Clinical Psychology in Surry Hills, Sydney
Chronic Pain Psychology in Sydney
Living with persistent pain is exhausting — not just physically, but emotionally. When pain doesn't go away, it can wear down your mood, your sleep, your relationships, and your sense of who you are. Psychology won't pretend the pain isn't real, but it can change your relationship with it — and help you reclaim a life that pain has narrowed.
You may recognise some of these
Common ways chronic pain shows up. You don't need to tick every box for therapy to help.
- Pain that has persisted for three months or longer
- Low mood, frustration, or hopelessness about the pain
- Anxiety or fear about movement, flare-ups, or the future
- Disrupted sleep that makes everything harder
- Withdrawing from activities, work, or people you value
- Feeling dismissed or not believed by others
- A nervous system that feels permanently on high alert
- Loss of identity or independence
Evidence-based approaches we use
Therapy tailored to your situation — drawing on what the research says works, and what fits you.
Evidence-based
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for pain
A well-researched approach for chronic pain. We work with the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that amplify suffering, and build practical strategies for living well alongside pain.
Evidence-based
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
One of the most effective approaches for chronic pain. Rather than fighting the pain, we focus on reducing its grip on your life and reconnecting you with what matters.
Evidence-based
Pain neuroscience education
Understanding how pain works — and how a sensitised nervous system can keep producing pain — is often a turning point. Knowledge genuinely changes the experience.
Evidence-based
Nervous system regulation
Practical, body-based skills for settling an over-activated nervous system, easing the stress-pain cycle, and improving sleep and recovery.
What working together looks like
A clear, paced approach — no jargon, no rigid template.
- 1
Understanding
We map your pain and its impact — the history, the flare-ups, the toll on mood, sleep, and the things you care about. You're believed here; the work starts from that.
- 2
Strategies
We build a toolkit — for pacing, flare-ups, the 3am hours, and the thoughts and fears that amplify suffering. Practical skills tailored to your life, not a generic program.
- 3
Consolidation
We work on the bigger picture — rebuilding activity, identity, and meaning — so your life expands again rather than shrinking around the pain.
Practical details
Medicare rebates, telehealth, and Surry Hills sessions
With a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP, you may be eligible for Medicare rebates on up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year. We offer both in-person sessions at our Surry Hills rooms (Level 1/17 Randle St) and secure telehealth across NSW — many clients move between the two depending on the week.
Chronic Pain — frequently asked questions
Answers to the questions we hear most often.
No — and this is one of the most common worries. Your pain is real. But pain is processed by the brain and nervous system, which means psychological approaches can genuinely change how much it dominates your life. Working with a psychologist sits alongside your medical care, it doesn't replace or doubt it.
Often, yes. If chronic pain is contributing to a mental health condition like depression or anxiety, a Mental Health Treatment Plan from your GP gives you access to a Medicare rebate on up to 10 individual sessions per calendar year. We'll help you understand your options.
For some people pain intensity does decrease, particularly as the nervous system settles and the stress-pain cycle eases. For others the pain stays similar but its grip on their life loosens dramatically. Both are meaningful outcomes — and most people experience some of each.
Absolutely — and it works best that way. Psychological therapy is one part of a multidisciplinary approach to chronic pain. We're happy to collaborate with your other treating practitioners with your consent.
Many people notice meaningful change within 8–16 sessions, though chronic pain work is often paced over a longer period. We review progress regularly and shape the plan around what's working for you.
Yes. Telehealth works well for pain psychology, and removes the burden of travelling when you're already managing pain and fatigue. You can have sessions from a comfortable, familiar space.
Related areas we work with
Many people come to therapy with more than one of these at the same time.
We're here when you take the first step
Reaching out can feel daunting, especially when things have been building for a while. Wherever you are — considering therapy for the first time, or returning after a break — we'll meet you there. Send a message when you feel ready, and we'll find a time to talk.
Prefer to call? 0422 918 631