Understanding Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is pain that persists beyond the normal healing period — typically defined as pain lasting longer than three months. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning signal for injury or illness, chronic pain often continues long after the original cause has healed, or exists without a clear physical cause at all.
Chronic pain is not imaginary, and it is not simply a matter of willpower. Research has shown that persistent pain involves complex changes in the nervous system — changes that affect how the brain and spinal cord process pain signals. This means that chronic pain is as much a neurological condition as a physical one, and psychological support plays a vital role in effective treatment.
In Australia, chronic pain affects approximately one in five people and is one of the leading causes of disability and reduced quality of life. Despite this, it remains significantly undertreated.
How Psychology Helps with Chronic Pain
Psychological approaches to chronic pain do not mean that the pain is “in your head.” Rather, they work with the mind-brain-body connection to reduce the intensity of pain signals, improve daily functioning, and restore quality of life. Research consistently shows that psychological treatment is one of the most effective approaches available for chronic pain — often more effective than medication alone.
At Sue Stern Psychology we focus on:
- Reducing the emotional suffering that accompanies chronic pain
- Building practical skills for managing pain flare-ups Improving sleep, energy, and daily functioning
- Addressing the anxiety, depression, and frustration that often develop alongside chronic pain
- Supporting return to work and meaningful activities
- Collaborating with your medical team and allied health professionals for a coordinated approach
Our Approach to Chronic Pain Treatment
Sue Stern has specialised expertise in chronic pain psychology, with particular experience in neuropathic pain conditions. Treatment is evidence-based and tailored to your individual situation, drawing on a range of therapeutic approaches:
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Pain — helps you identify and change unhelpful thoughts and behaviours related to pain, building practical coping strategies and improving daily functioning
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — supports you to reduce the struggle against pain and build a meaningful life alongside it, based on your values rather than your limitations
- Neurofeedback — a non-invasive brain training technique that can help regulate the nervous system’s response to pain signals, reduce central sensitisation, and improve sleep and emotional regulation
- Stress Management and Relaxation Techniques — practical strategies to reduce the impact of stress on pain levels, including breathing techniques, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness-based approaches
- Pacing and Activity Management — structured approaches to help you manage your energy and activity levels to reduce pain flare-ups and gradually increase participation in daily life
Collaboration with Your Medical Team
Chronic pain is best managed through a coordinated, multidisciplinary approach. Sue Stern Psychology works closely with GPs, pain specialists, physiotherapists, and other allied health professionals to ensure your psychological treatment is fully integrated with your broader medical care.
We are experienced in providing psychological services within the Workers Compensation and CTP systems, and can liaise with case managers and treating doctors as required.
Who We See
Our chronic pain psychology services are suitable for adults experiencing:
- Neuropathic pain conditions
- Fibromyalgia
- Back and neck pain
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS)
- Headaches and migraines
- Pain following workplace injuries
- Pain following motor vehicle accidents
- Cancer-related pain
- Pain associated with chronic illness
Funding Options
Chronic pain psychology at Sue Stern Psychology is available under:
- Medicare — with a GP Mental Health Care Plan (up to 10 sessions per year)
- Workers Compensation — for workplace injury claims
- CTP — for motor vehicle accident claims
- NDIS — under Capacity Building supports for eligible participants
- Private payment — no referral required
- Wentwest — for eligible clients in Western Sydney
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Psychological treatment for chronic pain is supported by strong research evidence. While it may not eliminate pain entirely, it can significantly reduce pain intensity, improve daily functioning, and restore quality of life. Many clients find they are able to do more, sleep better, and feel less controlled by their pain after treatment.
No referral is needed to book an appointment. However, if you wish to claim a Medicare rebate, you will need a GP Mental Health Care Plan. For Workers Compensation or CTP clients, a referral from your treating doctor is required.
Pain specialists focus primarily on the physical and medical aspects of pain management. Psychologists address the psychological, emotional, and behavioural aspects — which are a critical part of effective chronic pain treatment. The two approaches work best together.
Treatment length varies depending on your individual situation. Some clients benefit from a short course of 6–10 sessions. Others with more complex or longstanding pain conditions may benefit from longer term support. Your psychologist will discuss a recommended plan after your initial assessment.
Absolutely. Psychological treatment is effective regardless of the physical cause of pain. In fact, it is often most valuable for people with confirmed physical conditions, helping them manage the emotional and psychological impact of living with ongoing pain.