Upcoming Program: Behavioral Treatment of Chronic Pain

It is estimated that 100 million people in the US are living with chronic pain and that approximately one third of these individuals are seeking medical treatment for their pain. As a result, across the nation, healthcare professionals are taking another look at how to safely and effectively treat pain while also reducing the risks associated with opioids.

With an ongoing opioid epidemic, Pee Dee AHEC is helping health professionals learn ways to address their patients’ chronic pain. On October 1, Pee Dee AHEC will host a six-hour workshop, “Behavioral Treatment of Chronic Pain: Evidence-Based Tools to Move from Hurt to Hope” presented by Martha Teater, MA, LMFT, LPC, LCAS. This workshop provides credit for counseling, social work, nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and any other interested health professionals are welcome to attend. Mrs. Teater is a licensed counselor and social worker specializing in the areas of marriage and family therapy, substance abuse and workplace crisis response. She has been the director of mental health for two nonprofit organizations and provides consultations and trainings to agencies, hospitals, universities, and companies across the country and internationally.

In this program, Mrs. Teater explains that pain management has typically not been a part of behavioral health practice, but research and clinical practice are demonstrating that behavioral interventions are the most effective treatment for chronic pain. Throughout the workshop, Mrs. Teater will provide interactive and cutting edge training to participants through the use of innovative and evidence-based tools and techniques to expand their clinical practice and treat chronic pain. Her goal is that participants will gain the skills and confidence needed to provide practical and life changing interventions to help individuals manage chronic pain and enjoy active, healthy, and meaningful lives.

The program will be held on October 1 from 9:00am - 4:30pm at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence. Register via Pee Dee AHEC’s website.

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