Stress Illness and Pain Resolution (SIRPA)

I am a qualified SIRPA Practitioner (member of the Stress Illness Recovery Practitioners’ Association) and trained with Georgie Oldfield in 2013.

The SIRPA approach explores the underlying stresses that may be causing your pain or chronic symptoms. One of the pioneers of this approach was physician Dr John Sarno in the US who coined the term TMS ((Tension Myositis Syndrome) relating to psycho-physical stress disorders. More information can be found in his books “Healing Back Pain” and “The Mind/Body Prescription”.

Stress reaction - Stress Illness Recovery near Bristol and Gloucester

Symptoms
The symptoms themselves are very real and may occur anywhere in your body, sometimes lasting for years and might be mild or bad enough to cause severe disability. As long as severe tissue damaging causes have been ruled out, such as cancer, infection, a fracture or an auto-immune disorder, then it is possible that if you have persistent symptoms, they may be stress induced.

Recovery
Recovery from long term pain and stress illness does not involve medication, or physical treatments. Because symptoms of stress illness can be reversed, once the underlying causes are recognised and addressed, full recovery is possible, often when no other treatment has helped.

I have been involved in helping people with chronic musculoskeletal pain for 30 years, qualifying as an Alexander Technique teacher in 1987 having undertaken a 3 year full time training course. Over the years, I have experienced a number of healing and therapeutic approaches on my own journey of healing and have added a range of skills to my professional repertoire including Reiki healing, Psych-K (releasing sabotaging beliefs) Body Harmony (the “listening” touch for deep healing) and Counselling techniques among others.

Over time I have become aware of the many different triggers underlying musculoskeletal pain including the role of emotions and traumas. Suppressed emotions such as grief and despair, anger and resentment, guilt and sorrow take their toll and can manifest in the body as pain. Dr. Sarno told his patients that our “overflowing beaker” of rage is made up of three components: 1/3 childhood, 1/3 current stressors, and 1/3 our personality.

If we are able to listen to our pain as something to be heard rather than pushed away we can begin the journey towards releasing the emotional charge that may be underlying our symptoms. The journey does not have to be cathartic or frightening. It is often eye opening and illuminating. The pace is determined by you, the client, and confidentiality between us is maintained throughout.

The Programme

Step 1
Make contact with me via email or phone to express your interest. I offer a free half hour phone or skype consultation to discuss the SIRPA programme and answer any queries you may have. If you decide to go ahead…

Step 2
I will email you an in-depth questionnaire which you complete and email back to me.

Step 3
Arrange a 90 minute consultation (face to face, telephone or Skype) to discuss your questionnaire. During this session we will clarify emerging themes and will evolve a programme of healing to release suppressed and unwanted emotions. You will be taught techniques that will help you to listen to the symptoms and release the emotional charge underlying them.

You may also be recommended to see other therapists who can offer expert support in specific areas as part of your healing.

Step 4
Review regularly by email or telephone

Step 5
Arrange 60 minute follow up consultations (face to face, telephone or Skype) at an agreed time to review your progress. The number of consultations and frequency of sessions will depend on your specific needs.

Location

The SIRPA Programme is offered from my clinic in Stroud and from the Garden Room in Frampton on Severn in Gloucestershire.

Clinic Locations

www.pinterest.com/regainpoise/stress-illness-recovery

Journalling Cartoon

Image by Richard Barrett http://www.richardbarrettartist.co.uk

Testimonials from Stress Illness and Pain Resolution (SIRPA) Clients

Barry Phillips – Business Owner – Oxfordshire

There are people who touch our lives at certain points on our life’s journey. We are forever changed and forever grateful for having met them and for the growth they have helped us to achieve. Rachel Stevens is one such person in my life.

I found Rachel on the SIRPA website after reading the amazing book “ Healing Back Pain” by John E. Sarno MD. Most people seem to find Sarno’s work a real lightbulb moment, then upon looking to gain a deeper understanding, that’s where a specialist like Rachel comes in. I had been suffering with debilitating back pain for many years and seen many therapists and experts. Acute pain could come from the simplest activity such as putting on my trainers. After reading Sarno’s book, I knew I could heal my back pain, but I did not know how to do that. I did not have the emotional arsenal, nor did I understand my patterns and the process of how to change my responses to my circumstances.

This is where Rachel’s gift lies. She helps one to understand what was triggering my pain and develop strategies to deal with the everyday challenges that one faces in life. In the more than two years that I have worked with Rachel, I have come to value and appreciate her expertise, insight and empathy. She tells it like it is, when you are ready to hear it. With Rachel’s support I have resolved my back pain. I now continue my quest for a sound and healthy mind, body and spirit. I recommend Rachel without reservation, she has been a true blessing in my life.

Kay Timbrell – Team Leader, Dursley

Having experienced three to four months of intense shoulder pain, I never would have imagined I could be pain free. However, Rachel taught me how to identify the pain’s source and that it wasn’t physical but a stress illness. Using a variety of techniques, addressing and taking ownership of the issues at the root cause and ultimately Rachel’s guidance, I have been pain free for months now.

Understanding that the mind is the most powerful part of our being has been the key.

Clive Busby – Therapist – Stroud

Rachel held a compassionate, heart-based energy that allowed me to go deep into my process. She could be direct when required and showed great sensitivity when that was called for. Rachel has my highest recommendation.

Jane Chamberlain – Reflexologist – Stroud

I enjoyed the sessions immensely. Rachel is very calm and reassuring and she put me at my ease. The room in which we worked was quiet and peaceful – a place of quiet sanctuary which made me feel safe and secure. A place of healing. The SIRPA approach is non-threatening, non-invasive and empowers the individual to work with their own needs. It was life changing.

Lynne Pierce – Activity Organiser for Groups with Disabilities – Stroud

I now have a much more positive outlook with techniques to manage stressful situations.

Dr John Sarno Books Chronic Pain by Georgie Oldfield

For further details about this life changing programme please click on the web link below. www.sirpauk.com

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