Comfort Ability Workshop

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General information

*Please note that due to the COVID-19 Pandemic all Comfort Ability Workshops will be held virtually until further notice*

Doernbecher is proud to present the Comfort Ability Workshop, which is now being held at OHSU on a quarterly basis. Originally designed at Boston Children’s Hospital, the Comfort Ability Workshop is being conducted at several sites across the country, and at several hospitals in Canada!

The Comfort Ability Workshop is a fun and interactive program to help children (ages 10-17) and their parents or caregivers learn how to better manage chronic pain. The program is run by staff psychologists and psychology trainees from Doernbecher Children's Hospital's Pediatric Pain Management Clinic in collaboration with the Divisions of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Pediatric Neurology, and introduces cognitive behavioral and biobehavioral pain management strategies. The workshop emphasizes the mind-body connection and offers non-invasive and non-pharmaceutical strategies for improved pain management.

The program is put on by the Pediatric Pain Management Clinic and the Institute on Development and Disability, in collaboration with the Divisions of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Pediatric Neurology.

Testimonials

"The Comfort Ability workshop was incredible for our whole family. It has been a game changer on many levels. We're so grateful to have been able to attend, and I hope every family will have this opportunity moving forward."

- Parent

"It was nice to be with a group of people my age who are all dealing with pain like me."

- Child

"Thank you so much for putting this program together! I really appreciate that it was there for my patient when she needed it. I do not know how else we would have helped them had this program not been available."

- Family Medicine Physician

Confirm that you're registered.

Requesting registration online does not serve as confirmation of registration. If you have received an individual email in response to your online registration that serves as confirmation of your registration. You will receive email reminders in the weeks leading up to the workshop you're registered for.

Registration closes 48 hours before the first workshop session.

What will I need?

You will need a computer or table with a webcam with access to the internet. The workshop will be held via Zoom, so you will need to download the Zoom application prior to attending the workshop. Instructions on how to use and download Zoom will be sent via email upon your families registration. 

What is the layout of the workshops?

Workshops are broken down into two three hour sessions for parents, and four two hour sessions for children. Parent sessions take place on Saturdays and Sundays the weekend prior to the first child session, and child sessions are split into four sessions over two weeks. Detailed instructions and materials will be provided to your family prior to the workshop. 

I have more questions about the virtual format.

Our team is happy to walk you through the process! Please contact the Comfort Ability Coordinator, Jessica Heierle, at comfortability@ohsu.edu or by phone at 503-964-0267.

Confirm that you're registered.

Registering online does not serve as confirmation of registration. If you have received an individual email in response to your online registration that serves as confirmation of your registration. You will receive email reminders in the weeks leading up to the workshop you're registered for.

What should my child and I bring?

  • A sack lunch (or money for lunch) and a water bottle. Light snacks will be provided however, we recommend bringing a lunch from home or money to purchase food at the lunch break. If you're purchasing a lunch, there are three options: Starbucks is located about 10 minutes away in the lobby of Doernbecher Children's Hospital, the OHSU cafeteria on the 3rd floor of the main hospital will also be open.
  • Comfortable clothing. Please make sure you and your child are dressed comfortably. Kids will be sitting on the floor for part of the day and will be participating in hands-on activities.

How much does the workshop cost?

  • The cost of the workshop is $120 and covers two adults and one child.
  • To ensure that cost is not barrier for participants, full and partial scholarships are available to families by request.

How do I pay?

  • You can pay using our online our portal by following this link.
  • The OHSU Business Office accepts credit card payments between the hours of 9am-10am on Fridays at 503-494-8243
  • We offer full and partial scholarships for families by request. To learn more, please contact our workshop coordinator.
  • I have a question about the workshop and/or my registration and I can't find the answer online, who should I contact?
  • Can other relatives or friends attend?
    • Workshop scholarships and attendance fees cover the cost of two adults and one child. We highly recommend having both parents or caregivers attend (if possible) and encourage having another family member (e.g. grandparent, aunt, etc.) attend if they live in the home with your child. Please let us know if you plan to have another adult attend with you when you register.
       
  • My child is younger than 10? Can they attend?
    • The workshop was specifically structured and designed for children between the ages of 10-17. Historically, we've found that children younger than 10 years of age may have difficulty sitting through the workshop and relating to their older peers' experiences with chronic pain. We recommend either waiting until they are 10 years old, or attending the parent session without your child

    FAQ specific to in person workshops

    • My child can't sit on the floor, what are other accommodations the Comfort Ability team can provide?
      • Children will be provided with yoga mats that they can sit on, if that's comfortable for them. There are also chairs, yoga balls, and other equipment they are free to use to remain comfortable during the workshop. The workshop also has several breaks built into it so children can get up and walk around, stretch, or eat a snack.
         
    • Will breakfast or lunch be provided?
      • Breakfast and lunch are not included, however we do offer some light snacks and water.
         
    • Can my other child/children attend?
      • This workshop was specifically developed for children between the ages of 10 and 17 who experience chronic pain. We advise parents against bringing other children unless those children are between the ages of 10 and 17 and also experience chronic pain. If you would like to bring more than one child, please let us know when you register.

    Upcoming workshops

    Spring Workshop

    Parent:

    • Saturday, May 4th, 9:00am-3:00pm

    Teen:

    • Monday, May 6th, 4:00-6:00pm
    • Thursday, May 9th, 4:00-6:00pm
    • Monday, May 13th, 4:00p-6:00pm

    Contact Info

    Please contact our Comfort Ability Coordinator, Jessica Heierle, with questions at:

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