Assisting injured workers to overcome the psychological barriers delaying or preventing a return to work, through short-course, goal-oriented counselling with a KINNECT Registered Psychologist or Rehabilitation Counsellor.
Adjustment to Injury Counselling (AITC) is a goal-oriented, short-term therapeutic process for workers managing the emotional, psychological and social impact of an injury or illness, including workplace injuries. Delivered by KINNECT Registered Psychologists or Rehabilitation Counsellors over an initial assessment plus up to five 60-minute sessions, it builds resilience and self-management skills so workers can cope with change, manage pain, and return to work safely. It is most effective when referred early.
Adjustment to Injury (or Illness) Counselling, AITC, is a goal-oriented, short-term therapeutic process designed to help individuals manage the emotional, psychological and social challenges that arise after sustaining an injury or illness, including workplace injuries.
It focuses on building resilience and self-management skills to cope with life changes, pain and potential psychological barriers, supporting recovery, improving function and facilitating a sustainable return to work.
AITC uses evidence-based methods and is delivered through a holistic, biopsychosocial lens. It is most beneficial when referred early, to help prevent secondary psychological concerns and improve overall recovery outcomes.
The challenges of injury are rarely just physical. AITC works on the interconnected pieces that tend to keep workers stuck.
Coping with feelings of frustration, anxiety, depression, anger, sadness and loss of identity that often follow an injury or illness.
Adapting to a “new normal” and significant changes in daily life, relationships and work.
Practical psychological and behavioural strategies to manage pain and improve day-to-day function.
Overcoming psychosocial barriers (a lack of perceived support, poor coping and low motivation) that get in the way of recovery.
Processing what has happened and building strategies for overall rehabilitation and improved wellbeing.
Every course of counselling follows the same evidence-based shape, but the plan inside it is tailored to the person sitting in the room.
A 60-minute session with a KINNECT Psychologist to assess presenting issues, symptoms and psychological history. Validated tools such as the DASS-21 may be administered. A goal-oriented management plan is then developed.
Subsequent 60-minute sessions, as recommended by the Psychologist or Rehabilitation Counsellor, work through the triggers behind thoughts, emotions and behaviours that impact the worker’s capacity to return.
Every plan is built around the worker’s injury, symptoms, triggers, pre-injury role, return-to-work plan, workplace environment and support network, so it works in their real life, not in theory.
The personalised plan draws from a range of evidence-based techniques. The right mix depends on the worker.
Adjustment to Injury Counselling is designed to overcome the difficulties tied to complex return-to-work claims. Early intervention compounds the benefit on both sides.
Each session includes the report and progress documentation needed for the claim file. Talk to our team about referral, panel and program arrangements.
60-minute consultation with a KINNECT Psychologist plus a comprehensive summary report and goal-oriented management plan.
1300 546 63260-minute counselling session with the worker, focused on self-management and coping strategies. Includes a summary report and progress update.
1300 546 632Contact us for a tailored proposal based on the referral and recommended session mix.
The questions employers, supervisors and case managers most often ask before referring.
Each Adjustment to Injury Counselling session runs for 60 minutes. A standard course is one initial session followed by up to five subsequent sessions, as recommended by the Counsellor or Psychologist.
Sessions are delivered by a KINNECT Psychologist who holds, at a minimum, provisional registration with the Psychology Board of Australia, or by a KINNECT Rehabilitation Counsellor who holds, at minimum, affiliate registration with the Australian Society of Rehabilitation Counsellors.
Referrals can be made by employers, supervisors, injury management coordinators, health and safety advisors, general practitioners and rehabilitation consultants.
AITC is most beneficial when referred early. This helps prevent secondary psychological concerns developing and improves overall recovery outcomes. It is particularly suited to complex claims and cases where psychological or emotional factors are impacting recovery.
Yes. KINNECT delivers Adjustment to Injury Counselling in-clinic and via secure telehealth, so workers in regional locations or with mobility limitations can still access timely support.
Explore our current clinic locations. Service availability varies by clinic, so contact us to confirm the right location for this service.
Psychological support across the spectrum, from prevention through to complex claims.
Independent capacity evaluations informing return-to-work and fitness-for-duty decisions.
Learn moreCoordinated, evidence-based management of psychological injury claims.
Learn moreConfidential counselling support for employees navigating work-related stressors.
Learn moreIndependently facilitated discussions to resolve workplace conflict and rebuild trust.
Learn moreRefer an injured worker for Adjustment to Injury Counselling and a KINNECT Psychologist or Rehabilitation Counsellor will be in touch to scope the right plan.
Psychological Services