Pediatric Chronic Pain and Somatic Symptoms Consultation Group.
Small-group consultation for mental health clinicians
This small-group consultation series is designed for mental health professionals who work with children and adolescents experiencing chronic pain, somatic symptoms, and persistent physical health concerns.
Across four interactive sessions, participants will strengthen their clinical skills in applying evidence-based psychological and behavioural approaches while engaging in practical case discussion and collaborative problem-solving. This consultation group is ideal for clinicians seeking to build confidence in supporting functional recovery, improving treatment engagement, and helping youth develop resilience in the context of ongoing health challenges.
Participants are encouraged to bring clinical questions and de-identified cases to support applied learning and meaningful discussion.
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 - July 10, August 14, September 25, October 23, 2026
Time: 9:30 -11:00 AM (6 hours total)
CE Credits: 6 hours of continuing education recognized by the OAMHP *
Group size: Limited to 6–12 participants
Cost: $150 CAD/session ($600 CAD total)
*Participation in this workshop allows OAMHP members to apply 6 CECs toward their required continuing education hours. OAMHP’s review of the general content of this workshop recognizes the learning objectives meet and support the criteria (1) for best known practice in continuing education and (2) for educational requirements for mental health professionals.
This small-group consultation series is designed for mental health professionals who work with children and adolescents experiencing chronic pain, somatic symptoms, and persistent physical health concerns.
Across four interactive sessions, participants will strengthen their clinical skills in applying evidence-based psychological and behavioural approaches while engaging in practical case discussion and collaborative problem-solving. This consultation group is ideal for clinicians seeking to build confidence in supporting functional recovery, improving treatment engagement, and helping youth develop resilience in the context of ongoing health challenges.
Participants are encouraged to bring clinical questions and de-identified cases to support applied learning and meaningful discussion.
Course Details.
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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An application for continuing education credits has been submitted and approval is pending
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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.
This small-group consultation series is designed for mental health professionals who work with children and adolescents experiencing chronic pain, somatic symptoms, and persistent physical health concerns.
Across four interactive sessions, participants will strengthen their clinical skills in applying evidence-based psychological and behavioural approaches while engaging in practical case discussion and collaborative problem-solving. This consultation group is ideal for clinicians seeking to build confidence in supporting functional recovery, improving treatment engagement, and helping youth develop resilience in the context of ongoing health challenges.
Participants are encouraged to bring clinical questions and de-identified cases to support applied learning and meaningful discussion.
Student Access Program
As part of our commitment to increasing access to pediatric health psychology training, one fully sponsored space in this consultation group will be reserved for a graduate student or early career clinician through the Student Access Program.
This initiative is especially important to us as we recognize that financial barriers can sometimes limit access to high-quality training opportunities.
If you are a student or early career clinician and would benefit from this opportunity, we invite you to email our team with:
A brief description of your current training or role
Your interest in pediatric health psychology or working with children with medical needs
How participation in this group would support your learning or clinical work
We aim to keep this process simple and supportive. Selection will be based on relevance and fit.
Meet Your Instructors
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Dr. Stella Dentakos, C.Psych.
CLINICAL & HEALTH PSYCHOLOGIST
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Dr. Elizabeth Wanstall, C.Psych.
CLINICAL, HEALTH, & NEUROPSYCHOLOGIST
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