National Psychology Training Consortium

Course Description and Target Audience

This presentation, A Holistic Approach to Pain and Suffering: The Biopsychosocial Model and Beyond, offers a comprehensive and integrative examination of the multifaceted nature of pain. Rooted in the Biopsychosocial Model, the session expands beyond conventional frameworks to explore pain as a multidimensional experience influenced by biological, psychological, social, cultural, and existential factors. Participants will be introduced to a range of holistic strategies and paradigms—drawing from integrative medicine, mind-body approaches, and transpersonal psychology—to deepen understanding and enhance clinical care. 

Evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Clinical Hypnosis, and Biofeedback will be reviewed, with an emphasis on research findings and best-practice applications for individuals with chronic pain. The session will further explore practical, ethically grounded recommendations for clinicians seeking to adopt a more holistic and multidisciplinary approach in their pain management practices. This program aims to enhance professional competence, promote cultural sensitivity, and support improved client outcomes through integrative, evidence-informed care.

This presentation is designed for psychologists, mental health professionals, healthcare providers, and interdisciplinary clinicians who work with individuals experiencing acute or chronic pain. It is particularly relevant for those interested in integrating evidence-based psychological interventions with holistic, mind-body, and person-centered approaches. Attendees will gain both theoretical insights and practical strategies to support clients through a more comprehensive, multidimensional understanding of pain and suffering.

This is a topic of relevance to all practitioners as everyone will work with someone who has experienced pain and suffering. Information presented will be based on a large body of research evidence examining various approaches to pain management. Evidence-based interventions will be reviewed, including the limitations of such interventions for pain management. Additionally, other holistic approaches for pain management will be discussed. Such approaches may not fit criteria for established “evidenced-based” practice. The presenter will explicitly state when an approach is supported by research and when it is not. Last, the presenter will point when material being presented in based on opinion or objective evidence. There are no significant risks associated with this topic. With that said, any time pain and suffering are being discussed there is the potential for personal feelings to arise. This will be addressed at the onset of the presentation.

The presenter will discuss specific diversity issues related to disability, accessibility in receiving pain management treatments, misconceptions, and stigma.

Learning Objectives

• Participants will be able to describe the multi-dimensional nature of pain, the Biopsychosocial Model, and the importance of addressing pain from a holistic framework.
• Participants will be able to identify and discuss holistic strategies, perspectives, and paradigms to address and understand pain and suffering.
• Participants will be able to discuss the literature regarding evidence-based treatments for chronic pain including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Clinical Hypnosis, and Biofeedback.
• Participants will be able to identify and demonstrate recommendations for clinical practice to assist individuals with pain from a holistic and multi-disciplinary framework.

Presenter Information

Benjamin A. Tallman, PhD received his bachelor's in psychology and sociology from Coe College and his doctorate in counseling psychology from the University of Iowa. He completed an internship in clinical psychology and a post-doctoral fellowship in medical rehabilitation psychology at the Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital in Chicago. Dr. Tallman is a licensed psychologist and the Psychology Program Training Director in the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at UnityPoint Health-St. Luke’s Hospital. Dr. Tallman’s clinical interests include working with individuals adjusting to traumatic medical conditions (e.g., traumatic brain injury, stroke, and spinal cord injury) and providing treatment recommendations and training to medical staff. He has a particular interest and expertise in treating individuals with acute and chronic pain concerns using a holistic framework and various evidenced based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, clinical hypnosis, and mindfulness meditation. He developed and leads the Pain Psychology Program at St. Luke’s and he has led various hospital and system wide pain initiatives. He is an innovator and leader in understanding and treating pain from a holistic perspective. Dr. Tallman's research has focused on enhancing patients’ ability to use self-regulation techniques in medical settings. He is also interested in examining systematic barriers and personal factors that impact allied health professionals’ ability to assess, treat and manage pain concerns. Dr. Tallman has served as Past President of the Iowa Psychological Association (IPA) and he continues to be involved with several IPA committees.

Video Homestudy Format

CE’s for this homestudy training will be earned through completing the following tasks:

• Watch the presentation video and review all provided documents in their entirety.
• Pass the post-test questionnaire with at least 80% correct.

A program evaluation form will be provided to all who registered following the training. Please be sure to complete this form since your feedback helps direct future CE programming from our organization.

Registration Cost

This cost includes video links, materials, and tests required to obtain CE’s. Your CE certificate will be made available to you upon successful completion of the training (80% or higher on exam).

National Psychology Training Consortium (NPTC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. NPTC maintains responsibility for this program and its content.