ABSTRACT
This chapter gives an outline of the function of the internal processes of thoughts, language and images and their impact on behaviour. It assists in identifying whether thoughts and words help or hinder the adolescent with persistent pain. Thoughts can take the form of words or images, kept silent and unacknowledged. Simple explanations may help the adolescent begin a process of increasing their awareness of their thoughts and feelings. Words and thoughts are very powerful they are based on our learning from previous experiences and conclusions we have drawn from them. The 'thought police' image was one adolescent's humorous inter-pre ta tion of the process of reframing thoughts and words. Spoken words also affect our actions and the actions of others. An adolescent may habitually and unconsciously respond to their parent's anxious words or actions around their pain. Awareness of thoughts and words is often the primary task. The chapter looks at practices to achieve this awareness.
