Health Psychologist Hannah Tregea
How is psychology relevant to pain?
Pain can make us feel all sorts of things – angry, frustrated, scared, annoyed, sad, fearful… people can have almost any type of feeling when they are experiencing pain that has not gone away as they would have hoped. This is a normal and understandable reaction.
Pain impacts all areas of life. It can affect our sleep, stop us socialising, playing sport, seeing friends, or spending time with family – all of which can make us feel worse.
As a result, pain can take up a lot of our attention as our problem-solving brain kicks in. It can be hard to focus on anything else. Life can become consumed with spending time thinking about, treating, or trying to avoid pain. Extensive research has shown that these understandable reactions to pain (e.g., mood changes, worry, poor sleep, relationship stress, reduced activities etc.) make pain worse. Many people describe feeling stuck in this vicious cycle. The more our life becomes about pain, the bigger the pain becomes. Instead, we can work toward making life bigger, and pain to just be a small part off the side.
Your health practitioner may have recommended that you see Psychologist Hannah Tregea.
In the past, people used to think you only saw a psychologist if you were ‘crazy.’ These days we know that people seepsychologists for many reasons, even when they are functioning well (e.g. sport performance). We think of pain psychology as helping regular people deal with normal reactions to an abnormal situation.
Another common concern when referred to a psychologist is that your doctor must think the pain is ‘all in your head’ (aka not real or exaggerated). We want to reassure you that this is not the case. We know your pain is 100% real and this is never in doubt. In the same way you go to see a personal trainer to help with your physical movement, a dietician to help with your nutritional health, we also recommend you see a psychologist for optimal mental health. In fact, research has consistently shown that outcomes are much better when we address ALL of the factors that contribute to pain. This process usually involves a multidisciplinary team.
Pain psychology typically focuses on strategies to assist with the pain sensations, and the impacts of pain on your thinking, emotions and behaviours, and broader life impacts. This process can lessen pain.
Pain psychology is not simply talking. It usually involves change of some kind. The type and magnitude of change looks different for every person depending on their goals. It is important that you feel ready and willing to engage in this process as it is not a passive therapy where something is done to you. Your active involvement is required for it to be helpful.
Hannah is an experienced health psychologist with over 13 years of experience talking to people with persistent pain. She uses well researched therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, Pain Science Education and Trauma-informed therapies. Her focus is very practical – it’s about getting you back to a meaningful and full life – and ultimately improving your recovery from pain.
We call this strength your ‘Resolve’. Note the name?
How much does it cost?
You can get money back from Medicare called a ‘rebate’ for up to 10 sessions each calendar year with a referral from a General Practitioner (GP) or Psychiatrist and a Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP). Medicare rebates are also available for Telehealth consultations. We will need a referral letter and copy of your ‘Plan’ prior to the initial session.
Further information about Medicare services can be found on the Australian Psychological Society website.
Session Fees: $220 MedicareRebate: $96.65 (Gap payment: $123.35)
Note:If you have reached the medicare safety net, your rebate will be significantlyhigher.
Private Health Rebates
You may be eligible for a partial reimbursement for psychology feesthrough your private health fund. Please review your policy or contact yourhealth fund directly for further information. You do not require a GP referral if using private health cover.
Please note that you can claim either private health or medicare rebatesfor sessions, but not both for the same session.
ThirdParty Insurance
Somepeople can access psychological services through providers such as,
· Department of Veteran Affairs (DVA)
· NDIS
If you have any questions, give us a call and we will help out where we can.