Living well with persistent pain: Bronnie Thompson with Karen Litzy

Pain is presented as a human experience shaped by biology, emotions, beliefs, expectations, and social context, rather than only by tissue damage. The discussion traces how pain became medicalized over time and explains why the biopsychosocial model is especially important in persistent pain, where pain may continue long after healing should have occurred. Learners can expect a practical explanation of how fear, avoidance, catastrophizing, stigma, family responses, and repeated unsuccessful treatments affect people living with long-term pain. The speakers emphasize that these reactions are not signs of weakness or pathology, but understandable responses to ongoing stress. There is also a strong focus on communication: listening well, reflecting patients’ concerns, exploring meaningful goals, and avoiding false promises of a cure. The conversation also introduces acceptance and commitment therapy principles clinicians can use in everyday practice, including values-based goals, willingness, present-moment awareness, and building confidence through self-management. It concludes with guidance on discussing flare-ups, creating setback plans, and recognizing when referral is needed for issues such as severe depression, suicidality, substance misuse, or overwhelming distress.