Addressing Psychosocial Yellow Flags in Therapy & Athletics

NOTE: THIS INTERVIEW HAS BEEN PRE-RECORDED. 

Traditionally, red flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. Yellow flags are psychosocial indicators suggesting increased risk of progression to long-term distress, disability and pain. These yellow flags have the potential to serve as guides to therapists and coaches/trainers about the underlying issues that may hindering progress of their patients/clients. Understanding and then addressing these yellow flag ABC's can facilitate better outcomes.

Today we will discuss these 'yellow flag' ABC's and how to address them with occupational therapist, researcher and educator, Bronnie Thompson. 

Bronnie Thompson, MSC, DipOT graduated in 1984 from the Central Institute of Technology in New Zealand. Since then she has continued her studies at the postgraduate level and has published papers in business skills, ergonomics, mental health therapies and psychology. She completed her Masters in Psychology in 1999 from the Universit of Canterbury and started her PhD in 2007. She is also a Senior Lecturer at the University of Otago, Christchurch teaching postgraduate clinicians pain and pain management behavioural medicine courses. In addition, she also owns and operates a successful private practice.