Over the years many people suffering from chronic pain have consulted psychologists at the R.E.A.D. Clinic.  Successful management of chronic pain involves a variety of approaches and particular knowledge.

Quite often, chronic pain involves physical limitation and sudden life change.  It can constitute a challenging physical, emotional and psychological transition for the sufferer.  Chronic pain also impacts on those closest to the sufferer.  Migraine pain, for example, can be debilitating and restrictive in many ways.

 We have devised a therapeutic and educational program which includes:

• cognitive behavioural strategies
• monitoring of pain (diarising)
• focussing and goal-setting techniques
• somatic feedback (breathing, temperature, pressure, etc.)
• relaxation and meditation; and
• hypnotherapy.

We frequently work with medical practitioners, return-to-work co-ordinators and rehabilitation providers.  We have a range of clinicians, with both pain management experience and formal training in effective treatment tools.  To date these programs have been undertaken individually, generally over a period of 8-10 counselling sessions, over a period of 2-3 months.

There is also considerable evidence for the efficacy of group support and training. There is currently no residential pain management program available on the Central Coast.  Patients sometimes must travel to Sydney to access services there.

We are now able to offer non-residential group programs from the Clinic incorporating all of the therapeutic and training tools referred to above.