Trauma Recovery with Professor James Elliott
Trauma researcher, author, keynote speaker dedicated to raising awareness about childhood trauma and adulthood well-being
James M. Elliott
Keynote Speaker. Professor at the University of Sydney. Director of the Kolling Institute. NASA consultant. Former professional baseball player with the San Diego Padres Baseball Club. Published author. A man who has not only explored the depths of childhood trauma and its effects on mental health awareness but has also faced the challenges of traumatic injury, writing honestly about every step of his journey.
"Trauma is not destiny. The question is whether we build the courage to find out."
Published Works
Books that tell the truth about things people avoid.
James writes the way he speaks — directly, without performance, and with a generosity that comes from knowing exactly how much it costs to stay silent, especially when considering the weight of childhood trauma and its impact on mental health awareness. His words reflect a deep understanding of the complexities surrounding traumatic injury, making his message resonate even more.
Available now
(dis)Connected
The memoir nobody expected from one of Australia's most respected researchers — and the one readers cannot stop talking about. This raw, honest account delves into the impact of childhood trauma, detailing the struggle of surviving sexual abuse and the long-lasting effects on mental health awareness. It follows the author as they carry that silence through a career in professional baseball and academic medicine, ultimately choosing disclosure over protection. This is not a self-help book but a poignant piece of literary nonfiction that holds the power to change lives, shining a light on the realities of traumatic injury.
Reviews
"I read your book in two sittings and was truly moved by the honesty with which you described the impact of childhood sexual abuse on your life. Your story is a testament to resilience."
M.F., PhD
"Thank you for trusting readers like me with your story. It's courageous, and it matters."
Hayley W.
"A rare voice in pain science—where vulnerability meets credibility, and people feel seen, not studied."
WN
"James Elliott is an exceptionally rare academic pain researcher...he is someone who brings intellectual honesty, courage, and deep humanity to conversations about pain. His own pain. What stands out most is not just the authenticity of his voice, but his willingness to remain vulnerable despite professional stature, demonstrating that pain and thriving can coexist.
In a field often shaped by detachment, his work powerfully models that credibility and vulnerability are not opposites. For those (myself included) living with invisible pain or childhood trauma, his platform offers something profoundly meaningful: the experience of feeling seen, understood, and less alone."
An Anonymous Soul
"After devouring your book in a single afternoon I settled on two feelings: galvanised and grateful." Kate L.
Things People Say
Keynote Speaker. Professor at the University of Sydney. Director of the Kolling Institute. NASA consultant. Former professional baseball player with the San Diego Padres Baseball Club. Published author. A man who has not only explored the depths of childhood trauma and its effects on mental health awareness but has also faced the challenges of traumatic injury, writing honestly about every step of his journey.
For the (g)Love of the Game
Coming 2026
Founded in 2021, jamesmelliott.com is a website dedicated to promoting books and literature, with a special focus on topics like childhood trauma and mental health awareness. Our team of passionate writers and book lovers works tirelessly to bring you the latest news, reviews, and recommendations, including insights on how literature can help address issues related to traumatic injury.
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KEYNOTE SPEAKING
The rooms that need waking up.
The memoir nobody expected from one of Australia's most respected researchers — and the one readers cannot stop talking about. This raw, honest account delves into the impact of childhood trauma, detailing the struggle of surviving sexual abuse and the long-lasting effects on mental health awareness. It follows the author as they carry that silence through a career in professional baseball and academic medicine, ultimately choosing disclosure over protection. This is not a self-help book but a poignant piece of literary nonfiction that holds the power to change lives, shining a light on the realities of traumatic injury.
- 01 — Making the Invisible Visible · Clinical Innovation & Precision Medicine
- 02 — From the Diamond to the Director · Leadership & High Performance
- 03 — Trauma Is Not Destiny · Biopsychosocial Medicine
- 04 — Human Judgment in the Age of AI · AI Ethics & Healthcare Technology
Having had several opportunities to listen to James Elliott and to share the stage with him over more than 15 years, I can sincerely say that he is one of the most engaging speakers I have ever had the privilege of learning from. His ability to address complex topics, such as childhood trauma and mental health awareness, is remarkable. He has an uncanny knack for adapting his language and style to resonate with his audience. James perfectly integrates humour, storytelling, sincerity, and intellectual expertise into narratives that leave his listeners transformed. Through his discussions on topics like traumatic injury and its impact, I have personally become a better speaker by learning from his insights and experiences.
Professor Dave Walton - Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
A life that defies a single introduction.
Keynote Speaker. Professor at the University of Sydney. Director of the Kolling Institute. NASA consultant. Former professional baseball player with the San Diego Padres Baseball Club. Published author. A man who has not only explored the depths of childhood trauma and its effects on mental health awareness but has also faced the challenges of traumatic injury, writing honestly about every step of his journey.
So. What brings you here today?
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James writes about trauma, recovery, sport, science, and the quiet courage it takes to live honestly. No noise. No filler. Just words worth reading — when he has something worth saying.
James M. Elliott