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Pain psychology at Biio goes far beyond traditional cognitive therapy approaches—it's about recognising that chronic pain fundamentally rewires how your brain processes the world. While conventional psychology might focus on "coping strategies" or suggest your pain is psychological, our approach understands that central sensitisation isn't a failure of mental fortitude but measurable neuroplastic change. Your nervous system has learned new patterns of protection that now create suffering rather than safety.
Our pain psychologists specialise in the intersection between complex medical conditions and psychological wellbeing, understanding how chronic pain from EDS, fibromyalgia, or post-viral conditions affects cognition, mood, and identity. They apply evidence-based interventions like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based pain management, and trauma-informed approaches specifically adapted for complex chronic illness. This isn't about positive thinking your way through pain—it's about developing practical tools that work with your nervous system's current reality.
Your pain psychology sessions integrate seamlessly with your broader Biio care team through our biiography platform, sharing insights about pain patterns, psychological triggers, and progress markers. Whether you're dealing with the anxiety of unpredictable symptom flares, grief over lost capabilities, or the complex trauma of medical dismissal, our approach addresses both the mechanical and psychological aspects of chronic pain. This is complex care—made simple through coordination that finally matches the complexity of your experience.
1. Comprehensive Pain Psychology Assessment
Your 90-minute initial assessment explores your complete pain narrative—how symptoms began, evolved, and now impact your daily life. Using validated tools including the Brief Pain Inventory, Central Sensitisation Inventory, and Pain Catastrophising Scale, we map your pain experience alongside mood, trauma history, and coping patterns. We examine the psychological impact of medical dismissal, diagnostic delays, and the complex grief that accompanies chronic illness.
2. Pain Phenotyping and Trigger Analysis
We identify your specific pain patterns, psychological triggers, and the relationships between emotions, stress, and symptom flares. This includes examining how your nervous system responds to various stressors and developing your personalised pain psychology profile. We explore how conditions like PTSD, anxiety, or depression interact with your physical symptoms.
3. Integrated Treatment Planning
Working with your case manager and care team, we develop a coordinated approach that addresses both your psychological and physical pain management needs. Your treatment plan considers input from physiotherapy, pain medicine, and other specialists, ensuring psychological interventions complement rather than conflict with medical treatments.
4. Evidence-Based Intervention
Treatment typically involves weekly sessions using approaches proven effective for chronic pain, including ACT to develop psychological flexibility around pain, mindfulness techniques for nervous system regulation, and cognitive strategies for managing pain-related anxiety. We address trauma responses, grief, and identity changes while building practical skills for pain flares.
5. Progress Monitoring and Team Integration
Regular assessment using standardised outcome measures tracks improvements in pain interference, mood, and quality of life. Insights are shared through the biiography platform, allowing your care team to adjust treatments based on both psychological progress and changing pain patterns.
6. Self-Management and Resilience Building
You'll develop a personalised toolkit for managing pain flares, reducing anxiety around symptoms, and maintaining psychological wellbeing during challenging periods. This includes techniques for nervous system regulation, strategies for communicating with healthcare providers, and approaches for maintaining relationships and activities that matter to you.
Clinical Benefits
Quality of Life Improvements
Integration Advantages