ABSTRACT
Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a psychological treatment modality that focuses on the interrelation between thoughts, feelings and behaviours in the development and maintenance of maladaptive behaviours. The treatment is delivered either individually or in group format over approximately eight sessions by a trained psychologist or highly trained mental health professional. Self-monitoring is especially important in the early phases of treatment, as the child and family are asked to record the intensity, frequency and duration of pain. School personnel require a special skill set or knowledge of CBT principles to implement CBT-based accommodations and modifications in the classroom; rather, management of recurrent abdominal pain in the classroom requires good communication between parents and teachers. To maximise success, incorporation of the child’s school will aid in generalising the new coping strategies into all of the important environments of the child’s daily life.
