Pain is Multifaceted, Your Treatment Should Be, Too

Chiropractic has a wide base of tools that can be applied to patients to help with pain and function. Many of these tools are passive therapies, however, which have their own limitations and have been noted to increase the risk of chronicity. Even with the best treatment options, if a patient is limited in participating in their care because of beliefs, socioeconomic status or other limitations, then expectations and outcomes are blurred and left unmet. In this session, we will discuss current research on the biopsychosocial model and learn about the various social determinants of health, including when and how we can help and when we need to consider co-management or complete referral. We will practice using motivational interviewing techniques to help patients foster self-motivation to reach their goals; review intake forms and language to help provide an inclusive and welcoming environment; and provide you with tools that will allow you to support quality, patient-centered care.

Learning objectives:

By the end of this session, attendees will be able to develop updated intake forms and communication skills to be more inclusive and sensitive to the social determinants of health.
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to evaluate individual patient needs through the biopsychosocial model lens.
By the end of this session, attendees will be able to utilize motivational interviewing techniques to help patients achieve their goals.

PACE ID:

This recording is from ACA Engage 2023--this session was originally presented live, users viewing this program online will be shown visual aids (powerpoint slides) and speaker audio.

Kristy Carbonelli, DC

Parker University

Kristy Carbonelli, DC is the department chair of basic sciences at Parker University, where she leads faculty across foundational science disciplines and oversees critical teaching environments, including the Gross Anatomy Lab and the Willed Body Program. Her leadership centers on strong curriculum design, student support, and preparing future chiropractors to deliver care that is both effective and compassionate. 

From 2005 to 2017, Dr. Carbonelli served patients in private practice before transitioning into academia as a clinic faculty doctor from 2017 to 2019. These experiences continue to inform her of her commitment to bridging education with the practical realities of patient care and professional sustainability. 

A certified trainer in trauma-informed care, Dr. Carbonelli’s scholarship and teaching emphasize how communication, environment, and policy influence a patient’s sense of safety and engagement. She redesigned the Business of Chiropractic course at Parker to ensure students graduate with the tools to build operationally sound, patient-focused practices that support personal and professional well-being. 

Dr. Carbonelli serves as president of the Faculty American Chiropractic Association (FACA) and as faculty advisor to the Student ACA (SACA), helping strengthen advocacy, leadership, and professional development within the chiropractic community. She presents nationally on trauma-informed approaches and innovation in chiropractic education. 

Her work is grounded in a clear belief: When we intentionally design how we show up, communicate, and structure care, patients benefit and providers thrive. A compassionate practice is not accidental; it is built thoughtfully from the start. 

Vanessa Morales, DC, MPH, MS

Parker University

Vanessa Morales DC, MPH, MS is a Professor and the Director of Clinical Assessment at Parker University, where she drives educational innovation by designing clinical curricula that integrate the biopsychosocial model and address the social determinants of health. Her work emphasizes advanced clinical competencies, including shared decision-making, interdisciplinary communication, critical appraisal of evidence, and motivational interviewing.

Beyond her leadership on campus, Dr. Morales serves as Faculty ACA Vice President, is a member of the CCE Academy, and chairs the Association of Chiropractic Colleges Accreditation and Assessment Workgroup. Driven by a deep commitment to public health, she is actively involved in research and recently completed her Master of Public Health.

At Engage 2026, Dr. Morales invites clinicians to explore how vigilance, humility, and collaboration can elevate safety standards and strengthen public trust in chiropractic care.