What is The Comfort Ability Program?
The Comfort Ability Program helps kids and parents and caregivers learn how to better manage recurring functional symptoms such as chronic pain (nerve, muscle or joint pain, headaches, abdominal pain, etc.), nausea, dizziness, and fatigue and muscle weakness. The program teaches how the nervous system works in the body and why skills rooted in psychology can help. It also gives kids and parents and caregivers the chance to learn and practice many proven coping skills based in cognitive behavioral therapy.
Who Can Attend?
Children and adolescents ages 11-17 and up to two of their caregivers can attend the workshop. You do not have to be a current patient at St. Louis Children’s Hospital to participate. Participants will also receive a Comfort Kit filled with items to continue practicing new skills learned during the workshop at home.
What happens at The Comfort Ability Workshop?
Kids and parents are in separate groups for the workshop.
Kids / Teens will:
- Provides a safe and comfortable space to connect with others who can really understand what it’s like to have pain and functional symptoms
- Learn about neuroscience related to ongoing pain and functional symptoms.
- Develop an individual comfort plan to guide coping and long-term recover.
- Learn mind – body strategies for managing chronic symptoms and stress.
- Leave with a comprehensive workbook full of resources and strategies for home use.
Parents and Caregivers will:
- Obtain parenting skills that help to boost a child’s sense of comfort and wellbeing.
- Learn about neuroscience and cognitive behavioral therapy.
- Understand how to create a plan to support improved function at home and or school.
- Leave with a comprehensive workbook full of resources and strategies for home use.
Upcoming Workshops
Workshops are held on selected Saturdays from 10am -5pm.
January 20, 2024
April 20, 2024
August 3, 2024
Location:
Children’s Specialty Care Center – West County
13001 N Outer 40 Rd.
Town and Country, MO 63017
Cost:
- Insurance plans not currently accepted, but a receipt can be provided for health savings / flexible spending account reimbursement.
- $100.00 per session includes child and one parent / caregiver.
Registration / Questions
Victoria M Helms, Program Coordinator
314.454.6246
[email protected]
Other resources from the Comfort Ability Program
The Comfort Ability Program website is filled with free resources that are known to help kids with pain and functional symptoms and their parents/caregivers even if it’s not possible for you to attend the workshop.
