Chronic pain affects one in five Australians, often impacting daily life, mood, mobility, and overall wellbeing far beyond physical discomfort. This blog from The Psych Professionals explores psychological strategies—such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), relaxation techniques like diaphragmatic breathing, stress management, and other non-medication approaches—to help individuals better manage persistent pain and regain control. By addressing the mind-body connection, these evidence-based tools aim to reduce suffering, improve function, and support a more fulfilling life despite ongoing pain.
DID YOU KNOW THAT ONE IN FIVE AUSTRALIANS, INCLUDING ADOLESCENTS AND CHILDREN, LIVE WITH CHRONIC PAIN?
This number is HUGE and actually increases to one in three of the older (over 65) age group. Those who experience chronic pain will know how much of an impact it can have on a person’s whole life and the lives of their family and friends. Chronic pain isn’t simply an issue with pain. Chronic pain can result in changes in someone’s;
- Social interaction
- Emotional reactions
- Physical capabilities
- Occupational capabilities
- Psychological status
The above can also contribute to a declining sense of self and to actual or felt loss of independence. Have a think about how you would respond if you were unable to complete simple everyday activities such as cooking, tying your hair, or if you were unable to go to work each day. Far from belief, this doesn’t feel like a holiday, and can result in the onset of symptoms of anxiety and depression.
How Can Psychology Help to Manage Chronic Pain?
If I earned a dollar for every time I heard “I have pain, it’s not all in my head so I don’t need to see a psychologist”, I would be a rich person!
Contrary to popular opinion, psychological counselling plays an incredibly important part in managing chronic pain for the following reasons:
- You learn about chronic pain. Psychology helps people to understand the body’s reaction to chronic pain and how we can learn to change this. Our body is primed to react to “acute” pain, and if we respond in these same ways to chronic pain, it can create maladaptive habits and coping behaviours which can make our pain worse and further limit our function.
- You learn how to re-live, taking into account chronic pain. Often, those who experience chronic pain have limitations; some people have a lot of them. They can’t sit or stand for long periods (sometimes the limit is 5 or 10 minutes), walk long distances, lift certain weights (for some people this can be as small as 2kgs) or tire very easily. If this is the case, it can be helpful to identify what they CAN do and to learn how to change the ways they complete everyday activities.
- You get to re-invent a sense of self. What we do becomes a part of who we are. We define ourselves by this. We might have roles we play such as “mother”, “father”, “boss”, “worker”, “breadwinner”, etc. When physical limitations stop us from being able to do the activities we associate with these roles, it challenges who we are and the value we place on ourselves (as well as how we see others). To prevent depression from taking hold, psychology plays an important part in helping someone look at what makes up these roles and how they can continue to feel like they are still living up to who they are.
- You learn pain management techniques. When we are stressed, our body tenses up, which can increase our pain. When we are feeling low and depressed, we can also experience our pain more. Stress management and relaxation also play an important part in teaching someone to manage their pain and to cope when their pain increases.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is chronic pain really “all in my head,” and why would I need a psychologist?
No—chronic pain is very real and physical, but the body’s ongoing reactions and unhelpful coping habits (formed from acute pain responses) can make it worse and limit daily function. A psychologist helps by educating you on these processes, breaking maladaptive patterns, and teaching ways to adapt without denying the pain’s validity.
2. How can adapting daily activities actually help when pain limits me so much (e.g., only sitting/standing for 5-10 minutes)?
By identifying your current realistic limits and gradually modifying tasks (pacing, using aids, or breaking activities into smaller parts), you regain a sense of control, reduce frustration, and prevent pain flares from overdoing it. This builds confidence and helps maintain independence over time.
3. What does “re-inventing a sense of self” mean when chronic pain changes my roles and independence?
It involves acknowledging losses (e.g., in work, hobbies, or family roles) while rediscovering value through new or adapted activities, strengths, and connections. This prevents depression and a declining self-view by shifting focus from what’s lost to what’s still possible and meaningful.
4. When is it time to see a psychologist for chronic pain instead of managing it alone?
Seek help if pain leads to ongoing anxiety, depression, social withdrawal, loss of independence, or inability to perform everyday tasks despite trying basic coping. Psychologists trained in pain management can assess your situation and provide targeted strategies to improve quality of life—contact us for support
For more information, Pain Australia have some excellent resources and information.
The Psych Professionals can help
The Psych Professionals are pleased to advise that we have Psychologists with specific training and a passion for supporting our clients in managing their chronic pain, injury, and/or illness. Our clinicians are on-hand across both our locations to assess, diagnose and implement therapeutic pain management strategies with patients presenting with chronic pain.
Our adult psychologists and child psychologists are here to help
We offer remote telehealth consultations and in-person appointments at Logan, Redland City, and Agnes Waters, in Qld, Australia. Contact us or book online.