A whole-person approach to health and mental wellbeing

Health conditions often place ongoing demands on attention, energy, and emotional resources. Some people may find it difficult to function academically or at work; to be present in romantic relationships; or to parent with patience and kindness. Pain, fatigue, weakness, uncertainty, relationship friction, or repeated medical appointments can understandably contribute to:

• low mood or loss of motivation (see our page on depression and mood-related support)

• anxiety, panic, or health-related worry (see our page on anxiety-related support)

• Trauma-related responses - especially for life-threatening health events

• frustration, grief, or changes in identity and sense of self

• reduced confidence in work, study, or social roles

Psychological support can help you better understand these responses, develop practical coping strategies, and regain a sense of agency. In addition, we recognise the strain that a health event can place on your family and loved ones. Addressing the unwanted changes that may result from significant health events, pain, and ongoing health management can make a big difference in promoting better outcomes for you and your loved ones.

To be clear, our clinicians are not medically trained, and at times will not be aware of the specific symptoms, nuances, or experiences related to your health condition. In these instances, our clinicians will endeavour to research your diagnosed health problem to the best of their ability (within their scope as a psychologist) to better understand how to support you.

Common health-related presentations we support:

Chronic pain, including:

• chronic back or neck pain

• Joint pain - such as arthritis

• migraine and headache disorders

• pain following injury, surgery, or trauma

Support may focus on pain coping strategies, pacing, flare-up management, navigating hypervigilance and increased somatic sensitivity, fear-avoidance patterns, and the emotional toll of ongoing pain. This style of treatment may also include targeted strategies for managing co-morbid depression, anxiety, or other mental health difficulties that have arisen since the presence of pain. 

While we aim to make the biggest difference we can, it’s important to note that we can not promise or guarantee “a cure” or permanent fix for pain - sadly, it can be a stubborn problem. 

Sleep Difficulties:

• Insomnia, or difficulty initiating and maintaining sleep

• Sleep disturbance as a result of a health condition, pain, or medication

• Sleep disturbance as a result of shift work, or an altered circadian rhythm

• Sleep disturbance that co-occurs with another mental health condition (e.g., depressive disorders or anxiety)

Treatment may include targeted strategies to improve sleep hygiene, routines, and practices. We commonly use a range of specific relaxation and mindfulness strategies to manage strong emotions that can occur when sleep disturbance arises. At times, we may focus more on the lifestyle factors or background issues that have led to sleep disturbance in the first place.

Chronic fatigue and energy-limiting conditions

Including long-term fatigue, post-viral syndromes, and conditions where energy regulation and cognitive load are significantly affected.

Cardiovascular, respiratory, and neurological conditions

Including the psychological impact of diagnoses such as asthma, COPD, heart disease, stroke, or post-cardiac event; particularly where anxiety, panic, or breath-focused fear has developed. Additionally, neurological events/conditions where thinking, memory, or other functioning may be affected, requiring considerable adjustments and life changes. 

Metabolic and endocrine conditions

Such as diabetes, thyroid, adrenal, or other endocrine/metabolic conditions, where mood changes, burnout, self-management difficulties, or fatigue may be present.

Auto-immune and inflammatory conditions

Including conditions characterised by unpredictability, flare-ups, or invisible symptoms, which can affect identity, relationships, and long-term life planning.

This list of conditions is not exhaustive. If you are unsure whether your situation is suitable, you are welcome to make contact to discuss your circumstances.

A Collaborative treatment approach

Health-related psychological work often benefits from a slower, more individualised approach.

We place particular emphasis on:

• Taking time to understand your personal health journey, including the key players in your health and wellbeing team

• Taking time to understand your background, including work, family, living, and other factors that may be affected by health/pain problems

• Allowing time for questions and clarification around health and mental health topics

• Acknowledging uncertainty, frustration, or mixed emotions

• Adapting therapy to fluctuations in symptoms or capacity

Where helpful and appropriate, we can also assist with:

• Communicating with other health professionals

• Managing changing roles/relationships within family and community, including meetings with family members if necessary

• Coordinating psychological input alongside medical care

• Advocating for your needs with relevant agencies or stakeholders

• Supporting return-to-work, study, or role adjustment planning

This collaborative approach aims to reduce the burden of having to “hold everything together” on your own.

Therapeutic approaches

Interventions are tailored to the individual and may draw on:

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for health and pain

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR); if necessary

• Pain-informed psychological strategies

• Behavioural pacing and activity scheduling

• Mindfulness-based emotional regulation and stress management

• Support around identity, self-compassion, and adjustment

Referrals and funding options

Psychological support for health conditions and chronic pain may be accessed via:

• Medicare Mental Health Care Plans (where eligible)

• Workers’ Compensation, CTP, or other insurance schemes

• Private referrals

Please see the services overview page of the website for further information about referrals, fees, and rebates.

Taking the next step

If you are living with a health condition or chronic pain and feel that it is affecting your mental health, confidence, or quality of life, psychological support may be a helpful part of your care. You are welcome to get in touch to discuss whether this service is appropriate for your needs at info@forwardthinkingpsychology.com