Colleague Endorsements 2026
Dr John Sarno was delighted that Mags was ‘spreading the word about Tension Myneural Syndrome (TMS; now known as Neuroplastic symptoms) in Ireland. He spoke fondly of his love for Ireland and responded to Mags with the charismatic warmth he was renowned for, answering her questions with eagerness and great interest. New York, January 2016.
Arelene Feinblatt, PhD Mind-Body Psychologist suggested she meet Mags in a New York Diner in January 2016. Arelene worked closely with Dr Sarno for thirty years, he regarded her as his group’s chief psychologist. Her meeting with Mags was for an hour yet lasted nearly two hours. ‘Why weren’t you born twenty five years earlier?’ Arlene asked, ‘we would have been the perfect team working with Dr Sarno’.
“Most people assume that pain or illness are caused only by injury or disease. But the brain also can cause serious, real symptoms anywhere in the body. Fortunately, new research has developed effective techniques for diagnosis and successful treatment. Mags Clark-Smith is a master of these concepts and they fit wonderfully with her warm, supportive character.
Mags is one of the smartest clinicians I know, she has an unusual skillset, an ability to alleviate debilitating neuroplastic symptoms through movement which is just a remarkable talent to have.” - David Clarke MD President of the Association for Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms.
“Mags Clark-Smith led a sensitive, attuned, fun, and trauma-informed movement and art program at a retreat I led for physicians, therapists and other caregiving professionals. Her work was received with great appreciation and a sense of community connection, and the feedback we received was that it was an enjoyable healing practice, some even felt that some of their symptoms had improved by the end of the class. I also participated and, in addition to appreciating what a wonderful way it was to begin the morning, I was moved by her empathy, her ability to flex with what was needed, and her genuine kindness and care for those who suffer from trauma, medical illness, and the pressures of attending to medical patients.” - Lissa Rankin, MD, OB/GYN physician and New York Times bestselling author of Mind Over Medicine
‘A fundamental part of healing for chronic illness is feeling safe and guiding your nervous system toward creative experiences. Mags has an impressive ability to do both, as she radiates warmth and is skilled at teaching you how to move forward into a life of your choosing. She possesses a remarkable range of skills, including dance, somatic work, theatre, communication, and Pilates. She combines this extensive background with a focused approach to help you discover the best strategies to support your body’s healing. It contrasts with typical self-help methods, which often unintentionally highlight the problem. With her guidance, you’ll enjoy connecting with the best part of yourself.’ David Hanscom, MD, orthopaedic spine surgeon and author
‘During my work as a filmmaker creating the ATNS Pain Science Paradigm Shift video, I reached out to hundreds of doctors and clinicians for patient testimonials, videos where patients share their real-life recovery stories. What struck me most was the sheer number of Mags’ patients who volunteered, more than any other clinician we contacted. The patients spoke about returning to their lives happy and healthy. Not just symptom relief, but changes in how they function, feel and relate to their bodies and their lives. The depth of trust her patients clearly have in her and the outcomes they described were genuinely impressive. Camille Thoman, filmmaker, writer and director
‘Mags is widely respected in the neuroplastic pain recovery community for her years of experience and thoughtful approach. She has helped countless people recover by skillfully integrating her deep background in movement with a science-based, neuroplastic understanding of chronic pain. Her work reflects both compassion and rigor, empowering people to feel safe in their bodies again and return to fuller lives.’ Rebecca Kennedy MD Family medicine physician, Portland, Oregon; Board chair of the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms
Mags is a trusted colleague and fellow Irish woman whom I have been in many conversations with over the last few years related to mind-body work. I greatly admire her integrity and clarity of thought. She is very invested in helping people with chronic pain and other mind- body syndromes as well as sharing her knowledge and skills with practitioners. I think any individual who works with her is fortunate to do so. Nuala Crotty MD Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation doctor
“Mags Clark-Smith is a friend and colleague who has developed a unique skillset, using evidence-based somatic approaches to help people recover from chronic pain and illness. I attended her seminar at a conference and found her ability to tap into deep physical sensation both impressive and powerful. She is also intensely empathic, even when leading a room of over 100 people. By the end of the session I felt fully embodied and relaxed. Strongly recommend.” Sara PD Chrisman MD MPH, Professor of Pediatrics at Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington, Seattle WA