Support for
Pain is not just physical. Psychological support can make a real difference.
Psychological support for chronic pain conditions — working alongside medical teams to improve function and quality of life.
Key information you should know
- Chronic pain has a significant psychological component — emotional and physical pain share the same neural pathways.
- Psychological intervention (especially ACT and CBT for pain) reduces suffering and improves function, alongside medical treatment.
- We work in collaboration with your GP, specialists, and physio team.
Signs you might benefit from chronic pain support
- Pain persisting beyond normal healing time (typically 3+ months)
- Pain that affects your ability to work, socialise, or do activities you value
- Depression or anxiety as a result of living with persistent pain
- Sleep disruption due to pain
- Catastrophising about pain — expecting the worst and feeling out of control
- Social withdrawal or isolation because of pain
How therapy can help with chronic pain
Chronic pain affects mood, sleep, activity, and identity. The link between physical sensation and psychological distress is well established, and both deserve attention.
Psychological approaches such as pain-focused CBT and acceptance-based strategies can improve quality of life and function even when pain does not disappear. We coordinate with your medical team where helpful.
Psychologists who support chronic pain
3 psychologists with experience in chronic pain.
Accepting new clientsBook with BeauDr Beau Gamble
Psychologist & Clinic Manager
Beau is a warm, thoughtful, and experienced psychologist. He brings genuine curiosity to the people he works with, and takes a patient, collaborative approach to therapy.
Works from Succoris Joondalup
Dr Kim Mihaljevic
Clinical Psychologist
Kim offers a compassionate, person-centred approach, supporting individuals to improve their emotional wellbeing and live a meaningful life. She works collaboratively with clients aged 15 and over.
Works from Succoris Sunbury
Accepting new clientsBook with JenJen Bullers
Clinical Psychologist
Jennifer prioritises warm, empathetic, and collaborative therapeutic relationships. She works with adolescents and adults, taking the time to understand each individual's experiences and tailor support to their needs.
Telehealth
Common questions about chronic pain
How can a psychologist help with chronic pain?
Chronic pain is real and physical, and it also has a significant psychological dimension, because emotional and physical pain share overlapping pathways in the brain and body. A psychologist does not suggest the pain is in your head. Instead, they help you reduce the suffering and disruption pain causes, improve daily functioning, and work alongside your medical team, rather than replacing medical care.
Will therapy actually reduce my pain, or just help me cope?
Psychological approaches are not a replacement for medical treatment, and they do not promise to remove pain. What they can do is change your relationship with pain, reduce its impact on mood and daily life, and improve function. Some people also notice changes in pain intensity as stress and tension ease. Realistic, meaningful improvement in quality of life is the goal.
What kind of therapy is used for chronic pain?
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based approaches, and cognitive behavioural therapy for pain are the most established options. They help you manage the stress, low mood, and avoidance that pain can bring, build pacing and activity strategies, and reconnect with what matters to you. Your psychologist works collaboratively with you and, where helpful, your GP, physiotherapist, and other providers.
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist for chronic pain?
No referral is needed to book with us. Because chronic pain involves your physical health, working alongside your GP is valuable, and a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan may provide Medicare rebates on individual sessions. Sessions are available in person and by telehealth across Australia. Contact us and we can match you with a psychologist experienced in chronic pain.
Why does chronic pain affect mood and sleep?
Pain and mood share overlapping pathways in the brain and nervous system, so ongoing pain can lower mood, increase anxiety, and disturb sleep, while poor sleep and stress can in turn make pain feel worse. This is a genuine physical loop, not a sign that the pain is imaginary. Because the cycle runs both ways, working on stress, mood, and sleep can be an important part of managing the pain itself.
Prefer to reach out directly? We're happy to help.