It's the Pain Talking

Dr. Niloofar Borghei Razavi

In this podcast, I am going to sit down with health professionals, psychologists, yoga teachers and yoga therapists to learn more about their research and their approach in their work on pain as well as other chronic health/mental health conditions. I am interested in learning about pain, how pain becomes chronic, and how yoga and psychology can help in managing chronic health and mental health conditions. 

Episódios

  1. 08/05/2025

    Episode 10 - Resilience & Post-traumatic Growth - Conversation with Professor Nazanin Derakhshan

    Nazanin Derakhshan is a Professor of Experimental Psychology, Head of the Centre for Resilience and Post-traumatic Growth, and Head of the award winning Centre for Building Resilience in Breast Cancer (BRiC) at the National Centre for Integrative Oncology (NCIO), UK.   As part of her career, Naz spent 18 years in the Department of Psychological Sciences at Birkbeck University of London, UK, where she was promoted to Full Professor in 2012. She was voted a key transformational figure in 'Birkbeck Inspires, 200th anniversary', in 2022, for transforming the lives of thousands of people through the research she conducts at BRiC.   Naz has conducted extensive research into the neurocognitive mechanisms underlying anxiety and depressive vulnerability, as well as developing neurocognitive interventions to reduce vulnerability and promote resilience. She has over 18,000 citations and has published over 100 research articles in top internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals. She has acted as editor of pioneering academic journals in her field.   Naz has held prestigious fellowships such as The Royal Society Dorothy Hodgkin Fellowship. She was elected a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science in 2016. Naz has won multiple awards for outstanding lecturer and supervisor (as voted by students) and in research. She has given over 100 talks including invited talks, keynotes, at prestigious institutions including the Royal Society, the British Academy, the Wellcome Trust, Breast Cancer Now, and the NIMH. Naz is passionate about public engagement and outreach and takes an active role in the dissemination of science in practice. Her work features widely on social media, podcasts and radio interviews.   To find out more about BRiC, visit briccentre.co.uk and Panning for Gold which features BRiC's Collective Voice (https://bcresiliencecentre.blogspot.com). You can contact Nilbon on:  Instagram: @nilbon.platform LinkedIn: Nilbon or Niloofar Borghei Razavi Website: nilbon.com Email: niloofar.br@nilbon.co.uk You can contact Nilbon on: Instagram: @nilbonplatform LinkedIn: Nilbon or Niloofar Borghei Razavi Website: nilbon.com Email: niloofar.br@nilbon.co.uk

    1 h 8 min
  2. 15/01/2024

    Episode 8 – Chronic Pain in the Workplace – Conversation with Helen Roome, Author and Occupational Therapist

    Helen Roome (BSc (OT) Hons / PG. Dip. Int. Pain Mgmt. / MA (VP) Theology / Prac. Dip. Labour Law.) is a registered Occupational Therapist supporting adults living with persistent pain and/or fatigue. Her expertise in pain management builds on more than 25 years of broad clinical experience in both adult physical and psychiatric rehabilitation; as well as her completion of post-graduate studies in interdisciplinary pain management. She also holds qualifications in labour law and practical theology. Whilst she partners with anyone living with a persistent pain condition, Helen has a special interest in Fibromyalgia and co-facilitates a Fibromyalgia support group with someone who lives with the condition. She is actively engaged in promoting best pain-care practice and patient-advocacy through her roles as Chairperson of the OT Pain Management Group (OTPMG) of South Africa and committee member of the SA Society for Sleep and Health (SASSH). Helen enjoys sharing transformative ideas and frequently presents to the public and other practitioners on pain and fatigue topics. She lives with her husband and their children in beautiful KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. In her free time you will find her deep in a book, out in the garden, on a hiking trail or behind an easel. Visit www.helenroome.co.za or find Helen on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn. You can purchase Helen's book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Your-Pain-Playbook-Effective-Strategies/dp/0639773265/ref=sr_1_1?crid=1EK57TYD7P1CW&keywords=your+pain+playbook&qid=1705343584&sprefix=your+pain+playbook+%2Caps%2C95&sr=8-1 In this interview, we discuss:  Fibromyalgia, Chronic pain in the workplace, Absenteeism and presenteeism, Work as therapy, Tips/advice based on PEO model (person, environment and occupation), Work resilience and life beyond work. Citations mentioned in the episode:  Gulseren D, Sayin FK, Turner N, Kelloway EK. Chronic pain and pain disability: The next frontier for healthy and effective organizations. Organizational Dynamics. 2022 Aug 17:100926.  Waongenngarm P, Areerak K, Janwantanakul P. The effects of breaks on low back pain, discomfort, and work productivity in office workers: A systematic review of randomized and non-randomized controlled trials. Applied ergonomics. 2018 Apr 1;68:230-9.   Elfeddali I, Jacobs E, Van Der Feltz-Cornelis CM. Harmful and benign work stress and work resilience: A Delphi-study in employees and experts. The European Journal of Psychiatry. 2022 Oct 1;36(4):230-7.You can contact Nilbon on: Instagram: @nilbonplatform LinkedIn: Nilbon or Niloofar Borghei Razavi Website: nilbon.com Email: niloofar.br@nilbon.co.uk

    58 min
  3. 22/11/2023

    Episode 7 – Cancer, PTSD, and Trauma-informed Treatment Options for Cancer – Conversation Dr. Nina Fuller Shavel

    This episode includes discussions about PTSD and trauma, which might be sensitive or triggering for some. We believe in the importance of these topics and their impact on mental health awareness. However, we also recognise the importance of self-care. If at any point you find the content too distressing, please feel free to pause, skip, or stop listening. Take care of yourself and seek support if needed. Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel MB BChir MA Hons (Cantab) FBANT DipIM DipCHM PGCert IFMCP DipION RYT300 Personalised & Integrative Medicine Doctor, Scientist and Educator Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel is an award-winning Oxbridge-trained integrative medicine doctor, scientist and educator with over a decade’s experience in integrative healthcare. Dr Fuller-Shavel is the Co-Chair of BSIO (British Society for Integrative Oncology) and a Fellow of both the College of Medicine and the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT). Alongside her scientific and medical training, Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel holds multiple qualifications in nutrition, integrative medicine, functional medicine (IFMCP), health coaching (FMCA), herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, yoga, mindfulness and other therapeutic approaches. Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel is the founder and Director of Synthesis Clinic, an innovative multidisciplinary practice in Hampshire, specialising in women’s health and integrative cancer care. In 2022 Dr Fuller-Shavel won a prestigious Innovation Leader of the Year award for her inspirational vision for healthcare and practice leadership. Alongside her clinical work, Dr Fuller-Shavel delivers educational programmes for medical and nutrition professionals (including her Systems Approach to Cancer Programme), as well as participating in research in integrative medicine and precision health and contributing to editorial boards and guideline development panels nationally and internationally. Finally, Dr Fuller-Shavel is the Co-Founder and Director of Oncio CIC, an innovative non-profit aimed at providing high quality app-based resources for people with cancer and healthcare professionals and supporting best clinical practice and research in integrative oncology. Find out more about Dr Fuller-Shavel’s work at: https://www.drninafullershavel.com/ https://www.oncio.org/ https://www.synthesisclinic.co.uk/ In this interview, we discuss:  The meaning of traumaPTSD in cancer diagnosis and treatmentThe importance of trauma-informed treatment optionsThe importance of mentorship for trauma-informed treatment optionsThe Polyvagal theory in the context of cancerStrategies that can help in working with cancer patientsCo-regulationThe importance of research in the cancer PTSD fieldFormal cancer survivorship programmesPost-traumatic growthYou can contact Nilbon on: Instagram: @nilbonplatform LinkedIn: Nilbon or Niloofar Borghei Razavi Website: nilbon.com Email: niloofar.br@nilbon.co.uk

    45 min
  4. 10/08/2023

    Episode 6 – Trauma-informed Yoga – Conversation with Ellie Grace

    Disclaimer: In this episode, we discuss trauma and trauma-related topics. Please prioritise self-care and stop watching listening if this is a sensitive topic for you. This conversation should not be viewed as providing any diagnosis or treatment advice for trauma or other medical conditions. If you need professional support, please reach out to the official healthcare/mental health providers of your country.  Ellie Grace is a London-based yoga teacher trainer and educator with over a decade's experience in teaching and lecturing on yoga.   She offers 8 week-long mentorships for yoga teachers in trauma-informed yoga as a tool for social change as well as university-credited courses for first and second year medical students at Queen Mary University London on the neurophysiological benefits of yoga.   Previously, Ellie developed and taught a course for undergraduates at Loyola Marymount University, California on mind-body studies through yoga and has lectured on LMU's Science & Theology course.   Ellie holds an MA in Yoga Studies from LMU, California where her research specialism focussed on the effects of grief and trauma on the mind and body and the ways yoga, meditation and writing can bring about healing.   She has worked with war veterans overcoming PTSD (UCLA), health clinics (Venice Family Clinic), private clients, yoga teachers, community groups, NHS doctors, medical students (Queen Mary University),  undergraduates (LMU)  and socially-minded organisations seeking to create a sustainable, human-centred culture inspired by yoga ethics (The New York Times & The School for Social Entrepreneurs). She is also a contributing meditation teacher on Insight Timer.   You can reach out to Ellie on:  Instagram: @elliegraceyoga  Website: https://ellie-grace.com In this interview, we discuss:  Ellie's personal journey to discovering yoga, Creating safety in the body, Trauma and PTSD, Trauma-informed yoga and how it differs from a general yoga class.You can contact Nilbon on:  Instagram: @nilbonyoga LinkedIn: Nilbon Yoga - Dr. Niloofar Borghei Razavi Website: nilbon.co.uk Email: niloofar.br@nilbon.co.uk You can contact Nilbon on: Instagram: @nilbonplatform LinkedIn: Nilbon or Niloofar Borghei Razavi Website: nilbon.com Email: niloofar.br@nilbon.co.uk

    50 min
  5. 17/05/2023

    Episode 5 - Integrative oncology and Systems Approach to cancer - Conversation with Dr. Nina Fuller-Shavel

    Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel MB BChir MA Hons (Cantab) FBANT DipIM DipCHM PGCert IFMCP DipION RYT300 Personalised & Integrative Medicine Doctor, Scientist and Educator Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel is an award-winning Oxbridge-trained integrative medicine doctor, scientist and educator with over a decade’s experience in integrative healthcare. Dr Fuller-Shavel is the Co-Chair of BSIO (British Society for Integrative Oncology) and a Fellow of both the College of Medicine and the British Association for Nutrition and Lifestyle Medicine (BANT). Alongside her scientific and medical training, Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel holds multiple qualifications in nutrition, integrative medicine, functional medicine (IFMCP), health coaching (FMCA), herbal medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, yoga, mindfulness and other therapeutic approaches. Dr Nina Fuller-Shavel is the founder and Director of Synthesis Clinic, an innovative multidisciplinary practice in Hampshire, specialising in women’s health and integrative cancer care. In 2022 Dr Fuller-Shavel won a prestigious Innovation Leader of the Year award for her inspirational vision for healthcare and practice leadership. Alongside her clinical work, Dr Fuller-Shavel delivers educational programmes for medical and nutrition professionals (including her Systems Approach to Cancer Programme), as well as participating in research in integrative medicine and precision health and contributing to editorial boards and guideline development panels nationally and internationally. Finally, Dr Fuller-Shavel is the Co-Founder and Director of Oncio CIC, an innovative non-profit aimed at providing high quality app-based resources for people with cancer and healthcare professionals and supporting best clinical practice and research in integrative oncology. Find out more about Dr Fuller-Shavel’s work at: https://www.drninafullershavel.com/ https://www.oncio.org/ https://www.synthesisclinic.co.uk/ In this interview, we discuss:  The definition and aim of integrative oncologyAccess to integrative oncology services in the UK The importance of accessing acurate information from qualified specialistsThe importance of dynamic personalisation in cancer treatmentThe importance of developing survivorship programmes for cancer patientsPatient engagementCancer pain and the role of complimentary therapies in cancer pain managementYoga and yoga therapyOncio app and its feature for supporting cancer patients and healthcare professionals In this episode, Dr. Fuller-Shavel refers to the ASCO's guideline for management of cancer pain. You can access this guideline via this link: https://ascopubs.org/doi/full/10.1200/JCO.22.01357 You can contact Nilbon on: Instagram: @nilbonplatform LinkedIn: Nilbon or Niloofar Borghei Razavi Website: nilbon.com Email: niloofar.br@nilbon.co.uk

    53 min
  6. 07/12/2022

    Episode 2 - Relearning how we think about pain - Conversation with Dr. Deepak Ravindran

    In this episode, we talked about so many diverse and interesting topics including:  Relearning how we think about pain Complexity of pain Factors contributing to chronicity of painThe Pain-Free MindsetIs pain always an indication of danger? Pain as protectionTop-down and bottom up signalingThe embodied selfIntegrative approach to pain Patient empowerment Harnessing the power of community in managing chronic health  Dr Deepak Ravindran has over 20 years of experience in helping people overcome their pain – in the NHS and private practice. He is one of the few consultants in the UK who possesses triple certification in lifestyle medicine, musculoskeletal medicine and pain medicine. He has been a consultant in pain medicine since 2010 in one of the biggest district general medical hospitals, the Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust in the UK. He is currently the clinical lead for the specialist pain services for all of West Berkshire since 2015. In 2020, he helped set up the Berkshire Long Covid Integrated service, one of 90 such clinics in the UK to look after Long Covid patients. For more information about Dr. Ravindran's work please visit his website: https://deepakravindran.co.uk You can purchase Dr. Ravindran's book "The Pain-Free Mindset" on:  https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1785043390/ref=cm_sw_r_tw_dp_SFSAP88BB24HVJ5XX6KS You can contact Nilbon on: Instagram: @nilbonplatform LinkedIn: Nilbon or Niloofar Borghei Razavi Website: nilbon.com Email: niloofar.br@nilbon.co.uk

    46 min

Sobre

In this podcast, I am going to sit down with health professionals, psychologists, yoga teachers and yoga therapists to learn more about their research and their approach in their work on pain as well as other chronic health/mental health conditions. I am interested in learning about pain, how pain becomes chronic, and how yoga and psychology can help in managing chronic health and mental health conditions.