Hope and Healing: Reflections from the Transform Trauma Oxford Conference

At Health & Wellness GP, I specialise in a mind-body approach to health, helping people recover from chronic symptoms such as pain, fatigue, migraine, and irritable bowel. With over 30 years’ experience as an NHS GP, I’ve seen how powerfully the mind and body are connected — and how recovery is possible, even when symptoms have lasted for years.

This week, I’ve had the privilege of attending the Transform Trauma Oxford Conference – an inspiring event bringing together experts in trauma, neuroscience, and mind-body medicine.

Listening to the speakers, I was reminded how deeply our early experiences shape our nervous system. What happens to us in childhood, and throughout life, teaches the body how to respond to stress, threat, and emotion. These patterns can persist into adulthood, influencing how we react to both internal sensations (like pain, fatigue, or palpitations) and external triggers (such as pressure, conflict, or loss).

The Body Keeps the Score — But It Can Also Heal

When the nervous system becomes overprotective, it can remain in a state of fight, flight, or freeze. Over time, this may show up as a range of medically unexplained symptoms, such as:

• Chronic pain
• Chronic fatigue or ME/CFS
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Migraine and tension headaches
• Long Covid and post-viral fatigue

For many people, these conditions are life-changing — yet there is real hope of recovery.

Understanding Mind-Body Medicine

Modern mind-body medicine helps us understand that these symptoms are not signs of permanent damage but rather signals of a nervous system stuck in protection mode. The body is trying to keep us safe based on old patterns that no longer serve us.

Through approaches that combine nervous system regulation, emotional awareness, and self-compassion, it is possible to retrain the brain and body to feel safe again. As this happens, symptoms often lessen or disappear completely.

This process is sometimes called chronic pain recovery or mind-body healing, and growing evidence supports its effectiveness for persistent, unexplained symptoms.

Recovery Is Possible

The strongest message I’ve taken from this week’s conference is one of possibility. The nervous system is not broken— it is adaptable and capable of change throughout life. When we offer it new experiences of safety and calm, balance and health can return.

For anyone living with chronic pain, fatigue, or other medically unexplained symptoms, the field of mind-body medicine offers both scientific understanding and compassionate, practical tools for recovery.

I left the Transform Trauma Oxford Conference feeling hopeful and inspired by the progress being made in trauma-informed care and nervous system healing. With the right guidance and support, lasting recovery is possible.

About Health & Wellness GP

I’m Dr Anna Smith, an experienced GP and mind-body medicine practitioner based in Oxfordshire. My work focuses on helping people understand and heal the connection between stress, emotion, and physical symptoms — including chronic pain, fatigue, IBS, migraine, and anxiety-related conditions.

At Health & Wellness GP, my approach is evidence-based, compassionate, and tailored to each individual. I offer education, practical tools, and support to help people recover and regain confidence in their bodies.

Find Out More

If you’re struggling with persistent symptoms and have been told “there’s nothing wrong” or “nothing more can be done,” there is another way forward.

Feel free to contact me at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to learn how a mind-body approach can support your recovery.