ABSTRACT
This chapter identifies poly-symptomatic conditions for which psychological therapy is recommended and criticisms of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT). It highlights important differences between assessment from experiential dynamic therapies and CBT perspectives. The chapter discusses the mid-point of the assessment interview; the therapist begins to highlight her caregiving tendencies (SE). Experiential dynamic psychotherapies with their consideration of affective factors are suggested as a possible treatment alternative. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is the psychological treatment of choice for chronic pain and chronic fatigue syndrome. Notwithstanding the evidence for its effectiveness, there are criticisms of this approach in the treatment of poly-symptomatic somatic patients. Patients who present with poly-symptomatic somatic conditions such as chronic pain, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, daily headaches, and Irritable bowel syndrome pose a challenge to traditional services. In CBT the treatment protocol is based on graded exercise, relaxation, activity scheduling, and cognitive restructuring of pathogenic beliefs.
