Pediatric Chronic Pain and Somatic Symptoms Consultation Group.

Small-group consultation for mental health clinicians

Build confidence supporting youth with pediatric chronic pain and somatic symptoms.

This interactive, case-based consultation group is designed for mental health professionals working with children and adolescents experiencing chronic pain and persistent somatic symptoms.

Across four small-group sessions, participants will strengthen their confidence in applying evidence-based psychological and behavioural approaches while engaging in practical case consultation and collaborative clinical problem-solving.

The focus of this series is practical application. Sessions are designed to help clinicians address common treatment challenges such as improving engagement, supporting functional recovery, working with caregivers, and managing treatment barriers.

Participants are encouraged to bring de-identified cases and clinical questions to support applied learning.

Dr. Stella Dentakos and Dr. Elizabeth Wanstall

Format: Live virtual consultation group
Dates: Monthly on Fridays June 12, July 10, September 25, October 23, 2026
Time: 1.5 hours per session (6 hours total)
CE Credits: (pending)
Group size: Limited to 6–12 participants
Cost:$150 CAD/session ($600 CAD total)

Course Details.

  • Unlike traditional workshops, this consultation group emphasizes:

    • Small group discussion to support individualized learning

    • Case-based consultation focused on real clinical challenges

    • Practical strategies that can be immediately applied in clinical work

    • Opportunities to strengthen clinical decision-making

    • A supportive learning environment with experienced clinicians

  • By the end of this consultaion program, participants will be able to:

    • Apply evidence-based psychological approaches for pediatric chronic pain and somatic symptoms

    • Support functional recovery including school participation and return to activities

    • Strengthen collaboration with caregivers to support behaviour change

    • Improve treatment engagement and motivation

    • Address common barriers such as avoidance and symptom flare-ups

    • Increase confidence supporting coping and resilience in youth

  • This program is appropriate for:

    • Psychologists

    • Psychotherapists

    • Social workers

    • Psychology residents and graduate trainees

    • Other mental health professionals working with children and adolescents

    This consultation group is best suited for clinicians currently working with pediatric populations or those interested in developing skills in pediatric health psychology.

  • Topics across sessions may include:

    • Psychological treatment approaches for pediatric chronic pain

    • Biopsychosocial and functional restoration models

    • Cognitive behavioural and behavioural strategies

    • Activity pacing and graded return to function

    • Supporting caregiver involvement

    • Enhancing motivation and treatment engagement

    • Managing treatment barriers

    • Case consultation and treatment planning

  • An application for continuing education credits has been submitted and approval is pending

  • Cost: $600 CAD ($150 per session)

    Registration includes:

    • Access to all four consultation sessions

    • Continuing education certificate

    • Opportunities for case consultation

    • Practical clinical strategies and resources

    Registration is limited to maintain a high-quality learning experience. Early registration is recommended.

    Participants will receive Zoom access details prior to the first session.

    Please note: Registration is for the full consultation series. Individual session registration is not available.

Meet Your Instructors

  • Dr. Stella Dentakos, C.Psych.

    CLINICAL & HEALTH PSYCHOLOGIST

  • Dr. Elizabeth Wanstall, C.Psych.

    CLINICAL, HEALTH, & NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST

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