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SIRPA (Stress Illness Recovery Practitioners’ Association)

Where compassionate care meets clinical excellence
Chronic pain is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, affecting an estimated 20–30% of the global population. Advances in neuroscience now show that many chronic pain and persistent symptom conditions are driven by reversible neuroplastic processes within the nervous system, rather than ongoing tissue damage.

SIRPA’s vision is to help bring an end to chronic pain worldwide. By cultivating a global community of ambassadors for this science-based, neuroplastic approach to chronic pain and other persistent symptoms, SIRPA’s mission is to empower people to understand how the brain, body, and nervous system work together—and to provide them with practical tools to retrain these systems, relieve symptoms, and live full, active, and healthy lives.

Meet Our Team

Our diverse team of experts brings together clinical excellence, research expertise, and lived experience to support you on your recovery journey.
Advisory Board
Georgie Oldfield
Founder of SIRPA
Georgie founded SIRPA in 2010 and through her leadership, training programmes, and clinical work, she has helped thousands of people recover from persistent pain conditions and regain confidence in their bodies.

Her work continues to shape a growing community of practitioners dedicated to changing the conversation around chronic pain and delivering compassionate, evidence-informed care.
Cath Thompson
Admin and Tech Assistant
Cath has worked in Primary Care for over 20 years, supporting GP practices and NHS teams with data quality, clinical systems, and digital transformation. 

Cath is passionate about helping people feel supported and capable, and she’s excited to use her skills to contribute to SIRPA’s mission and community
Adam Lomax
Social Media Support
Adam was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and Small Fibre Neuropathy after many years of struggling with chronic pain. Adam’s role focuses on supporting the continued and sustained growth of our Social Media platforms.

He’s qualified in Level 2 Creative Media Skills and his previous Social Media Marketing experience includes having worked for the globally renowned Optimum Health Clinic

Membership Board

The SIRPA Membership board was created in 2021 to support SIRPA in the development of the membership. Being a member enables our health professionals to continue their development and provides resources, community support and guidance. The membership board was created from our membership community, providing a wonderful way to continually receive feedback and gather ideas of how we can make the membership a great experience for everyone.
Advisory Board
Lorna Tyson MBE
Former Director for Business and Enterprise
Lorna brings extensive business expertise and leadership to SIRPA. Her diverse background in enterprise, agriculture, and hospitality provides invaluable strategic guidance to the organization.
Advisory Board
Dr Deepak Ravindran
Professor and Director of Chronic Pain & Lifestyle Medicine
Dr Ravindran is a leading authority in chronic pain and lifestyle medicine. His clinical expertise and research contributions are instrumental in advancing SIRPA's evidence-based approach to pain management.
Advisory Board
Dr Sarah Hadfield
GP
Dr Hadfield brings frontline primary care experience to SIRPA. As a GP, she understands the challenges patients face and works to integrate the SIRPA approach into mainstream healthcare.
Advisory Board
Holly Gillingham
Chartered Accountant
Holly ensures SIRPA's financial health and sustainability. Her expertise in finance and accounting supports the organization's growth and long-term strategic planning.
Advisory Board
Irralee Andrzejowska
Physiotherapist
Irralee’s physiotherapy expertise and patient-centred approach are central to SIRPA’s methodology. As one of SIRPA’s clinical supervisors, she also supports and guides fellow practitioners. She excels at translating complex neuroscience into clear, relatable language, using metaphors and practical tools to empower patients in their recovery.
Dr Howard Schubiner
Research Advisor
Dr. Howard Schubiner is board-certified in pediatrics, adolescent medicine, and internal medicine. He was a full Professor at Wayne State University for 18 years and now works at Providence Hospital in Southfield, MI. He is a fellow in the American College of Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the Society for Adolescent Medicine.
Dr Dave Clarke MD
International Clinical Advisor
Dave is Clinical Assistant Professor of Gastroenterology Emeritus and Senior Scholar at the Center for Ethics at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). He is also a Clinical Lecturer with Pacific University. He is board-certified in Gastroenterology and Internal Medicine and practiced Gastroenterology in Portland, Oregon from 1984 to 2009. 

Global Not-For-Profit Organisations

Living Proof
Living Proof is a UK-based not-for-profit organisation led by people who have recovered from chronic pain and other persistent symptoms. They are dedicated to sharing the latest understanding of mind-body recovery, raising awareness of evidence-informed approaches that help people regain their health, confidence and quality of life. Through education, support and lived experience, Living Proof offers hope and practical guidance to those seeking a path to recovery.

https://www.livingproof.org.uk/
The Pain Psychology Centre UK
The Pain Psychology Centre UK specialises in chronic pain and other neuroplastic symptoms, offering evidence-informed programmes grounded in the latest pain neuroscience. By combining psychological approaches with an understanding of the brain and nervous system, their team helps people break free from persistent pain and symptom cycles, supporting lasting recovery and improved quality of life
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https://painpsychologycentre.co.uk/
Stichting Emovere
Stichting Emovere is a Dutch non-profit organisation dedicated to raising awareness of the important connection between the brain, body and emotions in health and recovery. Through education, scientific research, lived experience and collaboration, Emovere inspires a broader understanding of persistent pain and other chronic symptoms, helping people discover new possibilities for healing and well-being.

https://stichtingemovere.nl/
ATNS
The Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNS) is a US-based non-profit organisation dedicated to advancing awareness and understanding of neuroplastic pain and other chronic symptoms. Through education, scientific research, professional collaboration and patient advocacy, ATNS supports both healthcare professionals and individuals in accessing evidence-informed approaches that promote recovery and lasting well-being.

https://neuroplastic.org/