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Our son is in a pain management program that will require us as parents to attend some sessions with the psychologist. What should we expect from these sessions?

Parental and family participation in pain programs for children is fairly typical. Since you are his main support system, it's helpful if you understand what the program is trying to accomplish with your child, what the goals are, and how they hope to reach these goals. Toward that end, you will probably be taught some basic concepts about the condition your child has and the biology of pain mechanisms. If they are using a particular pain management model, they will also instruct you in how it works. Once your child is released to return home, your cooperation in follow-up will be essential. Identifying stressors in everyday life will be important -- along with ways to manage these when they come up for your child. Pain and disability will be discussed openly. This may be new for families who have avoided talking about their child's pain as a strategy to avoid bringing attention to it. The effects of pain, fear of pain, school absence because of pain, and physical and social inactivity caused by pain are all points of discussion. If there are learning problems to deal with, school officials may also be called in to participate in the overall treatment plan. Patient, family, and school staff may need to understand relaxation and guided imagery techniques the child will be using at home and at school.

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