik et al., 2013). Occupational therapy professionals can utilize an occupation-based approach to manage grief in people with chronic pain and illness. This webinar will begin with an overview of how grief can manifest in people with chronic pain and/or chronic illness (CP/CI). Various strategies will be discussed, including the creation of a collage and a few basic principles/techniques of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Participants will learn about how they can use these techniques alone or in combination to address grief in people living with CP/CI.

After taking part in this webinar, participants will be able to: 

1. Understand how grief manifests in the context of chronic pain and chronic illness.
2. Understand how basic ACT principles may help people with chronic pain and illness process grief.
3. Have at least one concrete activity to choose from when working with patients at the intersection of grief and chronic pain and illness.

Level  Intermediate (3-5 years of experience in this specific practice area) 

Area of practice Acute Care, Brain injury/Concussion/Spinal Cord, Cancer Care, Caregiver/Family Education, Chronic Disease Management, Chronic Pain, Dementia, Generalist, Hand Therapy, Health Promotion & Wellness, Mental Health, Occupational Therapist Assistant, Palliative/EOL Care, Primary Care, Psychotherapy, Veterans Affairs or Armed Forces 

Client age group Adults (20-64 years old), Older adults (65+ years old)