MEDICAL CRISIS-INTERVENTION WITH CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS WITH CHRONIC PAIN

A specific application of medical crisis counseling (Pollin 1994, 1995 )-a time-limited, clinical intervention for individuals with a chronic illness-is presented for work with children and adolescents who are e xperiencing chronic pain. Particular emphasis is placed on the meaning patients make of their illness experience and the role of explanatory models of chronic pain in shaping the psychosocial experience of pati ents. An integrated biological and psychosocial approach to understand ing and treating pain is emphasized. A conceptual framework and set of strategies for treating chronic pain and addressing the common fears and concerns that arise for patients are described.