ADAPTING FOCUSING ORIENTED THERAPY FOR INDIVIDUALS EXPERIENCING CHRONIC PAIN IN PAKISTAN
Main Article Content
Keywords
chronic pain, anxiety, depression, focusing, process based therapy
Abstract
Background: The current study aimed to adapt a manual of Focusing Oriented Therapy (FOT) for the patients of chronic pain. Chronic pain impact individuals in diverse ways, including their mental health. Therefore, relying on temporary pain relief through medication falls short of addressing the comprehensive needs of individuals. A process-based psychological treatment, addressing both the physical and psychological aspects of chronic pain, is crucial for improving the overall quality of life for individuals.
Method: With this perspective in mind, a manual based on FOT was developed specifically for patients dealing with chronic pain. An existing base manual for community wellness, grounded in Focusing principles, was selected and adapted to suit the needs of individuals facing chronic pain. To carry out these modifications, two clinical psychologists, certified in Focusing by recognized international institutions and possessing at least 5 years of clinical experience, were enlisted. Following the modifications, the manual underwent a thorough assessment by two independent raters to evaluate the effectiveness of the adaptations. Subsequently, the modified manual was pilot-tested on five individuals experiencing chronic pain.
Results: Cohen’s kappa statistic was calculated for interrater reliability of the manual and it turned out to be .75 for the modifications suggesting substantial to almost perfect interrater agreement. Further, pilot testing revealed its efficacy in reducing the impairment caused by chronic pain, as well as alleviating symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Conclusion: It was concluded that FOT is effective for the treatment of chronic pain and comorbid psychological symptoms.
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Hira Liaqat
Centre for Clinical Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
Prof. Dr. Saima Dawood
Centre for Clinical Psychology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan