A little while ago I invited a few of the people I teach if they might like to complete a survey. As some of you will know I’m asked to write articles about the Resolving Chronic Pain (RCP) process for interested organisations or journals. I have often wondered what the people involved in the process might like to read about. I was also interested in your experience of the RCP process.
Below are the questions I asked, and all 26 people invited to answer these questions at the time did so. I am so grateful. Thank you all so much.
Survey Questions
What research did you do about Neuroplastic Symptoms (TMS/PPD) before contacting Mags?
After the initial consultation, why did you sign up for the RCP teaching process?
Describe the experience of reducing your pain or anxiety whilst engaged in the RCP teaching process.
What one thing do you value the most from the process?
Is there anything you’d particularly like to have included in a potential book or article about Resolving Chronic Pain?
All the answers were numbered to ensure confidentiality.
Below is a summary, capturing the essence of the 26 replies for each question, with occasional quotes taken from the survey in inverted commas:
1. What research did patients do about TMS/PPD before contacting Mags?
Patients arrived at the RCP clinic with a wide spectrum of prior knowledge. Many had undertaken extensive self-directed research after conventional medical investigations failed to provide explanations or relief. This included reading multiple books by Dr John Sarno and other mind–body practitioners. Some had found Mags through the Psychophysiologic Disorders Textbook that she wrote and edited.
‘Everything began to make sense. I was ticking all the boxes’
Some came through listening to podcasts, engaging with online forums such as TMS Wiki, or meditation programmes. Others had minimal or no prior exposure and encountered the mind–body model through chance recommendations, hearing Mags speak, or referrals from friends or clinicians.
‘All test results were coming back clear, so I knew something else had to be going on.’
Across responses, a common theme was frustration with traditional healthcare and a moment of recognition when the mind–body explanation resonated with personal experience.
2. After the initial consultation, why did patients sign up for the RCP teaching process?
Patients consistently described feeling heard, understood, and safe during their initial consultation with Mags.
‘I felt listened to and understood, which was exactly what I needed.’
Many contrasted this with previous experiences of dismissal or symptom-focused care. Some signed up out of desperation after exhausting all other options, while others were motivated by curiosity, self-development, or alignment with the scientific and psychological framing of the approach.
‘I liked that it was self-work with guidance, not traditional therapy.’
The emphasis on guided self-work, early insight through values and beliefs exercises, and the avoidance of invasive or medication-based interventions were all influential factors. Trust in Mags’ expertise and presence was central to patients’ decisions.
‘I felt a huge relief the moment I walked out of the first meeting.’
3. How did patients experience changes in pain or anxiety during the RCP process?
Most patients described the RCP process as gradual, non-linear, and deeply individual.
‘It didn’t happen overnight, it took a lot of work.’
Rather than immediate pain relief, early changes often involved reduced fear, anxiety, and overwhelm, alongside a growing sense of agency and understanding.
‘The pain started to flicker and vanish for longer periods of time.’
Over time, many experienced fluctuating symptoms, shorter flare-ups, or pain that felt less threatening. Emotional awareness, journaling, boundary-setting, and nervous system regulation were frequently cited as key contributors to improvement.
‘I finally felt like I had a roadmap instead of blindly thrashing about.’
Even when pain persisted, patients reported feeling more hopeful, calmer, and better equipped to respond.
4. What did patients value most from the RCP process?
While pain reduction was important, many patients identified deeper benefits as the most valuable aspects of the process.
‘Initially I would have said being pain free. Now it’s being at ease with myself.’
These included feeling seen and understood, having a non-judgemental space to explore emotions, and developing insight into beliefs, values, boundaries, and identity.
‘It’s like I’ve been living in a cave my whole life and now I’ve seen the sky.’
Patients frequently described a sense of liberation, balance, and personal power, alongside tools they felt would stay with them for life.
‘Knowing I have the power to take control of my pain.’
The therapeutic relationship, Mags’ calm and clarity, and the ability to make sense of long-standing patterns were repeatedly highlighted.