Chronic pain affects approximately 3.6 million Australians and is one of the leading causes of disability and reduced quality of life. Psychological treatment is now recognised as a core component of best-practice chronic pain management — not because pain is ‘in your head’, but because the brain is central to the pain experience.
Our registered psychologists in Melbourne provide evidence-based psychological treatment for chronic pain across four clinic locations and via Telehealth.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
Chronic pain is pain that persists for more than three months, often beyond the expected healing period. Modern pain neuroscience has established that chronic pain is a complex biopsychosocial experience — involving the nervous system, thoughts, emotions, behaviour, and social context — not simply a signal of ongoing tissue damage (Moseley & Butler, 2017).
Psychological treatment for chronic pain addresses:
Chronic pain often co-occurs with significant psychological difficulties:
Pain catastrophising — the tendency to ruminate about pain, feel helpless, and magnify its threat — is one of the strongest predictors of poor pain outcomes and disability (Sullivan et al., 2001).
The nervous system undergoes changes in chronic pain — central sensitisation — that amplify pain signals independent of tissue damage. Psychological treatment targets the cognitive, emotional, and behavioural factors that amplify nervous system sensitisation and disability (Moseley & Butler, 2017).
Evidence-based psychological treatment for chronic pain:
Meta-analyses confirm psychological treatment produces significant improvements in pain intensity, disability, mood, and quality of life (Williams et al., 2012).
Our psychologists use approaches with the strongest evidence for chronic pain:
ACT for chronic pain (also called Contextual CBT) focuses on reducing pain-related avoidance and building values-based engagement with life despite pain. Meta-analyses show ACT improves function, reduces distress, and reduces disability in chronic pain populations (McCracken & Vowles, 2014).
Targets pain catastrophising, fear-avoidance beliefs, and activity patterns that maintain disability. CBT for chronic pain improves function, mood, and quality of life and is recommended in all major chronic pain guidelines (Williams et al., 2012).
Explains the neuroscience of pain to reconceptualise pain as a protective nervous system response rather than a sign of damage — reducing fear, catastrophising, and avoidance. PNE combined with rehabilitation produces better outcomes than physical treatment alone (Moseley & Butler, 2017).
Reduces the emotional reactivity and ruminative thinking that amplify chronic pain and builds non-judgemental acceptance of pain experiences. MBSR improves pain, psychological wellbeing, and quality of life in chronic pain populations (Kabat-Zinn, 2013).
We work collaboratively with your GP, pain specialist, physiotherapist, and other treating team members.
Your first appointment includes a thorough psychological assessment — exploring your pain history, its impact on your life, mood and sleep, and your current coping strategies.
We work as part of your multidisciplinary pain management team. Collaboration with your GP, physiotherapist, and specialist is welcomed and routine.
For WorkCover or TAC claims, we bill your insurer directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost.
We offer appointments in-clinic at our Mooroolbark, Wheelers Hill, Reservoir, and Melbourne CBD locations, as well as Telehealth sessions from anywhere in Australia.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
Does seeing a psychologist mean my pain isn’t real?
Absolutely not. Chronic pain is a real, complex neurological experience. Psychological treatment is recommended for chronic pain because the brain and nervous system are central to how pain is processed — not because pain is imagined or exaggerated.
Can psychological treatment reduce my pain?
For many people, yes. Psychological treatment often reduces pain intensity, and consistently reduces the disability, distress, and quality-of-life impact of pain. Improvements in function and mood typically occur even when pain is not fully eliminated.
Is psychological pain treatment covered by Medicare?
Yes. Co-occurring depression, anxiety, and adjustment difficulties are covered under a Mental Health Care Plan. WorkCover and TAC psychological injury claims cover psychological pain treatment directly.
Pain may be part of your life — but it doesn’t have to define it. Psychological treatment can help you live well despite pain.
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Bair, M. J., Robinson, R. L., Katon, W., & Kroenke, K. (2003). Depression and pain comorbidity: A literature review. Archives of Internal Medicine, 163(20), 2433–2445. https://doi.org/10.1001/archinte.163.20.2433
Kabat-Zinn, J. (2013). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress, pain, and illness (rev. ed.). Bantam Books.
McCracken, L. M., & Vowles, K. E. (2014). Acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness for chronic pain: Model, process, and progress. American Psychologist, 69(2), 178–187. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0035623
Moseley, G. L., & Butler, D. S. (2017). Explain pain supercharged. Noigroup Publications.
Sullivan, M. J. L., Bishop, S. R., & Pivik, J. (2001). The pain catastrophizing scale: Development and validation. Psychological Assessment, 7(4), 524–532. https://doi.org/10.1037/1040-3590.7.4.524
Williams, A. C. de C., Eccleston, C., & Morley, S. (2012). Psychological therapies for the management of chronic pain (excluding headache) in adults. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 11, CD007407. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD007407.pub3
