About PainCare Massage On The Wirral
Belinda Clair VTCT Dip, ACMT, MFHT, SIRPA, CPCAB, BACP
I CURED MY CHRONIC PAIN
My Journey to Becoming a MindBody Therapist
I became a MindBody Therapist after recovering from chronic pain in my neck and shoulders over 15 years ago. That journey taught me a powerful truth: the way we feel emotionally and the way we think mentally deeply influence our physical health. Looking back, I came to understand that, metaphorically, I had been carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders.
To begin healing, I addressed the physical symptoms through treatments like trigger point therapy and myofascial release. At the same time, I committed to working on my emotional and mental wellbeing through group and one-to-one therapy sessions. Alongside this inner work, I immersed myself in learning about the mind-body connection. I devoured every book I could find on the topic—especially those by Dr. John Sarno, whose pioneering work deeply resonated with me. I then explored writings by his mentees and followers, including Georgie Oldfield, Howard Schubiner, David Clarke, David Hanscom and Donna Jackson Nakazawa.
Their insights confirmed what I had experienced first-hand: that healing is possible when we address the root causes of pain, not just the symptoms. I became determined to help others break free from both physical and emotional suffering.
Over the last decade, working as a MindBody Therapist, I’ve witnessed this healing phenomenon in the majority of my clients. Time and time again, I’ve seen how powerful the mind-body connection truly is. That’s why I felt called to take action—and why I started my own clinic I Oxton.
Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease
Hippocrates
MY JOURNEY BEGAN a long time ago…
I work holistically because I’ve seen first hand how clients can heal from chronic and emotional pain when they address the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of their lives. Over 10 years ago, I left my career as a Chartered Legal Executive to follow this path—and I’ve never looked back.
My journey into the MindBody world began over 35 years ago when I started to attend Gestalt Therapy groups and workshops with Dr Des Kennedy my therapist and mentor. I went on to complete the Dru Yoga teacher training, followed by certifications in Body Massage and Reflexology. In 2015, I qualified as an Advanced Clinical Massage Therapist with the Jing Institute, and soon after, completed my SIRPA training with Georgie Oldfield. I have recently completed the Level 1 training in IFS therapy a model that is life changing for many people.
Driven by a deep desire to understand the mind-body connection, I immersed myself in the research, reading extensively and continuing my education. I went on to complete a Diploma in Counselling and I am currently in the final two years of a Biomedical Science degree at Chester University. I have completed Level 1 Internal Family System training which is life-changing to say the least.
Today, I work as a trauma-informed MindBody therapist and researcher. I’m a lifelong learner, passionate about sharing my knowledge and experience. My clients often say they feel empowered through the psychoeducation I provide. Healing comes not just from treatment, but from understanding.
I bring a broad, open-minded perspective to my work—more of a floodlight than a spotlight—and I remain inspired by the ongoing journey of discovery.
‘I think there are lots of things to be discovered. You just have to be paying attention’ Morgan Matson
I am passionate about helping people heal and I use Trigger Point Therapy, Myofascial Release and all forms of Therapeutic healing.
I continue to do extensive studying and research.
I believe in being an eternal student.
My aim is to eliminate or reduce pain so you can get back to living a normal life as possible.
MY TRAINING AND AMBITIONS…
I have trained and qualified as a Therapeutic Counsellor using Person Centred and Internal Family System models. I am currently doing a Biomedical Science Degree at the University of Chester. This training will help me to understand the mind and body in more depth which will enable me to be a better Pain Recovery Therapist.
I have attended Masterclass Workshops with Dr Stephen Porges (Polyvagal Theory), Dr Bessel Van Der Klok (Body keeps the score), Dr Gabor Mate (When the body says No) and Deb Dana (The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy). They have years of experience with people who suffer with Trauma, Emotional and Physical pain.
I would like to help as many chronic pain sufferers as I can to reduce or alleviate pain completely during my lifetime.
Qualifications
Clinical Massage
- VTCT in Swedish Massage Level 3
- VTCT in Anatomy, Physiology & Pathology Level 3
- VTCT Diploma in Reflexology
- JING Certificate in Clinical Massage
- JING Certificate in Sports Stretching
- JING Certificate in Myofascial Release – Fascial Foundation
- MFR Integrated Myofascial Therapy Level 1 and 2
- JING Certificate in Hot Stones Fusion (Relaxation and Sports)
Counselling/Teaching
- CPCAB Diploma in Integrative Counselling level 4
- Internal Family System Therapy IFS (Level 1)
- CPCAB Award in Substance Misuse level 2
- ASCENTIS Award in Education & Training level 3
- Certificate in Stress Illness Recovery Practitioner
Science
- Biomedical Science Degree (Currently studying at University of Chester)
Courses
- Therapeutic Relationship Skills
- Dru Yoga Training 3 years
- Person Centred Expressive Therapy Level 1
- Pre and Postnatal Pregnancy
- First Aid at Work Certificate
- IFS Therapy for Deep Healing with Richard Schwartz
- Working at Relational Depth in Counselling and Psychotherapy
- Deb Dana’s Polyvagal Theory in Action: Creating Safety and Connection with Trauma Clients
- Working with Narcissism: Strategies for Treating Narcissism, Traumatisation, Abuse and Neglect
- Linda Cundy’s Applying Attachment Theory in Clinical Practice
- Windy Dryden’s Single Session Therapy: Maximise the Effect of Every Therapeutic Encounter
Workshops
- Polyvagal Theory (Masterclass) with Dr Stephen Porges
- Healing Trauma & Stress (Masterclass) with Dr Gabor Mate
- Trauma & Healing (Masterclass) with Bessel Van der Kolk
- Trauma Releasing Exercise (TRE)
- Feldenkrais ‘Pelvic Clock’ ‘Shoulder Girdle’ ‘Hip Joint’
- Exploring Phenomenology and Spirituality
- Family Constellations
- 5Rythums devised by Gabrielle Roth
- Introduction to Aromatherapy
Full Member and Insured by the Federation of Holistic Therapists.
Full member of the BACP.
Acknowledgements
Dr Travell and Dr Simons
They are the pioneers of Myofascial pain and Dysfunction, Dr Travell and Dr Simons whose two books have given me the in-depth knowledge of all the trigger point pain patterns in the body. The main innovation of Travell’s work was the introduction of the myofascial pain syndrome concept (myofascial referring to the combination of muscle and fascia).
Dr John E Sarno
Tension Myoneural Syndrome (TMS) was developed in the early 1970s by the late Dr. John Sarno, Professor of Rehabilitation Medicine at NYU School of Medicine. Despite strong clinical outcomes, his work faced resistance due to prevailing medical beliefs.
TMS is a psychosomatic condition that causes chronic pain—often in the back, neck, or limbs—which typically doesn’t respond to conventional treatments. Sarno also linked conditions like gastrointestinal issues, skin disorders, and repetitive strain injuries to TMS. He treated over 10,000 patients by educating them about the emotional and psychological roots of their symptoms.
Sarno’s core theory is that physical pain acts as an unconscious distraction from repressed emotions. By becoming aware of these underlying emotional conflicts, the brain no longer needs the distraction—allowing the pain to resolve.
http://www.thankyoudrsarno.org/ Useful Site www.tmswiki.org
John F. Barnes
John F. Barnes, PT, LMT, NCTMB who is an internationally recognized physical therapist, lecturer, author, and the leading authority on Myofascial Release, without these people we would be in the dark with regard to Myofascial pain. Myofascial Release (MFR) is fast gaining recognition as the missing link in traditional healthcare.
Dr Stephen Porges
Polyvagal Theory connects evolutionary, neuroscience, and psychological concepts to the role of the vagus nerve in emotional regulation and social engagement. It explains how features like auditory hypersensitivity, difficulty processing sounds, flat facial expressions, poor eye contact, lack of vocal expression, and fear responses are linked to the nervous system. Understanding the vagus nerve’s adaptive functions helps us see how it regulates our health, behavior, and mental wellbeing.
PainCare Massage Wirral
Based in Oxton on the Wirral. I am passionate about helping people recover from ALL types of pain i.e ACUTE (inc Sports injury), INTERMITTENT or CHRONIC Pain.
Belinda Clair F.Inst.L.Ex, VTCT Dip, MFHT, ACMT, SIRPA
