A Mixed-Methods Examination of Interdisciplinary Strategies for Addressing Trauma and Chronic Pain in Group Therapy

Background/Objectives: Trauma and chronic pain frequently co-occur and mutually reinforce functional impairment, yet few counseling interventions integrate somatic and psychological approaches. This study had two primary objectives: (1) to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an interdisciplinary trauma-chronic pain group intervention, and (2) to explore preliminary clinical outcomes related to trauma symptoms, fear of movement, and pain through an interdisciplinary group intervention combining trauma-informed counseling with physical therapy grounded in Postural Restoration Institute (PRI) principles. Methods: A convergent mixed-methods design was used, wherein quantitative and qualitative data were collected concurrently, analyzed separately, and integrated during interpretation to provide a comprehensive understanding of intervention outcomes. Fifteen adults with chronic pain (≥3 months) and clinically significant trauma symptoms (PCL-5 ≥ 31) completed a six-week, 90 min group program co-facilitated by a counselor and a physical therapist. Quantitative measures included weekly pain (BPI), pre/post trauma symptoms (PCL-5), fear of movement (TSK), group climate (GCQ), and postural neutrality. Qualitative data included weekly journals, photographs, open-ended post-surveys, and focus groups, analyzed using inductive thematic analysis. Results: Participants attended most sessions (96.7% overall attendance) with no dropouts and high fidelity (mean 2.89/3). Pre/post analyses indicated statistically significant within-group reductions in trauma symptoms and fear of movement and improvements in pain and postural neutrality; however, findings should be interpreted as preliminary given the pilot design and small sample size. Qualitative themes highlighted the persistent burden of pain/trauma, increased mind-body awareness, emotional regulation, and validation through group support. Conclusions: An interdisciplinary, PRI-informed, trauma-informed group model was obtained. This model demonstrates preliminary feasibility and acceptability and suggests potential benefit; however, findings are derived from a small, non-controlled pilot study and require further validation. Future research should employ larger, controlled, and longitudinal designs.