Feedback

Feedback from our recent ‘Chronic Conditions: Beyond the Pain’ conference

“I just wanted to say a big thank you for inviting me to attend the SIRPA conference today. It was a a fantastic event and I am heading home with a lot of inspiring food for thought. The talks were all of really high quality and well delivered and the range of speakers and topics was just right. It was also really helpful to be there in person and get a feel for the SIRPA community and how this is starting to change and challenge mainstream medicine.” Dr Martin Brunet

“The SIRPA conference is truly an inspiring event. It’s so good to be around other people who are actively engaged in trying to bring this much-needed paradigm shift around the treatment of neuroplastic symptoms and stress-related chronic conditions to a wider audience. There was a great selection of speakers and I learned a lot from their different expertise and perspectives. It was also wonderful to hear from those who shared their own recovery stories from chronic symptoms. I would highly recommend this conference to anyone who works with clients/patients who have chronic conditions that aren’t helped by a biomedical model.”
Phil de la Haye, Certified IFS Therapist, Counsellor, and SIRPA Practitioner

“Attending the SIRPA 15 Year Anniversary Conference in London was an incredibly meaningful experience for me. Having personally recovered from chronic pain using this mindbody approach, it was both inspiring and uplifting to be surrounded by others who truly understand this journey. The conference brought together leading experts, powerful recovery stories, and the latest research, and all delivered with compassion and authenticity.
What stood out most was the sense of community and hope. SIRPA has spent 15 years challenging conventional thinking around pain and offering a path to genuine recovery. This event was not only a celebration of that progress but also a powerful reminder of the lives that have been changed, including my own.”
Charlotte Gavins

Feedback from our Chronic Pain
Conferences in 2015, 2017 & 2022

Our inaugural SIRPA conference in 2015 resulted in a re-evaluation in the approach to self-management of chronic pain in Ireland

Testimonial from Dr Martin Johnson, Vice-President of the British Pain Society, Royal College of General Practitioner’s Lead for Chronic Pain & Co-chair of the Chronic Pain Policy Coalition, said: “I will freely admit, having dealt with chronic pain for over 25 years, that I was very sceptical about Georgie’s work. Attending the SIRPA conference completely changed my mind! Without exaggeration the conference was one of the most interesting and enjoyable meetings I have been to for years. Here was something different that made sense of many of the anomalies that I have witnessed in pain medicine for years. The speaker presentations were of the highest quality, presenting high grade evidence and rationale scientific explanations for ACE theories. I will be very happy to support SIRPA in the future and look forward to the next conference.”

John Lindsay, Chair of Chronic Pain Ireland, said: “My congratulations on a great event. In the past seven years I have attended many events on Chronic Pain throughout Europe. I can honestly say that your event and one I attended in Brussels last November were the best I ever attended. I never lost interest throughout both meetings. I was really impressed by your speakers and as a result of attending the event I am going to re-evaluate our approach to Self Management of Chronic Pain.’

The speakers at each of our conferences were all leading experts in their respective disciplines and in coming together demonstrated how similar their approaches are in the field of neuroplastic/mindbody conditions, most specifically chronic pain. Using personal and professional examples with passion and humility, the speakers captivated and engaged the conference delegates, who comprised of medical doctors, physiotherapists and psychotherapists from the UK, mainland Europe and the US.

SIRPA conference 2015 – Georgie Oldfield & US speakers

SIRPA Conference 2017 – speakers

 Further feedback from all our Conferences

Marian Nicholson of Pain UK & Pain Alliance Europe, said “The approach to curing pain that I learnt about at SIRPA’s Chronic Pain inaugural conference was inspirational. The NHS would save a fortune and peoples’ lives would be improved if the Recovery Programme were to be prescribed to everyone who is told by their doctor “We can’t find anything wrong with you.” There is plenty of scientific evidence that this approach is sensible, and I hope that the programme gets taken up so more people can benefit.”

Dr Deepak Ravindran, Lead Pain Medicine, Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust I Consultant IPASS, Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust I Senior Advisor and Medical Consultant, Cellen Health I Leva Clinic – I really enjoyed the SIRPA conference in London on Sept 24th 2022. It was a great opportunity to network and finally meet face to face some wonderful speakers and researchers from the US and the UK on the topic of pain and stress related impact on the nervous and immune systems.

Chronic pain is a growing public health emergency and it is important to be aware of newer techniques and research into managing and eliminating this condition. It was exciting to hear that there can be certain forms of pain where the influence of the nervous system can be completely altered leading to complete pain relief. It was also great to see and hear from patients and their lived experience to know that such understanding and techniques can make a difference. Thank you Georgie for a great location and agenda and it was a great day of learning and networking.

Dr Anthony Davies, Chronic Pain Consultant at Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust – “Thoroughly enjoyed the conference. The faculty included enthusiastic professionals from a wide spectrum of specialities, with psychiatrists and spinal surgeons sharing the same platform and narrative with psychotherapists, physical therapists and gastroenterologists. The focus was on psychophysiological disorders. This provided a well-argued framework for considering potential therapeutic recovery from chronic pain rather than restricting the approach to suppression or acceptance of pain.”

David Hanscom MD, Complex Spinal Surgeon from Seattle, US – ‘The quality of the speakers and subject material was excellent. I do not think I have been to a conference that has held my attention at this level for the entire day. There was a great mix of new ideas, as well as compelling stories. I felt that the whole room was very energized. It was also great to have Dr Sarno’s daughter, Christina, there. She was great and clearly added a whole additional dimension to the day. I am not sure that she had realized how deeply her father had helped so many people. I have been clear for a long time that although his concepts are evolving with the new neuroscience research he was a brilliant pioneer and the day reinforced my commitment to further his concepts as well as to honor what he has accomplished.’

Cormac Ryan, Professor of Clinical Rehabilitation, Teesside University – The 2022 SIRPA conference was excellent. A range of UK and international speakers delivered talks of the highest quality. There was a perfect balance between scientists, clinicians, and people (formerly) with pain showcasing the enormous potential of psychology based interventions for people with persistent pain.”

Marjon Oomens, Director of Foundation Emovere in the Netherlands – The SIRPA conference is absolutely top of the bill! It offered high quality, latest information and insights by inspiring speakers. Great networking opportunities for further collaboration, also across countries. So happy to have been here, a must go to for everyone working in this field.

Clive Corry founder and director of Action Trauma limited – Eminent doctors and recovered patients from around the world told their stories to a large, rapt audience of doctors, therapists and members of the public with an interest in the subject. This was about healing on a grand scale, with plenty of evidence that it works. There were no grand theories, no incredulous statements, just sound, balanced and proven therapeutic techniques which spared the knife to bring back life in a safe, pain free and permanent way. Roll on the further development of this magnificent work and roll on the next SIRPA conference.”

Silje Endresen Reme, Professor of health psychology, University of Oslo – I still think about the SIRPA conference in London as one of my favourite conferences I have ever been to.”

Further feedback from our chronic pain conferences included:

‘The SIRPA Conference at the Royal Society of Medicine was ground breaking – exceptional speakers , great referencing of research, case-based histories re. pain cure that were phenomenal and heartwarming. Patient-centered, great ‘archaeology’ to ascertain root cause of pain and methods of clearing. Brilliant ! Please let us know if this is happening again next year. People: book now!!! It was that inspiring!’ Louise Carmi

“What a truly fantastic conference – a fabulous mix of speakers and so much great sharing and information.  I was sad not to be there in person, but really glad to follow the livestream and looking forward to listening to some talks again.  I learned so much and am really, really motivated to get on with my practitioner training!!” Jane Nodder

“The SIRPA Conference of October 2017 brought the world’s leading experts on symptoms linked to stress, repressed emotion and adverse childhood experience into one room for an entire day. The synergy among the speakers was extraordinary and provided a wealth of practical insights so clearly explained that even people without professional training could take full advantage to benefit themselves and their loved ones. I’m already looking forward to SIRPA’s next event.” Dr D. Clarke

‘Can I just offer my personal congratulations for such an impressive and successful inaugural conference. I was very privileged and very moved to be able to participate.’ Damon Peterson

‘I just wanted to congratulate you on organising such a wonderful conference. It was absolutely brilliant on all counts!’ Dr Nick Straiton

‘This conference is so wonderful it made me cry.’ Anon

“Dear Georgie and Zoe. Thank you for arranging the best, most information, detailed and authentic day of training I have ever experienced (and I have undertaken many forms of training and education as a therapist).”  Kim Bromley, Psychotherapist

“I came to this conference to further understand pain but I have come away with a completely different perspective on pain. This will change my practice. Thank you.”

“Leading the UK in pioneering research into chronic pain, SIRPA has put together a hugely insightful conference with speakers from around the world. The mix of new research, insights and sharing of success stories was a really powerful combination”. Lindsey Hayes

“Thank you so much for organising a terrific conference! I found it thoroughly stimulating and informative, and inspired me with hope for people suffering physically and mentally. The venue was very smart and nice and the staff attentive and charming! A huge well done!”  Lucy Appleby

“Thank-you for such a compelling and informative conference.  I have never been to a conference where I have been so completely and intensely engaged with every word from every speaker.” 

“Just to say well done for organising a brilliant and thought-provoking day. A great panel of speakers coupled with humour and sensitivity was a great blend”. Jo Racle, Physio

“An amazing day all round!! Livestream quality was amazing – a big thank you to all involved”. Caroline Sweetnam MCSP

“Thank you so much for a completely fantastic day at the Conference. It was engaging from start to finish and the atmosphere and energy in the lecture theatre was so positive. I have come away feeling renewed and even more enthusiastic to spread the SIRPA support, words and knowledge.” Caroline Rowland

It was great to gear the latest thinking and research from leaders in the field of neuroplastic pain in a face to face conference and chat to other professionals working in this field”. Susannah Solt, Physiotherapist

“Great day with interesting and informative speakers using up to date science to improve patient/client care”. Andrew Bulman Stage 2 Health Psychologist

‘I would like to thank you for the amazing conference that you put together!! It was a wonderful day and lots to take in and learn. I look forward to reading all the books and hopefully join you sometime on the SIRPA practitioner course. The speakers were all amazing, it was just a fantastic day, I am still high on endorphin’s since yesterday.’ Betti Simon

‘Great day yesterday at the SIRPA conference. The best conference I’ve been to. Dynamic, knowledgeable and engaging speakers. The key point for me was the importance of the therapeutic relationship’ Diane Slater

‘What an amazing day. Thank you. I am so pleased that I came and that I had the opportunity to hear all those wonderful speakers. It was brilliant and I am very much looking forward to reading the books and checking out new resources’ Liz Rigby

‘A great conference, very inspiring and a fantastic range of speakers. Thank you Georgie and the SIRPA team.’ Kath Piper

‘It was great. Georgie you should be very proud. Read through my notes on the way home on the train. So much to follow up, read but will take time to have some fun!’ Dr Lynne Thompson

‘An amazing day. Never seen anything like it!’ Adam Al-Kashi PhD

‘By far the most inspiring and exciting conference I have ever attended…thank you all so much and congratulations Georgie!’ Claire Doherty

‘It was a brilliant day, what a buzz!’ Cat Henderson

“Fascinating day with an extremely high calibre of speakers. Huge learning professionally and personally.” Lynn Crescens Smith, Trainee in Psychodynamic Counselling

“Wow!!!….. what an amazing day. A massive congratulations to you, the speakers and your team. ALL the speakers were fantastic and I learned SO much, not only about the effects of chronic stress/pain on my patients but also how it has influenced me!!” Yvonne Frampton, Physiotherapist Denmead

“I’ve rarely been at a conference where every one of the speakers held my attention so totally throughout their presentation.  I learned a lot and am definitely inspired to learn more.” Carolyn Norgate

“Brilliant event. Make me want to join the SIRPA team. The best CPD event I have ever  been to. Thank you.”

“An immersion in mindbody medicine… an absolute must for patients and practitioners alike. Let’s start putting the ‘care’ back in our healthcare and treat people as the complex and wonderful beings they are.”

“This was a fabulous conference which I highly recommend to all who work in the field of pain.”

“As a Counsellor the conference opened up the more medical side to the mindbody pain work, which left me recognising the unique and holistic nature of this work.”

“Another informative, educational and exciting opportunity to learn more. Thank you.”

“Great content, very well put together. Interesting, full and informative. Lots to think about. I would recommend the work even if you just attend the introduction conference to learn about good thought-provoking theories and an insight into this amazing approach.

“Super. Interesting (and inspiring). Research based. Practical and thought-provoking. Awesome day! Thank you ….where do I sign up?”

“This was an informative, moving day of professional presentations from leaders in this field, delivered with passion, compassion and personal experience. Food for thought and practise.”

“This conference was excellent, detailing the latest research in this field. It is great to get together with like-minded people when so often many prefer the ‘medical model’. It has given me the motivation to continue with this work and try to share it with patients and colleagues.”

“Excellent, ground-breaking conference. All Doctors need to know about this stuff. Changing the narrative around chronic pain and functional illness.”

“The research and experiences that were presented are crucial to improve our healthcare and our society.”

“Awe-inspiring. I love it!”

“Great conference. At last the science and those working in this field have come of age and give patients a real opportunity to heal their lives. This conference has been the platform for this to take it forward.”

“Inspiring. Thank you”

“An enjoyable, highly informative day that lived up to its expectations.”

“Real time leading edge science combined with inspiring practitioners, fun networking and huge commitment. I thoroughly enjoyed it.”

“A wonderful opportunity to connect with a community if people, exerts and professionals all committed to further this important work. And great fun!”

To find out about SIRPA’s CPD Practitioner training courses, please click here.