WPS: Management of Chronic Pain: Resilience Factors and Positive Activity Interventions The remarkable ability of individuals with chronic pain to bounce back and lead productive and fulfilling lives is often underappreciated. In this session, the data supporting the importance of tapping into our patients’ inherent strengths will be discussed, as well as how to help them thrive despite living with chronic illness. Still, the data are clear that experiencing chronic pain can have a profound impact on every aspect of life, including mental health. In numerous studies, chronic pain is consistently associated with depression, anxiety, and diminished quality of life. This session will aim to discuss the pain science underlying the relationship between chronic pain and mental health, both risk and resilience. Attendees will gain insight into practical strategies aimed at providing essential emotional support and fostering resilience in patients managing chronic pain. Drawing from evidence-based approaches, this session will equip the mental health professionals with practical tools and techniques necessary to navigate the complex experiences and emotional well-being of people with chronic pain.
This webinar has been approved by the University of Detroit Mercy, an institution regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which is our partner in the offerings of Continuing Education activities.
This training/event has been approved by the NASW-Michigan Chapter for 2.0 synchronous Pain Management social work CEs: Approval Number 20261016-CA-WPS.
Dr. Afton Hassett is a licensed clinical psychologist who is an Associate Professor and the Director of Pain and Opioid Research in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Michigan. As a principal investigator at the renowned Chronic Pain & Fatigue Research Center at UM where she conducts interdisciplinary research related to exploring the role of cognitive, affective, and behavioral factors in chronic pain. Dr. Hassett is a leader in the field of resilience and pain with over $35M in grant funding from the National Institutes of Health. She has published 130 peer-reviewed articles in scientific journals. Dr. Hassett is a Past President of the Association of Rheumatology Professionals – a division of the American College of Rheumatology. She is also the author of Chronic Pain Reset: 30 Days of Activities, Practices and Skills to Help You Thrive, an innovative pain self-management book for patients and their clinicians. more info...
10/16/2026
WPS: Light, Circadian Rhythms, and Human Health This presentation will review the components of the circadian system (retinal photoreceptors, central pacemaker, peripheral clocks, light, melatonin and the measurement and regulation of circadian rhythms), and the circadian and non-circadian effects of light on sleep and mood. The methodology and results of several clinical trials exploring the use of morning light treatment on symptoms in chronic disease will also be reviewed - including trials in chronic pain conditions, inflammatory bowel disease and post-traumatic stress disorder.
This webinar has been approved by the University of Detroit Mercy, an institution regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, which is our partner in the offerings of Continuing Education activities.
This training/event has been approved by the NASW-Michigan Chapter for 2.0 synchronous General Management social work CEs: Approval Number 20261120-CA-WPS.
Dr. Helen Burgess is the Richard Tam Bipolar and Circadian Research Professor of Psychiatry and Co-Director of the Sleep and Circadian Research Laboratory at the University of Michigan. At the invitation of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, Dr. Burgess assisted in formulating the latest clinical practice guidelines for the treatment of circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders with light therapy and melatonin. Her current research focuses on the assessment and treatment of sleep and circadian disturbance in a variety of human clinical conditions including alcoholism, chronic pain conditions, bipolar depression, HIV, inflammatory bowel disease and post-traumatic stress disorder. more info...
