Chronic Pain and Family : A Clinical Perspective

Chronic pain affects every facet of a patient's life, and nowhere is this more evident than in the complex arena of family life. "Chronic Pain and Family: a Clinical Perspective" examines typical family issues associated with prolonged illness, offering realistic ways to approach them in therapy.

Informed by current practice and his own experience, noted author/clinician Ranjan Roy brings fresh insights to common pain scenarios and therapeutic impasses, and provides a framework for assessing marital and family relationships when chronic pain is a defining factor.

Clinicians will get not only a clearer understanding of sensitive issues, but also effective strategies for engaging clients without turning them off.

The coverage includes: meanings of pain in relationships - "Who Does What?": exploring changes in family roles - resistance to treatment: why it occurs and how to work through it - health concerns and other burdens on well spouses and children - sexuality, domestic abuse, and other "silent" issues - and, case examples demonstrating therapy step-by-step with a range of couples and families.For therapists and social workers who deal with this growing population of patients, "Chronic Pain and Family: A Clinical Perspective" stands at a unique intersection of pain/disability and family resources.

Roy's recognition of the family's changing demographics together with his synthesis of clinical knowledge make the book suitable for graduate-level courses as well.