Chronic pain affects one in five people. The pain and the secondary psychological and behavioural effects cost the individual and society significantly. Chronic pain is notoriously resistant to traditional biomedical treatment. It is best conceptualised as a long-term medical condition that requires self-management. Evidence supports the use of non-pharmacological methods to improve participation in daily activities and enhance the quality of life, despite the presence of ongoing pain. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has emerged as a very effective way of helping pain sufferers self-manage their behaviour guided by their values. The primary aim is to alter behaviour by changing the way people relate to their pain and pain-reactive thoughts and feelings. This is facilitated by the use of core ACT processes: acceptance, defusion, committed action, presence, self-as context, and values clarification. This workshop will equip health professionals with the knowledge and skills to integrate ACT into their clinical practice, and to improve outcomes for chronic pain sufferers.

About the presenter:

John Moffat is a clinical psychologist with a special interest in the application of ACT in behavioural health, particularly with people suffering from chronic pain and other persistent medical issues. He has extensive pain management experience within the public and private healthcare systems, and developed a group-based ACT programme for chronic pain in 2012. John is currently the Lead Clinical Psychologist with TBI Health, one of New Zealand's largest integrated healthcare providers.