People commonly think about pain as being solely a physical sensation. However, chronic pain, which persists after a period of time in which normal healing is expected to occur, is often the combination of physical, psychological and emotional factors. In fact, a person’s perception of their pain is greatly affected by any negative thoughts and the individual’s outlook. It is not uncommon for chronic pain to lead to depression, anger, anxiety, social withdrawal and loss of sleep. Consequently, effective pain management often requires the combination of physical treatment, such as medications, as well as psychological assistance to manage the associated emotions and thoughts. Understanding and mastering the thoughts and emotions associated with your pain will help to reduce the intensity of the pain, and enable you enjoy life without being restricted by pain.
It can be extremely grueling to live in constant pain. If you are attempting to manage chronic pain, you may be frustrated with the absence of a specific diagnosis by a doctor as to the cause or reason for the pain. This, in combination with the mentally exhausting task of trying to ignore the pain, may leave you feeling emotionally drained. You may be finding it increasingly difficult to cope with stressors at work or at home that you were able to manage before you started experiencing the pain.
However, it is important to remain hopeful and to seek assistance to effectively manage the pain with a combination of medical, physical and psychological treatment .
If you are continuing to experience chronic pain you may recognise the following symptoms of unrelieved pain which include:
Increased heart rate and blood pressure
Higher levels of stress hormones including cortisol and adrenaline
Gastrointestinal problems such as slowed digestion
Musculoskeletal problems such as tension and fatigue
Emotional problems such as anxiety and depression
Counselling can help support you to manage the emotional and psychological effects of chronic pain. Understanding the causes of your pain can help reduce your fear and anxiety. Therapy is an effective means of assisting individuals who are experiencing pain that is unmanageable.
Your someone.health psychologist can provide support, treatment and counselling in a caring environment. Your psychologist can assist you in pain management by:
Helping you to understand the pain you’re experiencing, when it occurs and what factors are affecting it
Exploring and addressing any stressors which may be contributing to the intensity of the pain
Providing you with relaxation techiques
Challenging any unhelpful thoughts or beliefs about your pain
Working with you to increase your coping ability
Addressing any anxiety or fear associated with the pain
Helping you to make lifestyle changes which will enable you to live and enjoy life while minimising the impact of the pain
Addressing insomnia you may have because of the pain
Meet the someone.health psychologists currently available to see new clients for pain management counselling.
“First I’ll listen, then I’ll help” Hello, I am Dr Geoff Pearce, a Performance and Positivity Psychologist and have 30 years’ experience. I work with Performance and Positivity in adults. ‘Performance’ refers to how well people do the things that are important to them
View ProfileI am a fully qualified hypnotherapist, treating all types of anxiety disorders, sleep disturbances, drug addictions, self-esteem issues, chronic pain, and IBS. I have 20 years of experience as a music teacher and taught children from age four to adults, aged 64 years. I also treat children and adolescents for peer relationship issues, school refusal, bullying, and poor school performance.
View ProfileJade has more than 20 years experience in working with people of all ages, across both private and government settings. She has a special interest in weight management psychology, as well as mood disorders (anxiety and depression), stress management and health psychology.
View ProfileJames' approach to mental health is about mind-body integration and looking at the “whole person”. Mental health influences how we feel, think and move, how we communicate and relate to the world, and can seriously impact our physical health. James will hep make sense of how this all fits together, to explore unhelpful thoughts and behaviour, and identify different options.
View ProfileDeciding to see a Psychologist is a big step, so congratulations for coming this far. Once you choose a therapist, stepping into a their virtual therapy room is the next big step, and for many people this can feel overwhelming. A big part of my job is to help you feel comfortable and safe. All you have to do is...
View ProfileI am an experienced, generalist psychologist specialising in counselling for people living in rural and remote areas. Whether you are concerned about the mental health of yourself or a loved one, are having difficulty negotiating a life or career transition, illness or disability, are struggling with relationship issues, or simply want someone independent to talk to, I am ready to...
View ProfileMarie works with a diverse range of clients, including children, adolescents and adults. She has extensive experience working with people with disabilities, including intellectual disability and Autism. Marie has a keen interest working with people experiencing anxiety, stress, depression, low self esteem and interpersonal difficulties.
View ProfileTrisha has experience working with a diverse range of clients including children, community from different cultural backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, and LGBT+ community.
View ProfileMatthew is trained in several evidence-based therapies, including; Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing. Matthew has a keen interest in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma related concerns, drug and alcohol misuse, and OCD.
View ProfileManya is experienced in helping people change behaviours that form part of a chronic condition whether physical or psychological. These changes include becoming more physically active and fit; pain management; feeling in control of your eating; the moderate consumption of alcohol; and cessation of smoking & problem gambling. She also has extensive experience helping people exit a substance abuse lifestyle.
View ProfileJeanette has 27 years of experience as a psychologist. She has worked in private practice, as an Employee Assistance Provider (both internal and external) and as a teacher of counselling in a private counselling college. Jeanette has gained a lot of expertise working in many areas of psychopathology over the years and continues to enjoy ongoing professional development, offering a...
View ProfileI believe that therapy is an opportunity to gain a better understanding of ones self in a professionally supportive environment. My goal is to empower my clients to believe and better handle life stressors through utilizing their own strengths. I see life stressors as a way to help us build resilience and as a journey to better oneself. I assists...
View ProfileSimon is a qualified primary school teacher as well as a registered psychologist. Simon has a keen interest in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and behaviour and emotional disorders in children. He has a relaxed, easy going nature and likes to provide people with the skills to manage life's challenges.
View ProfileI look forward to working with you on this journey through collaboration to understand your goals and work towards developing a plan tailored to achieving these goals. I have a client centered approach to counselling and ensure that focus is on ensuring that any treatment is individualised to suit your needs which is aimed to promote functional, psychological, and social...
View ProfileNina has a keen interest in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship and family difficulties, gender identity issues, work stress, low self-esteem, anger issues, survivors of sexual abuse and other childhood trauma. She is trained in several evidence based approaches, including CBT, Cognitive Processing Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
View ProfileJessie has expertise with the psychological impact of perinatal loss, the topic of her Ph.D. She has worked with adults experiencing mood disorders, personality disorders, procrastination, anxiety and grief. Jessie offers a supportive, non-judgmental and accepting environment for her clients to feel safe so that they can openly discuss the issues that they would like to change.
View ProfileSanja's approach is positive, warm, explorative, and solution-focused. Sanja has worked with adult clients struggling with drug and alcohol addiction, chronic pain, trauma and PTSD, anxiety and depression, stress management, parenting issues, relationship and life transition issues.
View ProfileHi, my name is Rachel and I'd love to meet and support you. What makes therapy with me different? We will work in the moment. I will meet you where you are at and walk alongside you using my wealth of tools and my deep intuition. You are not a diagnosis or a label to me. You are precious and...
View ProfileIt is very exciting when people take the first step to being proactive in their mental health and it makes me happy that mental health is becoming a topic we can talk freely about. I am excited to learn more about you and work together on how we can begin to create the life you want for yourself.
View ProfileDajana has 20 years experience as a Psychologist working with a diverse range of clients. She has extensive experience in substance abuse and addictions, depression, anxiety, stress management, adjustment disorder, PTSD and grief and loss.
View ProfileI am passionate about psychology and take an individual approach to psychological services from a broad worldview and framework of practice. I seek to understand your unique experiences and situation. I believe in personal empowerment using a strengths based approach. I consider it a privilege to provide support as you take steps towards your health and wellbeing goals.
View ProfileI am a clinical psychologist with experience working with adolescents and adults. I aim to provide a safe, non-judgemental space where we can collaboratively explore the challenges you are currently facing; identify and work on the goals you want to achieve in therapy.
View ProfileTony supports people with a variety of presentations including depression, anxiety, stress, adjustment difficulties, grief and loss, addictions and work-related conditions such as burnout and career transition. Tony can also provide support in a high performance context (for example athletes & executives, start-up founders). Having lived in multiple continents and being from a multi-cultural background, Tony is able to support...
View ProfileHi! So glad you have taken this important step for yourself. I am here to listen and to support you to move forward in your life, to create a more richful, fuller and more meaningful life for yourself and to let go of the struggle which takes up so much of our time, energy and attention. It’s one thing to...
View ProfileMy passion is helping people, in good times and tough times, and that is my aim when meeting you. I want to get to know you and help you through whatever challenges are facing you. I like to celebrate successes, even the little ones, and work through the next steps towards more success. I see every barrier or bump in...
View ProfileI am committed to working with clients through a collaborative client-centered approach. I view acceptance and a non-judgmental interaction as critical components to the client-therapist relationship. I believe in focusing on strengths and self-observation skills as the keys to client change, growth, and development. I look forward to the opportunity of working with clients who are seeking to move forward...
View ProfileLinda provides psychological support to adults and young people (16+) presenting with complex issues including anxiety, depression, gender/sexual identity, and general stresses of school and relationships. She is also very experienced in working with parents to facilitate positive relationships with their children in difficult times.
View ProfileHi there, Well done for considering getting help as it can be hard to reach out when you’re struggling. I’ve been working as a psychologist for many years and regard it as a privilege to hear people’s personal stories and help them move forward in life. I listen deeply to help you feel heard and understood and together we can...
View ProfileI aim to provide you with a warm, safe and compassionate environment which will allow you to explore concerns and achieve positive change. I provide a holistic, collaborative, and evidence-based approach to therapy and believe in the importance of early intervention to improve outcomes for individuals.
View ProfileMy combined professional and life experiences make me highly aware of the types of difficulties encountered by people from all walks of life and the impact on their and others’ lives these obstacles to wellbeing can have. My efforts and professional skill are dedicated toward helping to make a difference and to assist people in developing their greater potential
View ProfileAlicia is a Clinical Psychologist who has extensive experience treating low self worth, child attachment and behaviour management and family of origin issues. This includes the experience feeling different to others growing up, family domestic violence, emotional abuse, being criticised or bullied, having low self worth or other trauma growing up.
View ProfileI am looking forward to meeting many and varied clients to work with together to bring the very best in your life. My style is relaxed and friendly and I like to focus on the relationship we build together. I have practiced for over 30 years with all range of problems so I welcome all or any struggles in your...
View ProfileI am committed to helping my clients discover their unique strengths to overcome the challenges they may face in their life journey. I value everyone of my clients as a special person, working with them to achieve the personal goals they want to develop through counselling.
View ProfileJenny has been a registered Psychologist since 2005. Jenny’s key areas of interest are stress and health management, mood and anxiety disorders, parenting, managing life transitions, executive functioning and neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
View ProfileHi there, I’m Wendy. I have a warm, compassionate approach to counselling. Drawing upon theories such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Emotion-focused therapy, Acceptance-Commitment Therapy and Polyvagal theory, we will collaboratively develop an individualised treatment plan to help you improve your well-being and achieve goals in life. Together, we will find ways to help you heal past traumas and move forward...
View ProfileWinifred has a keen interest in working with people experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, work-related mental health problems, perfectionism, procrastination, low self esteem and interpersonal difficulties. She focuses on being empathetic and supports clients on their journey. Winifred believes in creating a comfortable and safe environment where you feel you can talk openly about any issue.
View ProfileBilyana's 20 years’ experience is vast, having started my career in nursing before embarking on study to become a Clinical Psychologist. She sees people presenting with a broad spectrum of presentations, including trauma, depressive and anxiety based disorders, workplace bullying, phobias, relationship issues, stress disorders, schizophrenia, self-harm, suicidal behaviour, personality disorders, grief and relationship issues.
View ProfileMy approach is to work side by side with you to assist you to identify strategies and actions to make a positive difference in your life and future. I am genuine in my goal for people to effectively manage their mental health and appreciate that this can sometimes be challenging.
View ProfileI look forward to working with you collaboratively to create a comfortable and safe place for you to work through challenges you may be experiencing and create change that is meaningful for you. I have a keen interest in humanistic and strengths based therapeutic approaches which value and promote you as the expert in your own life and am passionate...
View ProfileWelcome and hello to you, I am looking forward to understanding who you are as an individual. I am hopeful that through our time together we can put in place some steps and strategies to assist you in achieving the outcomes you desire.
View ProfileMartin is best known for his humour and pragmatism. Martin has experience working with a diverse range of clients, including children, adolescents, adults and families. Martin has spent recent years working in a mental health clinic for people living with addictions, trauma and mood disorders.
View ProfileI am looking forward to working collaboratively with you to identify your goals for therapy. I will endeavour to provide an environment that is warm, flexible, non-judgemental, and empathic. I believe in building a working partnership to identify your strengths and weaknesses and to focus on finding appropriate solutions and strategies so you can achieve your desired outcomes. I am...
View ProfileI am looking forward to working with you to help you live the life you want to live. Negotiating life's many hurdles can get a bit tricky from time to time. Learning to deal with these challenges can be life changing. When working with me, you will identify the distressful elements that are stopping you from living the life you...
View ProfileYou can not change the waves but you can learn to surf them. I really like that saying because it emphasizes that although you might not be able to control certain situations, you can still control your reaction and response to it. You might be surprised how small changes in our behaviours or our perspectives can have a great impact...
View ProfileCaroline is very approachable and believes that positive change is sustainable, working holistically and using practical strategies, developing new skills and psychological interventions to achieve the best outcomes for you. She has been the principal psychologist and proprietor of Pure Gold Christian Counselling and Psychological Services for eight years.
View ProfileSarah uses a person-centred, strength-based approach, working in collaboration with clients to reach their therapeutic goals. Sarah is highly focused on the therapeutic relationship using a calm and relaxed manner, positive communication strategies, empathy, and understanding during therapy sessions.
View ProfileCongratulations in taking the next step to tackling whatever it is that brought you here. I have enjoyed 20 years as a Psychologist working in a number of areas, and the one thing that ties all the people I work with is the desire for more in their lives - because they deserve more. In a judgement free space we...
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