I am a Clinical graduate student who is specifically interested in Behavioral Medicine and I am also a training FAP therapist, so integrating  these two interests is real fun for me.   
 
If a client presented to me with problems associated with Chronic Pain I would first assess for the function of the pain behaviors and how they occur in the context of interpersonal relationships.  Once I obtained a conceptualization of the problematic functional classes (CRB1s) related to the pain behaviors, I would then notice how they show up in the room between the client and myself (therapist).  For example, if the client tends to obtain attention and soothing from others when grimacing or complaining about pain and also states that he/she does not feel close to people, then I (therapist) would not provide such responses when client demonstrates this CRB1.  Rather, I would contingently respond with warmth and attention when client engages me in a more prosocial and effective manner (CRB2).  Of course, one key issue with chronic pain is related to acceptance of the pain as a part of life rather than  unsuccessfully attempting to cure or get rid of the pain.  This may show up in a FAP conceptualization as well, depending on where client is along this acceptance continuum.  Hope this provides some grist for the mill. 

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To: functionalanalyticpsychotherapy@yahoogroups.com
From: jcautill@...
Date: Tue, 6 Jun 2006 15:10:47 -0400
Subject: [functionalanalyticpsychotherapy] How would a FAP therapist attack....

Hello I am doing a pamphelt for the behavioral medicine SIG
on chronic pain. I wanted alittle input into how a FAP
therapist would attack chronic pain for the pamphlet...

Joe

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