Testimonial from Karen May 2021

Counsellor – Julie Ward-Hampson (Alcohol Dependency)

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I started my programme in November 2020, at this point I was at my lowest, knowing that if I didn’t stop drinking I was going to loose everything, even though I knew this I still craved alcohol. My initial meeting with Julie was a daunting one! I had butterflies, nausea, palpitations all rolled into one, but after speaking to her I knew I was ready to start the programme. It is now May 2021 and I can honestly say that from the initial meeting until the present day, I have not had one drink. The programme is excellent and is tailor-made for each individual person, which I had not experience before. The facilitator – Julie is excellent in her field and was absolutely fab. I cannot express my gratitude enough. I have not felt so alive, well and in control for a very long time. You have to give 100% to the programme, learn and embrace everything that is given to you, and believe in yourself. If I can do this, anyone can. Just remember IF YOU ALWAYS DO WHAT YOU’VE ALWAYS DONE, YOU’LL GET WHAT YOU’VE ALWAYS GOT!

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Testimonial from Mike 01/04/2021

Counsellor – Michelle Flanagan (Individual Counselling for Anxiety & Depression)

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I undertook five sessions with Michelle after experiencing what to me felt like quite severe anxiety. The anxiety led me to feel depressed and debilitated, and was triggered by unexpected changes in my employment circumstances. I found Michelle's support to be extremely helpful to me. Perhaps most importantly she was very easy to talk to, allowing me to explain all my feelings and thoughts. This was really helpful in terms of getting things off my chest. We then explored specific events throughout my life, and the feelings these had led to – some of which were useful in explaining some of the characteristics I have which trigger anxiety. We then explored my current situation in more detail to understand specific triggers to my anxiety. Of greatest value to me, we subsequently talked about useful tools to help me deal with certain triggers, thoughts and feelings. I have really used these over the last few weeks, and they have had a real positive effect in making me feel better. For example, looking at the bigger picture rather than catastrophising of one small situation, and also recognising that, in general, nothing that bad has ever happened to me in 20 years of doing my job – so its fairly unlikely that these worst case scenarios I keep anticipating are actually going to happen. It's also important to recognise that everyone has their own personality. As a result, there are certain things you will not be able to completely change, and in some cases you shouldn’t want to. It's more about recognising your strengths and managing challenging situations and thoughts – including by using the tools that Michelle provided. I would really recommend Michelle to people who are suffering from anxiety and related issues – I have a lot to thank her for.

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Testimonial from Jack 1/3/2022

Counsellor - Lisa Griffin (CBT for Anxiety)

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Lisa and I have had many helpful and transparent conversations over the past 6 months. Recently we have been discussing my fear of failing in my career which has been effecting my confidence and self-esteem. I now know where this comes from in my past, so I can stop the thoughts in their tracks before they cause me anxiety. This has been groundbreaking for me, everyone close to me has noticed how different I am in a good way. Its like a weight lifted off my shoulders to know that there's nothing wrong with me and not going mad! I truly believed this before i started counselling with Lisa. I cannot thank her enough. She was always clear and concise with her suggestions, no beating around the bush. She also provided examples from her own experience to offer insight which I appreciated. She has helped me to reflect on personal values as a driving force behind my career decisions which haven't served me well in the past. I am much more hopeful for the future, and have already put in place some changes in my life that I am feeling the benefit from.

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