Pain Disengagement Training (Open Pilot)

The investigators aim to conduct an open pilot trial to determine the initial feasibility of a self-directed writing-based intervention in individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain and elevated pain catastrophizing. The investigators will assess the feasibility of recruitment, acceptability of the treatment, credibility and participant satisfaction, treatment adherence, and feasibility of assessments following pre-specified benchmarks.

Mind-body interventions are some of the most effective treatments for chronic pain, yet due to lack of resources, many are inaccessible to the patients who need them. The investigators seek to fill this gap by developing and testing Pain Disengagement Training (PDT) for the treatment of chronic pain catastrophizing, a key risk factor for pain interference. The investigators will administer the PDT treatment in a small number (approximately 10) of participants to evaluate initial benchmarks (the feasibility of recruitment, acceptability of the treatment, credibility and participant satisfaction, treatment adherence, and feasibility of assessments) and to assess participants' experience with the intervention using qualitative exit interviews. Results will inform the refinement of the intervention for a future larger trial.

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Outpatient adults (i.e., greater than or equal to 18) 2. Has self reported chronic musculoskeletal pain (i.e., pain persisting for at least 3 months) 3. Pain score greater than or equal to 4 (moderate) on the Numerical Rating Scale 4. Pain catastrophizing score greater than or equal to 20 on Pain Catastrophizing Scale 5. Willingness to engage in a writing-based intervention and self-reported ability to write or type for at least 30 minutes in a sitting 6. Received care at Massachusetts General Hospital 7. English verbal and writing fluency Exclusion Criteria: 1. Clinically significant change in therapy or medication in the past 3 months 2. Severe untreated mental health condition (e.g., psychosis) 3. Active suicidality with history of plan or current intent 4. Serious illness expected to worsen in the next 6 months (e.g., cancer) 5. Untreated substance use problem that, per patient's self-report, would interfere with the ability to complete the intervention.