The Story Behind the Symptoms Podcast with Dr David Clarke

It's been a little while since I added a new resource of this quality to my library of recommendations, and I'm delighted to share it here with you all.

The Story Behind the Symptoms is brought to you by the Association for the Treatment of Neuroplastic Symptoms (ATNS, previously named PPDA) and hosted by chronic pain expert and president of the ATNS, Dr David Clarke. The podcast showcases guests' recovery stories to uncover the many causes of neuroplastic symptoms. a non-profit organisation dedicated to understanding neuroplastic pain. Led by volunteer medical experts, scientists, and patient advocates, our mission is to provide clear and reliable education for everyone. They equip patients and practitioners with the tools for effective diagnosis and treatment, promote the latest scientific findings, and champion healthcare policies that support access to quality care.

This relatively new podcast (admittedly, I'm a little behind!) is available on all major platforms and is quickly gaining popularity, with episodes available regularly on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts (I've linked them all above beneath the main image).

I deeply respect Dr Clarke's approach, specifically because he often refers to childhood experiences as being the core narrative that drives chronic symptoms. We know the frustrating journey all too well. We experience real pain or illness, only to be told by doctors that no disease or injury can explain it. Our symptoms become a medical mystery, and many of us are left feeling dismissed. To help us unravel this enigma, Dr David Clarke guides us to literally uncover and honour the story and root of the symptoms in a really compassionate and gentle way.

Clarke does this by helping us look for clues in our present and our past, just as he has for thousands of others like us. Through these stories, we discover that many of our unexplained symptoms stem from neuroplastic processes, pathways our brains learned in response to the stress, trauma, and adversity we've faced, often starting in our childhoods. The most powerful part is realising that when we uncover and understand these patterns within our own lives, that knowledge becomes our healing, freeing us from the need for invasive procedures or long-term medical treatment.

You can find out more about Dr Clarke and the ATNS here. Check it out and let me know what you think!