Client Testimonials

Sue’s Testimonial

I went to see Diane for a very personal problem and, very quickly, she gently got to the crux of the problem.  She’s a very gentle soul, who is non-judgmental and kind.

She helped me to clearly see the problem and others which I hadn’t even acknowledged or addressed.

I also had a couple of extremely successful hypnotherapy sessions with her.

I wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Diane. Her therapy room in the garden is a safe, comforting, peaceful place to explore any problems.

I honestly can’t thank her enough.

Sue

 

Testimonial from Sarah

I called Diane when I was in a lot of distress because my 11 year old daughter suffers with anxiety and had recently been having panic attacks daily at school.

School were calling me at work to pick her up almost every day. I took her to the doctor and they told me to self-refer to CAMHS, but most likely there would be a long waiting list.

I didn’t have time to wait, as she was mentioning suicide. I felt completely lost and had no idea how to help her.

I typed into the Internet to find someone who could help children and Diane’s page came up.

I saw a review from a mum whose daughter suffered with anxiety and Diane had helped her, so I thought I would call her.

From the moment Diane picked up the phone and I started explaining about my daughter, I burst into tears, Diane was so thoughtful and caring when I really needed someone to help me and she did.

She told me she could definitely help my daughter to feel better and I’ve not to worry.

She felt like an anchor for me to hold onto at this worrying time. She booked us in for the very next day and we never looked back. I felt like I wasn’t alone in trying to help my girl and I had a huge support in Diane.

Every time my daughter had a hard day, I’d say don’t worry we have Diane to help you, we booked in weekly.

Unfortunately a couple of weeks later, we experienced a huge traumatic loss of our close family member, just 9 days before Christmas.

I messaged Diane and she gave me some advice and fit us in as soon as she could.

Diane not only supported both my daughters, but she helped and supported me every time my girls went for a session with her. I could feel her genuine empathy every time we visited her and also she would message to check in on us.

Diane has taught my daughter how to control her thoughts and taught her some breathing exercises which has now suspended her panic attack – which I personally thought would never happen!

I also use these breathing techniques when I become overwhelmed with grief.

My daughter actually states now that she is someone who used to have panic attacks!

We now haven’t needed to request booking with Diane for the last 4 weeks, which amazes me.

I will be for ever grateful to Diane for her compassion and understanding in our time of need. She gave my daughter and I the strength we needed when we thought we didn’t have any strength left to cope.

I recommend her to all my parent friends for their children.

I also know that I can call or message Diane at any time to book in if we need, which is a huge support for me as a single parent.

Our angel in disguise as a human.

Thank you from the depths of our hearts xx

Sarah

Testimonial from Ian S.

I had been suffering from anxiety for a few years and had been trying to cope through drinking. I reached out to Diane when the anxiety turned into depression and stress related stomach issues. At worst I found it difficult to leave my house and the thought of doing so would make me even more anxious. I started to cancel plans I had with friends and became slightly withdrawn and isolated.

Right from the initial consultation Diane was understanding, patient and easy to talk to. I started to feel better after the first session and through a mix of CBT and Hypnotherapy over several weeks I started to feel like myself and was able to start socialising again. I was even able to attend and enjoy a 4-day music festival, something which would have been inconceivable when I first contacted her.

Her approach has given me the tools to accept and deal with my anxiety on the rare occasions that it returns. I no longer worry about having anxiety and with Diane’s help I’ve learned to recognise my negative behaviours and address them before they become a problem.

I would not hesitate to recommend her to anyone who is struggling; she genuinely helped me to enjoy my life again and I can’t thank her enough.

Susannah’s testimony (parent)

I reached out to Diane because I was struggling to help support my 13 year old daughter with anxiety issues. As a parent you want the best for your child and just want them to be happy. For a long time my daughter had struggled with confidence, self-doubt, overthinking and anxiety. My daughter had gone from a funny happy girl to someone I didn’t recognise. It was getting worse and although I tried to give her advice and help at home it had reached a stage where I needed some independent support.

That’s when I found Diane.

Diane replied timely to my initial email and rang me to gain some background information.

Even talking to her over the phone instilled me with confidence and knew she was the right person to see my daughter.

She was knowledgeable, understanding, calming and reassuring.

At our first session my daughter opened up to Diane and I could tell Diane had got her immediately. She understood her personality and her issues and gave her appropriate strategies to help manage her anxiety and overthinking.

Even after one session I could see a difference. Diane was kind, empathetic and listened to her worries and used expert, evidence based skills and techniques to help arm her with the strategies she needed such as breathing exercises and grounding techniques. Her cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) was tailored to meet my daughters individual needs.

Although my daughters anxiety is something she’ll always have to manage I feel Diane has given her lifelong tools to be able to deal with these issues. Diane has given me my daughter back. She is happier, has more confidence, can speak up for herself in situations she never used to and no longer gets herself into a state where she has a panic attack. If she does feel anxious she uses her techniques and affirmations to manage these.

Thank you Diane. I wouldn’t hesitate to see you again and would certainly recommend you.

Evie’s testimony

The reason I came to Diane was because I struggled with anxiety and started getting panic attacks because of school. Diane gave me lots of ways to help me like breathing exercises, grounding techniques and other strategies to calm my anxiety. Since coming to Diane she has made me confident, stopped my overthinking and turned my negative thoughts positive. Diane was a massive help and I can’t thank her enough. I would definitely recommend her.

CBT for anxiety (breakdown) and Hypnotherapy to overcome Fear of Flying

I feel so lucky I came across Diane. She helped me with a number of things. I initially contacted her to help me through a breakdown. I started feeling better from the very first session and speaking to her and listening to her Cognitive Behavioural Therapy suggestions and techniques quickly put me back on track again.

I then saw her to help me overcome my fear of flying which I never thought I would get past. After years of taking trains, buses and driving by car from England to Barcelona, I only needed 1 single session with her. I have now flown 7 times in less than 6 months!

Words are not enough to thank her for all her help and support.

CBT sessions with Diane

After an appalling introduction to CBT with a NHS recommended site my daughter researched local practitioners for me & came up with Diane’s name. How fortunate I was!

Initially, one does not know what to expect, especially from an unknown person. All I can say is that anyone contemplating this therapy would be immediately put at ease by the warmth & naturalness through which Diane draws the patient into a totally relaxing ambience.

The breathing exercises, the methods used to change one’s perceptions of facing anxiety are suggested subtly yet effectively. One thing I would stress to would be patients is to practise the very clear, printed ‘exercises’ with which Diane carefully (according to needs) gives. Work at these, empower yourself & soon results will be seen. I never felt pressurised in any session but went away eager to work through the suggestions & articles that I was given, each of which underpinned our discussions. All this is a two way process : put in the effort & results will ensue. Like all most rewarding things, determination to succeed will lead to improvement especially when guided by a first rate therapist.

DIANE CHANGED MY LIFE!!

I cannot recommend Diane and her services enough, she well and truly changed my whole life, I went from not being able to leave my room because of how down and anxious I was to being the happiest I have ever been through accessing Diane’s counselling services. She made me feel so comfortable and at ease it was like a weight had been lifted off my shoulders, her little room in the garden became my safe space. I have never felt as comfortable and free to express any thoughts or feelings with another person as I did when I spoke to Diane.

I am so grateful for her, and she is the reason I am still here today, and I am so glad I am.

CBT Combined With Calming Techniques

Diane was recommended to me by the friend of a friend so I’d no idea what to expect or if she could help me.

I had a stroke in 2018 and have suffered on and off since then with health anxiety. I’ve had 3 previous encounters with CBT (Cognitive Behaviour Therapy) which was successful to some extent. I was therefore sceptical about a new counsellor, but had to do something because I was in a terrible mess (crying every day; preventing loved ones living their life; feeling as though I was about to die).

However, from our first session I felt comfortable with Diane. Unlike other CBT practitioners I’ve encountered, she takes every case individually. In the past it has felt like a “one size fits all” therapy. Diane asked questions about me, my past and what I wanted out of the sessions. I told her I wanted to stop worrying all the time.

Her therapy consisted of a mixture of calming techniques alongside practical advice about getting myself involved in other activities. I am hampered by physical constraints, but I have pushed myself to do more housework and to do things that I enjoy along with more challenging pursuits.

Thanks to Diane, I have almost completely stopped doom-scrolling, my family have all seen a vast improvement in my approach to new things, I have been pushing myself to do things I have thought impossible (ironing being a real trial due to physical constraints) – and I am learning Japanese.

I still have my moments of fear, but, instead of getting mired in them, I go and get on my exercise bike or do the washing up or learn some more Japanese. I will probably be unable to ever do some things I used to love (simply because of the stroke) but Diane has allowed me to believe I can do other things which I will find just as interesting and fun.

To say I’ll be eternally indebted to this wonderful woman is an understatement. I feel as though I am breathing easy for the first time in 3 years. I would highly recommend Diane to anyone needing help.

 

Find out more about CBT here.

Self Discovery and Turning My Life Around

Diane helped me so much on my darkest days when I was unsure if I could go on with life, she very quickly guided me to the root cause of my issues and detailed what I needed to do to turn things back around.

After only a couple of sessions, it was clear Diane was able to know perhaps more about me and who I was than I knew myself. I found Diane really easy to talk to which in turn helped me to fully open up and share exactly how I was feeling. Diane offered workable solutions that were easy and fast to implement so that I was able to see positive change as soon as possible.

I would wholeheartedly recommend Diane as a therapist, she is very skilled at what she does and draws on her many years of experience to help tailor her approach to the individual.

CBT and Hypnotherapy for Trauma, Anxiety and Depression

I got in touch with Diane as I was suffering with depression, anxiety and trauma.
I had an initial assessment over the phone and I took to Diane instantly with her warm character.
I started my counselling with Diane which also consisted of CBT and hypnotherapy.
Throughout my time with Diane, I found her to be honest kind caring, empathetic and compassionate, all the qualities I was looking for in a therapist.
Now having gone through therapy, I have belief in myself once again, which is impacting positively on my relationships.
And the trauma – I finally feel I have closed the door on that and I am able to move forward once again, thanks to Diane who I would highly recommend.

 

Read more about Trauma and PTSD

Transactional Analysis and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy

I contacted Diane as I had been struggling with issues of self-worth and anger about poor health due to a long term condition. Diane guided me through my relationships with my family of origin through using Transactional Analysis and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. It was emotionally painful at times but so is physiotherapy for a broken arm – you just have to do it if you want to get better. I came to understand that my self-worth and confidence was not dependent upon my being accepted by, and following the conditioning of, my family. Diane taught me some of the theory used in psychological therapies but also gave me practical tips and strategies to manage my relationships through helping me adapt my thoughts, feelings and behaviours so that they were more helpful to me. Diane has an uplifting personality and has a very positive and optimistic outlook on life that I found contagious. She is also very kind and caring. I really enjoyed my sessions with her and I am very grateful to her for her help.

For further information about Transactional Analysis, please visit this blog post.

Strengthening Our Relationship Through Relationship Counselling

I came to see Diane as I was struggling with a family issue, that was affecting my relationship with my husband and we were close to splitting up.

Diane was extremely honest with her advice and she helped me plan for how I was going to deal with things in the future.

I can honestly say my marriage is much stronger, as my husband and I talk things through more openly.

I would recommend Diane to anyone seeking help and advice in their life.

Hypnotherapy for depression after relationship ended

I was suffering from severe depression after a break up with my girlfriend. I loved her. I had to tried to fight it, but to no avail. Drink was never going to be the answer, nor medication from the doctor.

It didn’t help when my ex kept coming into my local, which I had introduced her to for the bands that played there. I felt uncomfortable every time she came in, the pain was so bad that I had to leave. One night I left the pub because of my ex, I had self-harm flashing through my mind. Luckily it never came to me damaging myself. However over a 12 month period things did get better for me and life began to return to normal. But one night I dreamt of her in bed with another person, over a period of a few days I noticed that I was going downhill again, I couldn’t stop thinking about her. Life was awful, just awful.

In a casual chat with Diane I told her how I felt and what had gone on. She invited me for hypnotherapy. It was a case of nothing ventured, nothing gained, I went for it.

It was a strange experience, nothing happened radically for a few days, then weights began to lift from me. I could hold my head up, smile, look at other women. I was free, young, single again. People laughed at me and said that stuff does not work! Who cares what people think, something happened for me, and I have never looked back since.

If I come across people who are hurting now, understanding the pain they are going through, I shall help them. It is a horrible feeling losing a partner who you love. In most cases I shall certainly recommend Diane to people who are emotionally hurt like I was, if necessary I shall take them myself to see Diane. For what she did for me, it was quite remarkable.

Relationship counselling for a married couple

My husband and I came to see Diane in June this year, when we found ourselves on the verge of divorce.

I was very sceptical to begin with and had pretty much accepted the inevitable.

Diane immediately put us at ease and got us both to open up as to how things had become so difficult. At no point did I feel she took sides or allowed either of us to take over.

Diane’s calm persona enabled us to stay calm and we were able to air our differences without getting aggressive or angry.

After a few sessions things just didn’t seem so serious and we started to communicate and were able to start seeing a future together again.

Thank you Diane for making us both realise how much we actually love each other.

14 year old dealing with anxiety

When I started seeing Diane I was suffering from daily anxiety attacks, and problems surrounding school and a lack of self esteem.

However, Diane helped me to overcome that, and is someone I trust who helped me to tackle my problems. She gave me the confidence I needed, and whose inspirational words and positive attitude made me feel at ease just by talking through it.

I would definitely recommend Diane, and give many thanks to her for making me able to reduce those daily anxieties and worries massively.

Overcoming suicidal thoughts and self harm

When our lives were turned upside down after our daughter confided in us that she had considered suicide and self-harm we were in pieces and very, very scared. Our doctor advised that the NHS waiting list for counselling and/or treatment could be as long as 6 months and we knew we couldn’t wait that long.

We consider ourselves incredibly fortunate to have found Diane. She was able to fit us in for an initial consultation at very short notice and she very quickly established a basis of trust and rapport. Through her skilled counselling she was able to unravel the myriad of issues that had been building up inside our then fragile 16 year old daughter and gently and effectively suggest strategies to manage her insecurities.

Over a period of weeks Diane was able to work with Amy and help her to rebuild her confidence, address her anxieties and rediscover her natural exuberance and zest for life. Diane has been a confidant, a mentor and a friend and words cannot adequately express our gratitude. I would have no hesitation whatsoever in wholeheartedly recommending her services to anyone in need. It’s the best investment you will ever make.

Successfully became a non-smoker

Dear Diane

I just thought I would like to comment on my therapy sessions over the last few weeks.

I had tried various methods to quit smoking – Willpower – didn’t have enough, patches – turned out I was allergic to them, sprays and lozenges – horrible taste left me feeling positively sick.

Therefore I searched the internet and found that Hypnotherapy has a good success rate and further search revealed you.

I contacted you and very quickly felt at ease when talking to you and arranging the sessions which you readily accommodated in my limited time as I work outside of Halifax.

On arrival I was made very welcome and at ease with a detailed explanation of what the course would comprise of and I felt extremely relaxed.

The sessions themselves can only be described as enjoyable and totally relaxing. In addition each week I was asked to record key points and over ensuing weeks these were re-visited as a progress check.

Ultimately I found the sessions successful and other than occasional “Wobbles” had little if any problem in quitting.

I`m sure that the actual hypnotherapy is a main reason but also your careful manner and approach was a real positive help.

I will have no hesitation in recommending you to other people, and in the future should I need help with any other situation will not think twice about contacting you.

Thank you very much and good luck to your expanding practice

Best regards

Patrick

17 year old with anxiety

Before coming to see Diane I was suffering with a lot of anxiety, especially from my friendship group at school. I had low self-esteem and was taking negative comments I received from people to heart-I wasn’t feeling like myself anymore.

Prior to my first session I was extremely nervous, however I had no need to be. Diane always made me feel at ease and gave me constructive and valuable therapy-which will stay with me forever. I underestimated just how the process of talking would benefit me! It was a huge relief going to see her, just 1 hour of talking changed how I felt for the full week ahead. We tackled my problems every Wednesday until I felt like the old me again.

No matter how silly you may think your problems are there is no judgement, Diane always has a magic way to overcome any negative feelings- long-term.

It was definitely worth going; in just over 3 months I have succeeded in feeling a lot more confident and to always remember that being yourself is enough, whilst most importantly meeting the most amazing counsellor.

I can’t thank her enough for making me the person that I want to be.

15 year old suffering from panic attacks

During my counselling experience with Diane, I have grown massively in confidence and I have learnt how to manage and control my panic attacks.

At the start of my counselling, I was having daily anxiety attacks that lasted around 20 minutes, and now, with Diane’s support, I rarely ever have them – and, when I do, I can stop them within 2 minutes.

Not only this, but Diane made me feel comfortable and she was someone I trusted and confided in – which is, sometimes, something that I struggle with.

I cannot thank Diane enough for giving me my life back and helping me to be able to go out and have fun, without stressing or worrying.

If anyone feels anxious and is struggling to cope with it, I would, one hundred per cent, recommend Diane.