The use of assertiveness training with chronic pain patients

This paper describes one way that occupational therapy participates in a multidisciplinary program for chronic pain management. Assertiveness training as a means of acquiring improved communication skills is presented as one of the techniques used in reducing the emotional stress associated with pain. In addition, some of the other problems associated with the chronic pain syndrome are discussed along with occupational therapy's role in teaching assertiveness. Both the content of the assertion course and teaching examples are presented along with examples from patient participation. Although the assertiveness training has resulted in positive feedback and acceptance from patients, further study is needed to validate the results.