PAIN MANAGEMENT

Pain is a complex psycho-biological process; Pain is designed to be attention grabbing. To disrupt the way we think and feel. Most pain is 'acute' and due to  tissue damage caused by disease or injury. In acute pain it is important that we 'stop', that we seek 'treatment' for it. You would not want to continue walking on a broken leg. So it is right that pain also makes us anxious and motivates us to seek help. 

However, persistent or chronic pain is pain that continues when tissues have healed or there is no other disease processes going on. Almost like a 'malfunction' of the nervous system. 

A person experiencing persistent pain has to work 'against' normal 'effects' of pain. They have to become skilled at doing things, even though the pain is there. They have to reduce the interference of pain in their life and not let it 'take over'. We know that people experiencing persistent pain are more at risk of developing low mood and also that low mood can 'up regulate' pain and make it worse. 

Pain Management Psychology helps the person to be able to stay connected to meaningful activities and relationships despite the pain. It helps the person with persistent pain to work with their mood, sense of acceptance and resilience in the face of pain. Research has shown that this improves quality of life and lessens the impact of pain. It may even reduce the pain severity itself.

Dr. Mandeville has 15 years experience of designing and working on Pain Management Programmes and conducting one to one interventions with people experiencing persistent pain. She uses proven evidence based approaches such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT),  Clinical Hypnosis and Yoga to help people experience and enjoy life again. 

CLINICAL & HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY

Psychology as applied to physical health; Acute and Chronic Pain Management; acute and chronic illness; appearance related concerns and plastic surgery; physical rehabilitation; Psychology of Medicine and Surgery; preparation for and recovery from surgery; transfer of psychological skills to non-psychology staff in medical settings; adherence to medication and treatment; adjustment to illness; promotion of well-being; coaching in physical and emotional health; health behaviour change; service design and development to enhance behavioural aspects of medicine.

Dr. Mandeville also provides an assessment and intervention service for a variety of additional conditions including: 

  • Mild/moderate anxiety and depression

  • Stress management

  • Adjusting to life events

  • Health related anxiety

  • Medically unexplained symptoms

  • Living with chronic illness

  • Adherence to treatment regimes

  • Preparation for and recovery from surgery

  • Psychological effects of acute health conditions

  • Developing a healthy lifestyle

  • Personal development and growth across the lifespan

SPEAKING & TRAINING

Dr. Mandeville can provide teaching and training in the form of lectures, group dialogues or coaching to individuals or organisations and is happy to develop a programme or event to meet your needs.