Chronic Pain Management

Why See a Psychologist for Chronic Pain?

Therapy for individuals living with chronic pain, pain that lasts longer than three months, is a specialised form of psychological treatment designed to support people living with chronic pain.

The goal is not to convince you the pain is “in your head”- the goal is to help your brain and body work together in a way that reduces pain intensity, eases emotional distress, and restores confidence in daily activities.

Chronic pain is influenced by many factors: stress, sleep, past injuries, medical conditions, trauma, and the nervous system’s protective responses. Therapy targets these pathways to help you feel better physically and emotionally.

Who Should Consider Seeing a Psychologist for Chronic Pain?

You may benefit from chronic pain therapy if you experience:

• Pain that persists longer than expected after an injury or onset
• Back, neck, or joint pain
• Fibromyalgia
• Migraines or chronic headaches
• Pelvic pain
• Neuropathic or nerve-related pain
• TMJ/TMD
• Long COVID or post-viral pain
• Arthritis or autoimmune-related pain
• Pain that doctors describe as “functional” or “unexplained”
  

You don’t need a specific diagnosis to get support. If pain is affecting your daily life- your sleep, mood, activities, work, relationships, or sense of identity- therapy can help.

Common Signs It Might Be Time to Seek Support

• Feeling stuck or discouraged with your pain
• Stress or anxiety making symptoms worse
• Difficulty pacing activities or frequent flare-ups
• Fear of movement or “making things worse”
• Pain contributing to depression or irritability
• Having tried medical treatments with limited relief
• Wanting tools beyond medication or procedures

Many people come to therapy when they’re tired of trying to endure pain alone.

What Therapy Looks Like

Chronic pain therapy is collaborative, nonjudgmental, and tailored to your unique needs. 

Here’s what you can expect:

1. Comprehensive Assessment

We begin with understanding your pain history, coping strategies, nervous system patterns, medical background, and goals. We work together to create a plan that feels both hopeful and realistic.

2. Pain Neuroscience Education

You’ll learn how your brain and nervous system influence pain—and how to shift these pathways. Understanding the mind-body connection reduces fear, uncertainty, and frustration surrounding pain.

3. Reframing Thoughts to Reduce Pain’s Grip

• Identifying unhelpful thought patterns
• Reducing stress-driven pain cycles
• Building confidence in movement and activity

4. Rebuilding Your Life Through Meaningful Activity

Pain may not disappear overnight, but your life doesn’t have to wait. ACT helps you:

• Reduce the struggle with pain
• Focus on what matters most
• Build skills to respond rather than react to pain
  

5. Mindfulness & Relaxation Training

Learn strategies to calm the nervous system, including:

• Breathwork
• Guided imagery
• Muscle relaxation
• Grounding techniques

These tools help reduce pain intensity and flare-up severity.

6. Activity Pacing & Lifestyle Support

You’ll learn how to:

• Avoid the “boom and bust” cycle
• Move your body safely and confidently
• Manage sleep challenges and stress
• Navigate flare-ups without fear

7. Optional Integrated Care

With your permission, I can collaborate with your physicians, physical therapists, or other providers to ensure you receive the most coordinated, effective treatment.

What You Can Expect to Gain

While experiences vary, over time many clients notice:

• Reduced pain intensity or frequency
• More predictable and manageable days
• Less fear and frustration around pain
• Improved mood and sleep
• Increased activity and participation in meaningful life areas
• A sense of empowerment and control
  

Most importantly, you gain tools that support you long after therapy ends.

You Don’t Have to Face Chronic Pain Alone

Chronic pain affects every part of life—but with the right support, healing and meaningful change are possible.