Episode 69: Catastrophising Isn’t a Character Flaw
In this episode, Bart and Tim explore one of the most misunderstood terms in pain care: catastrophising. More than just negative thinking, this cognitive-emotional process is deeply rooted in attentional networks, threat prediction, and prior experiences.
We cover:
The neuroscience of why catastrophic thinking increases pain
The trap of premature reassurance or cognitive correction
How to work with rumination, not against it
Clinical tools that validate, reframe, and gently open space for possibility
With references to predictive processing, the Fear-Avoidance Model, and years of lived experience, this is a compassionate, grounded take for clinicians wanting to do better by their patients.
🎧 Bonus: Tim shares a personal story of following Michael Sullivan on stage—and what that taught him about catastrophising on both sides of the clinic!
👉 Listen now and reflect on: What’s one change you could make to your language this week?
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Episode 68: When Pain Persists: Reframing Success Beyond Pain Reduction
In this episode of the Pain Podcast, Tim Beames and Bart Van Buchem tackle one of the most pressing challenges in pain care: how do we define success when pain doesn't go away?
They explore why the traditional pain scale often fails people with chronic conditions, and how clinicians can shift the narrative toward life expansion, not just pain elimination. From functional goals to emotional resilience, discover what meaningful progress really looks like — and why celebrating small wins can be transformative for both patients and therapists.
🎧 Topics include:
– Why pain scales aren’t the full story
– Alternative outcome measures that reflect real-life improvement
– Reframing success: from reducing pain to living well with it
– Building trust, confidence, and connection in long-term pain care
Perfect for clinicians, coaches, and anyone supporting people with persistent pain.
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Episode 67: Navigating Difficult Conversations: When Patients Want Quick Fixes
How do we respond when patients want immediate solutions to complex pain problems? In this reflective episode, Tim Beames and Bart Van Buchem explore one of the most common—and most challenging—clinical scenarios: the search for a quick fix.
Expect insights into:
The psychology of urgency and fear in persistent pain
Strategies for building rapport and redirecting unrealistic expectations
Tools and metaphors (like “green vs red glasses”) to reframe pain experiences
Real-life clinical stories that show how to meet patients where they are—without abandoning your professional values
Whether you’re a physio, doctor, or coach, this is essential listening for anyone working in complex care.
🎧 Follow and share if this episode resonates with your practice.
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Episode 66: Beyond Exercises: Creating Meaningful Movement Experiences in Pain Care
What happens when prescribed exercises don’t land—or even backfire? In this conversation, Bart Van Buchem and Tim Beames explore how rigid prescriptions can often disconnect people from their recovery and how a more collaborative, curious approach can unlock movement confidence.
They discuss:
Why traditional exercise programs often fall short
The role of exploration, variability, and context in pain care
How to co-create meaningful movement that adapts to real life
Expect practical tips, clinical insights, and plenty of humour as Tim and Bart help you reimagine what movement in pain care can really look like.
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Episode 65: From Frustration to Flourishing: Helping Patients Navigate Pain Setbacks
In this episode of Le Pub Scientifique: The Pain Podcast, Tim Beames and Bart van Buchem unpack one of the most common—and misunderstood—parts of recovery: the pain setback. Together, they explore why flare-ups feel so derailing, how language shapes recovery narratives, and how to support patients when things go off track.
You’ll learn:
Why the word "setback" may be doing more harm than good
How to prepare patients for flare-ups using a proactive “toolbox” approach
How to reframe pain as a protective—not purely negative—experience
Practical ways to build safety, validate struggle, and avoid reinforcing fear or avoidance
This conversation blends science, clinical wisdom, and compassion—ideal for clinicians helping people with persistent pain, flare-ups, or cycles of progress and pause.
🎙️ Subscribe and share to help more clinicians and patients rethink recovery.
Every episode of The Pain Podcast features interviews with world-leading pain experts, delivering practical solutions for your toughest clinical challenges. You’ll get cutting-edge insights, evidence-based strategies, and actionable advice to revolutionise your approach to pain treatment and transform patient outcomes.
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