Chronic Pain Psychologists and Therapists in Westmead, NSW

Photo of Sadhna Makhija, Counsellor, ACA-L4
Sadhna Makhija
Counsellor, ACA-L4
2 Endorsed
Westmead, NSW 2145
Life's journey is often filled with challenges – stress, anxiety, past traumas, and limiting beliefs can cast long shadows on our well-being and happiness. At the heart of my practice lies the belief that our thoughts and emotions profoundly shape our experiences. As an accredited Clinical Psychotherapist, EMDR Practitioner, Hypnotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, NLP Trainer, Time Line Therapy Practitioner, and Life Coach, I guide individuals on a path of self-discovery and transformation. Through a holistic approach, I integrate a range of therapeutic modalities to address the root causes of your emotional and mental challenges.
Life's journey is often filled with challenges – stress, anxiety, past traumas, and limiting beliefs can cast long shadows on our well-being and happiness. At the heart of my practice lies the belief that our thoughts and emotions profoundly shape our experiences. As an accredited Clinical Psychotherapist, EMDR Practitioner, Hypnotherapist, Clinical Supervisor, NLP Trainer, Time Line Therapy Practitioner, and Life Coach, I guide individuals on a path of self-discovery and transformation. Through a holistic approach, I integrate a range of therapeutic modalities to address the root causes of your emotional and mental challenges.
(02) 7804 4254 View (02) 7804 4254
Photo of Shareen Birges
Shareen Birges
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have been a counsellor, case manager & youth worker since 2008. Prior to 2016 I worked primarily with young people & their families, however I can & have worked with people across the age spectrum, all with unique & varied needs. Counselling is an individual experience & I want you to feel that no matter what, your needs are important. This is why I aim to provide an accessible, affordable & sustainable service. I believe I can help you on your journey towards the best version of yourself. Contact me for a free 15 minute phone consult & see if you agree.
I have been a counsellor, case manager & youth worker since 2008. Prior to 2016 I worked primarily with young people & their families, however I can & have worked with people across the age spectrum, all with unique & varied needs. Counselling is an individual experience & I want you to feel that no matter what, your needs are important. This is why I aim to provide an accessible, affordable & sustainable service. I believe I can help you on your journey towards the best version of yourself. Contact me for a free 15 minute phone consult & see if you agree.
(02) 9159 6730 View (02) 9159 6730
Photo of Ashleigh Dina Dakkache, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Ashleigh Dina Dakkache
Psychologist, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Ashleigh is a warm and compassionate psychologist who supports individuals navigating a variety of concerns, with a special interest in complex life transitions, including cancer, chronic illness, grief, and late diagnosis ADHD/ASD. She recognises that every individual is unique and tailors treatment to suit each client’s needs, values, and goals, drawing from a range of evidence based approaches. Her approach is both practical and reflective, supporting clients to make sense of difficult thoughts and feelings while building strategies to cope and navigate challenges. She often integrates creative and visual tools in her sessions.
Ashleigh is a warm and compassionate psychologist who supports individuals navigating a variety of concerns, with a special interest in complex life transitions, including cancer, chronic illness, grief, and late diagnosis ADHD/ASD. She recognises that every individual is unique and tailors treatment to suit each client’s needs, values, and goals, drawing from a range of evidence based approaches. Her approach is both practical and reflective, supporting clients to make sense of difficult thoughts and feelings while building strategies to cope and navigate challenges. She often integrates creative and visual tools in her sessions.
(02) 7804 4990 View (02) 7804 4990
Photo of Mickey Skidmore, Psychotherapist, AMHSW
Mickey Skidmore
Psychotherapist, AMHSW
Online Only
My primary clinical focus is on grief & loss, and associated issues of depression and anxiety. I provide services exclusively online (tele-health) to emphasise flexibility and scheduling convenience (eliminating travel and parking hassles) while ensuring increased privacy in the comfort in your own environment. My primary approach to therapy emphasises Solution Focused and Motivational Interviewing methods that are underscored and influenced by Ericksonian Approaches to hypnosis and psychotherapy. I also have a strong passion for providing clinical supervision and services to other professionals.
My primary clinical focus is on grief & loss, and associated issues of depression and anxiety. I provide services exclusively online (tele-health) to emphasise flexibility and scheduling convenience (eliminating travel and parking hassles) while ensuring increased privacy in the comfort in your own environment. My primary approach to therapy emphasises Solution Focused and Motivational Interviewing methods that are underscored and influenced by Ericksonian Approaches to hypnosis and psychotherapy. I also have a strong passion for providing clinical supervision and services to other professionals.
(02) 8294 2030 View (02) 8294 2030
Photo of Sarah Traynor, Social Worker, AASW
Sarah Traynor
Social Worker, AASW
Serves Area
I am an accredited social worker with 24 years of experience working across Sydney. I have experience working for NGOs, and State and Federal Government agencies in counselling, community development, case management, disaster recovery, group work and delivering training. I enjoy engaging with diverse individuals and families at varied stages of life, providing therapeutic intervention, and working towards positive change. I am available to provide a variety of support services to assist individuals with reaching their goals. I use talk therapy and creative therapy techniques and a strengths based approach to work towards change.
I am an accredited social worker with 24 years of experience working across Sydney. I have experience working for NGOs, and State and Federal Government agencies in counselling, community development, case management, disaster recovery, group work and delivering training. I enjoy engaging with diverse individuals and families at varied stages of life, providing therapeutic intervention, and working towards positive change. I am available to provide a variety of support services to assist individuals with reaching their goals. I use talk therapy and creative therapy techniques and a strengths based approach to work towards change.
(02) 7804 4770 View (02) 7804 4770
Photo of Colleen Mary Nicholas, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Colleen Mary Nicholas
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Serves Area
Hi. I’m Colleen Nicholas. I’m an Art Therapist, Sandtray Therapist, Interactive Drawing Therapist and Counsellor. I offer expressive therapies in addition to talk therapy, because sometimes words are not enough. It can be difficult to find words to express what we are thinking, feeling or experiencing. Sometimes we are not aware of the “real issue” that’s causing our distress.
Hi. I’m Colleen Nicholas. I’m an Art Therapist, Sandtray Therapist, Interactive Drawing Therapist and Counsellor. I offer expressive therapies in addition to talk therapy, because sometimes words are not enough. It can be difficult to find words to express what we are thinking, feeling or experiencing. Sometimes we are not aware of the “real issue” that’s causing our distress.
(02) 8609 3981 View (02) 8609 3981

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Josephine Gale - Growth Psychology Consulting, Psychologist, MAPS
Growth Psychology Consulting
Psychologist, MAPS
Liverpool, NSW 2170
We are a team of psychologists in the Liverpool. We see clients for various issues such as but not limited to anxiety, depression , grief, adjustment issues, relationship issues , marriage counselling , self esteem , children, adolescents private clients, workcover, CTP , solicitors reports, immigration reports and business support. We help in guiding you for whatever life changes you are going through.
We are a team of psychologists in the Liverpool. We see clients for various issues such as but not limited to anxiety, depression , grief, adjustment issues, relationship issues , marriage counselling , self esteem , children, adolescents private clients, workcover, CTP , solicitors reports, immigration reports and business support. We help in guiding you for whatever life changes you are going through.
(02) 8880 5183 View (02) 8880 5183
Photo of Coralie Ponsinet, Counsellor, ACA-L1
Coralie Ponsinet
Counsellor, ACA-L1
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
I have a particular interest in supporting adolescents and adults who: • Have never been to therapy or have felt that previous therapy attempts did not work for them • Identify as womxn, LGBTIQ+ • Have experienced gender-based violence • Live with chronic pain and illness • Have migrated to Australia or Tasmania from overseas or interstate
I am an authentic and bubbly French-Australian human who made the decision to become a counsellor after my own lived experiences of mental and physical health struggles. Born in rural France, where none ever talked about mental health, I began my adult life as a high-achieving corporate professional who believed the only approach to life’s problems was to “get on with it” and just find a way to keep going. Until I realised this didn’t actually work effectively or wholeheartedly and discovered that mental health is a real, normal, valid part of being a human. I now walk the talk and value my physical, mental, emotional health.
I have a particular interest in supporting adolescents and adults who: • Have never been to therapy or have felt that previous therapy attempts did not work for them • Identify as womxn, LGBTIQ+ • Have experienced gender-based violence • Live with chronic pain and illness • Have migrated to Australia or Tasmania from overseas or interstate
I am an authentic and bubbly French-Australian human who made the decision to become a counsellor after my own lived experiences of mental and physical health struggles. Born in rural France, where none ever talked about mental health, I began my adult life as a high-achieving corporate professional who believed the only approach to life’s problems was to “get on with it” and just find a way to keep going. Until I realised this didn’t actually work effectively or wholeheartedly and discovered that mental health is a real, normal, valid part of being a human. I now walk the talk and value my physical, mental, emotional health.
(03) 7003 2464 View (03) 7003 2464
Photo of Nicole Varigos, Psychologist, MPsych
Nicole Varigos
Psychologist, MPsych
Online Only
Nicole is a psychologist based on the Gold Coast. Nicole is an empathic practitioner who has a passion for working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, persistent pain and chronic health conditions. She also enjoys working with high functioning clients who are seeking assistance to optimize their mental health and improve stress management. Based in Queensland and offering psychological intervention via telehealth video-conferencing with current availability.
Nicole is a psychologist based on the Gold Coast. Nicole is an empathic practitioner who has a passion for working with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, relationship issues, persistent pain and chronic health conditions. She also enjoys working with high functioning clients who are seeking assistance to optimize their mental health and improve stress management. Based in Queensland and offering psychological intervention via telehealth video-conferencing with current availability.
(08) 9930 2085 View (08) 9930 2085
Photo of Christine Theodossiou, Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Christine Theodossiou
Psychologist, MPsych, MAPS
Leichhardt, NSW 2040
I have extensive experience across drug and alcohol, complex mental health and trauma, and chronic pain and medical conditions.
My strengths lie in creating a safe space that allows us to curiously explore ways to adjust to life’s many challenges. I find joy in witnessing people’s “a-ha” moments and nurturing the emotions that may accompany these insights.
I have extensive experience across drug and alcohol, complex mental health and trauma, and chronic pain and medical conditions.
My strengths lie in creating a safe space that allows us to curiously explore ways to adjust to life’s many challenges. I find joy in witnessing people’s “a-ha” moments and nurturing the emotions that may accompany these insights.
(02) 9159 6811 View (02) 9159 6811
Photo of Rebecca Bonfield, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Rebecca Bonfield
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Campbelltown, NSW 2560
Rebecca endeavours to create a warm, empathic and non-judgemental space. Rebecca understands the importance of safety, trust, and choice within the therapeutic relationship. She recognises the inherent wisdom and resources within each individual, especially those who have learnt to survive and cope through adverse experiences. She aims to work collaboratively to find adaptive and effective methods to meet current needs. Rebecca tailors her treatment approach to suit individual needs and preferences, and particularly enjoys working with adults who require longer-term support.
Rebecca endeavours to create a warm, empathic and non-judgemental space. Rebecca understands the importance of safety, trust, and choice within the therapeutic relationship. She recognises the inherent wisdom and resources within each individual, especially those who have learnt to survive and cope through adverse experiences. She aims to work collaboratively to find adaptive and effective methods to meet current needs. Rebecca tailors her treatment approach to suit individual needs and preferences, and particularly enjoys working with adults who require longer-term support.
(02) 4214 8015 View (02) 4214 8015
Photo of Sarah Dakhili, Counsellor, AMHSW
Sarah Dakhili
Counsellor, AMHSW
1 Endorsed
Online Only
She has been working within the field of mind-body disorders (MBD) for over 14 years, specialising in Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) chronic pain, trauma recovery and Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), including other challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, Fibromyalgia and PTSD.
Sarah is passionate about helping clients achieve meaningful connections, assisting them to reconnect and work towards developing a closer, stronger and more secure relationship with themselves and their body. She focuses on supporting clients with experiencing a new reference point for happiness and to overcome struggles. She works mainly online.
She has been working within the field of mind-body disorders (MBD) for over 14 years, specialising in Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) chronic pain, trauma recovery and Tension Myositis Syndrome (TMS), including other challenges such as stress, anxiety, depression, Fibromyalgia and PTSD.
Sarah is passionate about helping clients achieve meaningful connections, assisting them to reconnect and work towards developing a closer, stronger and more secure relationship with themselves and their body. She focuses on supporting clients with experiencing a new reference point for happiness and to overcome struggles. She works mainly online.
(07) 3130 0085 View (07) 3130 0085
Photo of Rachel Pollard, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Rachel Pollard
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Kogarah, NSW 2217
Rachel is a Psychologist at the Australian Institute for Human Wellness. Rachel has completed a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) at the Australian Catholic University, and both a Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science and Master of Psychology (Clinical) at Bond University. Rachel’s approach to treatment is trauma informed, warm, and non-judgemental. She ensures compassionate, empathetic care, regardless of presentation or concern. Rachel enjoys working with clients across the life span, delivering both individual and group-based therapy. She has previous experience working in both education and private practice settings.
Rachel is a Psychologist at the Australian Institute for Human Wellness. Rachel has completed a Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) at the Australian Catholic University, and both a Graduate Diploma of Psychological Science and Master of Psychology (Clinical) at Bond University. Rachel’s approach to treatment is trauma informed, warm, and non-judgemental. She ensures compassionate, empathetic care, regardless of presentation or concern. Rachel enjoys working with clients across the life span, delivering both individual and group-based therapy. She has previous experience working in both education and private practice settings.
(02) 8105 5795 View (02) 8105 5795
Photo of Nadia Rasheed, Counsellor, PACFA
Nadia Rasheed
Counsellor, PACFA
1 Endorsed
Online Only
As an EMDR practitioner and clinical counsellor, I provide online therapy using trauma-informed approaches and specialised EMDR techniques. I understand how stress, anxiety, and trauma can deeply affect your sense of self and your closest relationships. In our sessions, we'll create meaningful wellness goals that help you reclaim control, find emotional freedom, and rebuild important connections. My practice offers a safe space where your experiences are honoured and your healing journey is supported with expertise and genuine care. Together, we'll develop the tools you need to move forward with confidence and renewed hope.
As an EMDR practitioner and clinical counsellor, I provide online therapy using trauma-informed approaches and specialised EMDR techniques. I understand how stress, anxiety, and trauma can deeply affect your sense of self and your closest relationships. In our sessions, we'll create meaningful wellness goals that help you reclaim control, find emotional freedom, and rebuild important connections. My practice offers a safe space where your experiences are honoured and your healing journey is supported with expertise and genuine care. Together, we'll develop the tools you need to move forward with confidence and renewed hope.
(08) 6244 2579 View (08) 6244 2579
Photo of Holly Eva Ratajec, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Holly Eva Ratajec
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Newport, NSW 2106
I commonly support people experiencing anxiety, low mood, trauma-related difficulties, psychosis, chronic pain, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), cognitive and memory concerns, traumatic brain injury (TBI), neurodevelopmental conditions, and disability-related challenges.
The Newport clinic offers a calm and private environment with dedicated client parking and accessible entry. Appointments are also available via telehealth, walk-and-talk sessions, and outreach/home visits depending on client needs.
I commonly support people experiencing anxiety, low mood, trauma-related difficulties, psychosis, chronic pain, Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), cognitive and memory concerns, traumatic brain injury (TBI), neurodevelopmental conditions, and disability-related challenges.
The Newport clinic offers a calm and private environment with dedicated client parking and accessible entry. Appointments are also available via telehealth, walk-and-talk sessions, and outreach/home visits depending on client needs.
0493 907 572 View 0493 907 572
Photo of Vashti Wallace - Thryve Psychology, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA General
Thryve Psychology
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA General
Zetland, NSW 2017
Your concerns may include mental health, wellbeing, resilience, trauma, abuse, health, pain, relationships and neurodivergence or you may need coaching and development on a range of topics such as resilience, wellbeing, leadership, communication, conflict, change, career planning, performance, goal-setting and effectiveness. You are looking for support and strategies to help you, not just survive but thrYve at work and in life. You will be empowered to gain insight into your goals and barriers, build your confidence and capability and you will be provided with tools to achieve success and reach your potential.
Your concerns may include mental health, wellbeing, resilience, trauma, abuse, health, pain, relationships and neurodivergence or you may need coaching and development on a range of topics such as resilience, wellbeing, leadership, communication, conflict, change, career planning, performance, goal-setting and effectiveness. You are looking for support and strategies to help you, not just survive but thrYve at work and in life. You will be empowered to gain insight into your goals and barriers, build your confidence and capability and you will be provided with tools to achieve success and reach your potential.
(08) 7008 9405 View (08) 7008 9405
Photo of Jaen Andrews, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Jaen Andrews
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Online Only
I have a particular interest in supporting people with chronic pain/illness, especially helping women and vulva owners rebuild and maintain intimacy following life-changing pain.
I have a gentle, trauma informed approach to counselling and will use a variety of different techniques. I will commonly draw on Emotion Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy and Gottman techniques tailored to your individual situation. I have a special interest in supporting people with chronic pain, particularly women and vulva owners.
I have a particular interest in supporting people with chronic pain/illness, especially helping women and vulva owners rebuild and maintain intimacy following life-changing pain.
I have a gentle, trauma informed approach to counselling and will use a variety of different techniques. I will commonly draw on Emotion Focused Therapy, Somatic Therapy and Gottman techniques tailored to your individual situation. I have a special interest in supporting people with chronic pain, particularly women and vulva owners.
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Photo of Dr Arthur David Stabolidis - Dr Arthur Stabolidis: The Psychology Suite, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA Endorsed
Dr Arthur Stabolidis: The Psychology Suite
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA Endorsed
Online Only
Dr Arthur Stabolidis is a Clinical Psychologist who works with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, chronic pain, stress, and life transitions.
Endorsed by The Psychology Board of Australia as a Clinical Psychologist and board approved supervisor, I completed my training through The University of Melbourne and conducted clinical research through The Royal Women’s Hospital.
Dr Arthur Stabolidis is a Clinical Psychologist who works with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, ADHD, chronic pain, stress, and life transitions.
Endorsed by The Psychology Board of Australia as a Clinical Psychologist and board approved supervisor, I completed my training through The University of Melbourne and conducted clinical research through The Royal Women’s Hospital.
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Photo of Christina Dionisopoulos, Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA General
Christina Dionisopoulos
Psychologist, PsychD, PsyBA General
Hurstville, NSW 2220
As a Registered Psychologist with over 15 years experience I understand the need to access support as soon as possible and to ensure that the client is provided with the tools and strategies in order for them to make positive changes in their lives. That is why TIVITI was established . To provide Positivity through Psychology. My aim is to help empower people to explore the challenges they are facing in life and make positive changes.
As a Registered Psychologist with over 15 years experience I understand the need to access support as soon as possible and to ensure that the client is provided with the tools and strategies in order for them to make positive changes in their lives. That is why TIVITI was established . To provide Positivity through Psychology. My aim is to help empower people to explore the challenges they are facing in life and make positive changes.
(02) 8806 1212 View (02) 8806 1212
Photo of Bella Guilfoyle, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Bella Guilfoyle
Counsellor, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, emotional distress, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, chronic pain, chronic illness, and significant life transitions, including pregnancy and postpartum.
Hello, and welcome. I offer integrative psychotherapy with a strong focus on eco-therapy, supporting clients through sessions held in natural outdoor environments as well as online. My work is person-centred, trauma-informed, and grounded in mind–body awareness and nervous system regulation. Being in nature can gently support feelings of safety, connection, and emotional balance, creating a different and often deeply calming therapeutic experience.
I work with individuals experiencing anxiety, emotional distress, trauma, grief, relationship challenges, chronic pain, chronic illness, and significant life transitions, including pregnancy and postpartum.
Hello, and welcome. I offer integrative psychotherapy with a strong focus on eco-therapy, supporting clients through sessions held in natural outdoor environments as well as online. My work is person-centred, trauma-informed, and grounded in mind–body awareness and nervous system regulation. Being in nature can gently support feelings of safety, connection, and emotional balance, creating a different and often deeply calming therapeutic experience.
(07) 2100 4252 View (07) 2100 4252
Chronic Pain Therapists
How does chronic pain therapy work?
Engaging with a psychotherapist to help treat chronic pain does not mean that one’s pain is all in their head. Therapy for chronic-pain patients has been shown to benefit both the mind and the body, targeting physical symptoms and increasing daily functioning. In other words, for many, addressing their emotional health through therapy affects their physical health. A therapist can help a client challenge unhelpful thoughts about pain and develop new ways to respond to it, such as distraction or calming breathing techniques. Studies have found that therapy can be as effective as surgery for certain cases of chronic pain and many doctors recommend trying psychotherapy in advance of considering invasive surgery.

What are the most effective treatment options for chronic pain?
Stress, anxiety, depression, catastrophising, ruminating, lack of activity, and social withdrawal all make chronic pain worse. Addressing these issues, research shows, can help people gain control over their pain symptoms. Therapeutic approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy, biofeedback, and mindfulness-based stress reduction, along with greater pain-management education, have been found to help people reduce fear and disability.

Are there new treatments for chronic pain?
Many cases of chronic pain, particularly those involving back pain, remain medically unexplained. But there is evidence that changes in the brain or nervous system are caused by previous physical ailments such as tissue damage; in such cases, the brain may continue to send out pain signals despite the physical cause having healed. To aid patients under these circumstances, a recently developed treatment known as pain reprocessing therapy (PRT) is designed to help the brain “unlearn” this response. A PRT practitioner helps individuals to reduce the “threat value” of their ongoing pain signals until they can reappraise them as less threatening and fear-inducing. They also help an individual to develop new emotional regulation skills.

How long does therapy for chronic pain take?
There is no set timeline for recovery from chronic pain, especially as there may be a range of physical and psychological causes for any individual’s discomfort, but most patients should expect to see a therapist for a number of weeks or months, typically spanning at least 12 sessions. Studies of pain reprocessing therapy found that many individuals’ experience of pain lessened in eight sessions over four weeks.