Trauma and Chronic Pain Support
A research-informed, mind–body approach grounded in contemporary pain science.
Trauma-Informed Physiotherapy & Chronic Pain Support
Are you living with persistent pain or the ongoing effects of trauma?
Carole offers a trauma-informed, mind–body approach for people experiencing chronic pain, stress-related symptoms and trauma-related presentations.
With more than 35 years of experience in occupational rehabilitation, Carole observed that for many individuals, physical injury and emotional distress can become closely interconnected. This led her to undertake further professional development in trauma-informed and mind–body approaches to broaden her clinical perspective.
A Biopsychosocial Approach to Chronic Pain
Contemporary pain science recognises that persistent pain can involve complex interactions between musculoskeletal structures, the nervous system and psychosocial stressors. In some cases, this is described as central sensitisation or nocioplastic pain.
Carole’s work reflects this biopsychosocial framework. She integrates physiotherapy with nervous system awareness and trauma-informed principles to support regulation and resilience within the scope of physiotherapy practice.
Rather than focusing solely on structural factors, this approach considers how stress patterns, emotional processing and autonomic regulation may influence the lived experience of pain.
Why TRTP, AAT and Somatic Approaches?
Carole integrates The Richards Trauma Process (TRTP), Associative Awareness Technique (AAT) and somatic-based approaches because they focus on the relationship between emotional processing and nervous system regulation.
Emerging research in mind–body medicine suggests that trauma-related stress responses and learned neural pathways can contribute to persistent distress and pain patterns in some individuals. These approaches aim to support awareness, processing and regulation within a structured therapeutic framework.
The intention is not to promise a particular outcome, but to work with patterns that may be contributing to ongoing symptoms.
Trauma, Stress and Persistent Pain
For some people, long-standing pain and stress-related symptoms may involve heightened nervous system vigilance. When the nervous system remains in a prolonged stress response, sensitivity to physical or emotional stimuli can increase.
Carole’s work supports clients in developing greater awareness of these patterns and cultivating regulation skills over time. This may be particularly relevant for individuals experiencing burnout, trauma-related symptoms or persistent pain presentations.
Chronic pain and trauma are not always connected, but understanding nervous system regulation can be an important component in complex cases.
Professional Development and Research-Informed Practice
Carole has undertaken advanced professional development in trauma-informed therapies and mind–body pain approaches. Her training includes work informed by Professor Howard Schubiner MD and other clinicians researching neuroplastic pain and emotional processing.
Contemporary research continues to explore the role of emotional awareness, stress regulation and neural plasticity in persistent pain. Carole integrates this evolving knowledge within a professional physiotherapy framework.
Scope of Practice and Collaborative Care
Carole provides trauma-informed physiotherapy within the scope of her professional registration. Her approach may be used as part of a broader care plan and can sit alongside medical, psychological or other allied health support where appropriate.
She offers both in-person and telehealth consultations. Carole is an NDIS-registered provider and registered with health funds under physiotherapy (codes 500 and 505).
Taking the Next Step
If you are interested in exploring a trauma-informed and mind–body approach to persistent pain or stress-related symptoms, you are welcome to contact the clinic on (02) 6295 0400 or book online.
If you would like to speak to Carole personally, you are welcome to email her at cyecosteps@gmail.com or call her on 0431 661 387
Carole Young
Trauma and Chronic Pain Therapist
Carole has over 35 years of experience in occupational rehabilitation and workplace health. She has contributed to the development and implementation of Workers Compensation rehabilitation frameworks in Australia and has written extensively in the field. In addition to her clinical work, she has studied, taught and consulted in sustainability for more than a decade.
Carole integrates physiotherapy with additional training in trauma-informed and mind–body approaches. Contemporary pain science recognises that persistent pain can, in some cases, involve nervous system sensitisation and heightened stress responses. This understanding has expanded the way many clinicians view chronic pain beyond purely structural explanations.
Drawing on both physiotherapy and trauma-informed principles, Carole incorporates nervous system awareness and emotional processing within the scope of her professional practice. This approach reflects an evolving biopsychosocial model of care.
Her current clinical focus is supporting individuals with complex and persistent pain presentations through an integrated, trauma-aware physiotherapy framework.