The Comfort Ability Program

Helping Kids and Teens Better Manage Chronic or Recurring Discomfort

The Comfort Ability Program is a one-day, in-person workshop for youth with chronic or recurring discomfort, such as pain, nausea, fatigue, weakness or dizziness.

Developed by Harvard University and Boston Children's Hospital, the Comfort Ability Program teaches kids and teens (ages 10-17) — and their parents and caregivers — skills to better manage chronic or reoccurring discomfort to help with everyday living. 

We've seen improvements in a child's quality of life within one week of completing this program.

Kids and teens will:

• Learn ways to manage recurring physical discomfort
• Meet other teens in a safe, supportive environment who have chronic or recurring discomfort
• Develop a plan to improve areas of their life most important to them, despite discomfort

Parents and caregivers will:

• Learn ways to support their child with their discomfort
• Receive tools to help them improve daily functioning
• Create a plan to help with the management of their child’s discomfort

Who Can Participate?

Our program supports kids and teens ages 10-17 who are living with chronic discomfort (3+ months) and their caregivers. Both the child and their caregiver(s) must attend the program to get the best results.

Participants may be experiencing symptoms of discomfort, such as chronic pain, nausea, fatigue, weakness or dizziness. Our program helps with common conditions such as: 

What Should Participants Expect?

Our program is led by pediatric psychologists who specialize in chronic discomforts, like pain and fatigue. Their goal is to provide education, skills and expert support for children and their caregivers in an engaging and interactive way. 

Kids and teens participate in one session, while caregivers learn skills in their own session.

This one-day program covers what would take place over the course of six cognitive behavioral therapy sessions for management of physical discomforts.

When Does This Program Take Place?

The program takes place once a month at the Big Lots Behavioral Health Pavilion.

Programming runs from 8:45 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Lunch and parking are included. Registration is ongoing. This program bills through insurance.

How Do I Learn More or Register?

For upcoming sessions or more information, please email CAPNCH@NationwideChildrens.org.