EMOTIONAL FREEDOM TESTIMONIALS
I have used the RIPP approach with people experiencing many different forms of emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, grief, OCD, PTSD, stress and persistent unhappiness. Emotional overwhelm can make life feel narrow, exhausting and difficult to manage. These clients describe how understanding themselves differently helped them regain calm, confidence and perspective.
I no longer have to be a prisoner of fear, anger, anguish and anxiety.
"Having gone through the cognitive behavioural therapy process I had come to the conclusion that my problems will forever be a part of me only I now had the skills to be able to talk about them more. This was not the case though and through working with Gary I learned that I no longer have to be a prisoner of fear, anger, anguish and anxiety. This unique approach I believe is something that all people struggling with a variety of mental health issues should have access to. It’s direct approach allows an almost instant feeling of relief and confidence that getting to the bottom of your issues is not some far away goal in future you might be able to obtain but it is here! Now! and you can gain the tools to take control. The work we did together has helped me to forgive the past and give it new meaning and strive to move forward with a new direction minus the weight of an unforgiving present due to the misjudgment of the past. Thanks Gary"
— Joe Brindley Wolverhampton April 2019
Two sessions and I am back to being me.
"When I arrived for my first session, sad, unhappy, confused, and fearful, with a head full of bad memories that were haunting my present, Gary helped me put everything into perspective. His logic and reasoning extraordinary, and his ability to see in me what I couldn’t see in myself is quite remarkable. 2 sessions and I am back to being me, I cannot thank him enough for this, and I cannot recommend him highly enough."
— Anonymous Cheltenham 2017
I simply felt what I can only describe as a mental inner shift.
"I had always considered myself to be mentally very strong but 2016 was an immensely painful and difficult year for me. In January 2016 something happened which caused me to experience a mental breakdown which I would never have believed I was capable of and, in fact, I refused to acknowledge for several months until physical symptoms also began to manifest. I had tried conventional counselling in February/March 2016 but found this a terribly negative experience and therefore very counter-productive. I stopped attending and thought I could simply carry on with my life and "power through" the difficulties. However, I became progressively more unwell and by May I was unable to work or to properly function in day to day life. It was at this time I recognised that I needed help beyond standard counselling. Through a search engine I came across Gary and, like you now, I read the testimonials. The issues I was battling with were complex. I could see no resolution to my problems and I felt there was no realistic prospect that I could be "fixed". I had six weekly sessions with Gary in May/June 2016. Unlike the earlier counselling I had undertaken, the sessions with Gary were a proper two-way interaction. I did not need to go into too much intimate detail and yet Gary had incredible insight into why I was reacting to situations as I was and he helped me to understand how I "ticked", how past events had shaped my behaviours. Gary has a very calm manner and made me feel very at ease. His help also extended beyond the actual sessions and he would send text messages and provide links to useful information to read. To my amazement I did not need to actively change or do anything. I simply felt what I can only describe as a mental "inner shift" one day, leaving me calm, at peace with myself, and in control. Most notably I have learnt to accept what I cannot change and to always live for the "now", that the past has gone and cannot hurt me. Plainly and simply, Gary's methods work. I will always feel a huge debt to Gary for his support and, most particularly, for his guidance towards achieving a happier life. I have no hesitation in wholeheartedly recommending Gary to you."
— J, Gloucestershire January 2017
Recovery, rather than managing the symptoms.
"I called Gary in December looking for immediate help dealing with what at the time felt like overwhelming work and personal stress. The impact of the stress was making it near impossible for me to do my job and to function properly as a father to my children, to be honest I was struggling to see a way forwards. Recognising the need for help turned out to be the hardest part of my journey towards recovery and importantly it is recovery, rather than managing the symptoms that Gary has helped me achieve. After just one session I knew I had come to the right place and person in Gary. His easy and relaxing style along with incisive mind and methodical approach meant that we made rapid progress to identify the root causes (key to fixing me was knowing what made me who I am and that its ok). We worked on the root issues in a supportive and focussed way and now it's clear to me (and others) that I've taken a huge leap forwards. I can now identify and address the root causes before they trigger the stressful cycles that had caused me such pain. I am a better, more functional person and put that down, in no small part to Gary, his skills and methodology."
— Mr C, Gloucester January 2016
The anxiety that once plagued my life has never returned.
"I came to Gary a few years ago with an anxiety disorder and self confidence issues. I only saw Gary for 3 visits but fast forward to today and the anxiety that once plagued my life has never returned and I have gone on to get married, have a beautiful baby and start up my own business - all things I never thought I could have achieved without his help. I can't really explain how it happened but my whole mindset just shifted in a matter of weeks and I became able to enjoy normal day to day living without worrying about what could happen in the future or feeling regretful about what had happened in the past. I would recommend Gary to any family and friends who needed help without hesitation. His methods are so quick paced and effective - and nothing feels better than regaining control of your life again. Thanks so much"
— Katerine Feb 2017
I met with Gary twice and felt like a different person.
"At the beginning of this year I had an anxiety dream. My family had all had a run of the mill winter vomiting bug and I was anxious about getting it myself. I woke up in a panic having a panic attack. This was not normal for me as I didn’t suffer with anxiety on a day to day basis. I felt increasingly stressed and anxious and I looked on the internet for help near to me. I googled ‘phobia’ and ‘dealing with anxiety’ in the Cheltenham area and Gary came up. I sent an email to the address on the website and was contacted by Gary later that day to make an appointment. I instantly felt better after seeking help and Gary’s informal approach made it much easier to attend the appointment. I found his kind manner and relaxed room helped me to open up and discuss my issue, to which he immediately understood and helped me deal with. The information and tools he gave me are invaluable and the difference his guidance has made for me and my family is priceless. I met with Gary twice and felt like a different person. I have recommended Gary to other family members and friends already with a variety of issues to which they have had and continue to have life changing results within very few appointments. I can’t thank Gary enough for his help."
— Jenny. Worcestershire 21st April 2015
I have seen several counsellors and even one or two psychiatrists, but Gary helped more.
"I was very troubled at the time when I saw Gary. After the second time talking to him I experienced a wave of relief. Though I slipped back into anxiety, I found each session helpful. Sometimes just being understood, sometimes being able to rethink, at other times helpful ideas would occur to me much later. It was a process I had to go through, but it helped immensely to talk to someone I found highly intelligent, perceptive and with a philosophy which challenged me to examine my often unhelpful ways of thinking. I have seen several counsellors and even one or two psychiatrists in my time, but I would have no hesitation in saying that Gary helped more. If you are looking for an effective, kindly and even challenging counsellor to help you, then I would have no hesitation in wholeheartedly recommending Gary."
— Huw. Cheltenham
I am now back to my happy self and loving life again.
"After being racked with stress induced anxiety for a number of months due to overcommitting at work I decided to arrange some sessions with Gary, within a few hourly visits Gary helped me quickly regain control of my resources and tools to combat the constant worry and pain that anxiety causes. I am now back to my happy self and loving life again! I will not hesitate to contact Gary in the future if demanding times call for it"
— Mr P.H. Gloucester
In a couple of sessions he helped me gain insights I hadn’t got after years of therapy.
"I contacted Gary for multiple issues, i.e. anxiety, low moods, and problems at work and in relationships. In a couple of sessions he helped me gain new insights about why I thought and behaved in the self-sabotaging way I did, insights that I hadn't gotten after years of therapy. After this, I was able to make different, more empowering than disempowering meaning of things. I also made some critical distinctions about my behaviour so I was able to change it in the situations I was struggling with. When I started to overcome some of these hurdles it left me with a new sense of possibility, and besides the directions and support for these specific challenges, I also got some simple but effective tools to generally handle my emotions better and not always be stuck in my head, i.e., troubled about the past or the future. Today things are so much better and I have made great strides especially in my relationship life, honestly I couldn't have thought I'd reach this point!"
— Man 30 Munich Germany
GRIEF, TRAUMA AND LOSS
Grief, trauma and major life events can leave people feeling trapped in pain, guilt, anger or fear. These clients describe finding a way forward without denying what had happened.
After the loss of my husband to suicide, Gary changed the way I think.
"After my first session with Gary I felt better like a weight had been lifted. After the loss of my husband to suicide in 2016 I saw a lot of counsellors but they didn't help. This isn't just counselling, Gary has changed the way I think! There's no point in re living or going over the past, I was living in misery. I am a much brighter and happier a person now and I will always be thankful that I found Gary and I would recommend him to anyone."
— T. Telford, Shropshire 2020
The heavy load began to lift.
"I came to Gary at an increasingly difficult point in my life, my Mother with whom I was very close, had suddenly passed away, and I experienced a tremendous grief not only from the loss of my Mother but also from the failure I felt at the inability to defeat her 25 year acute bipolar disorder, this feeling of failure was compounded by initiating a final resuscitation attempt the morning of her death that also failed. The net impact was a myriad of very burdensome feelings ranging from loss, guilt, failure, grief, anxiety and rage. Gary's practical and personable approach helped me to gain a perspective that I hadn't want to consider or accept. After experiencing CBT ten years ago and gaining little value, Garry's understanding and insight were a revelation to me, helping to lift the heavy load proving much needed mental space to process accept and embrace reality. In a relatively short period of time he has provided the tools I need to be fit for life, accepting it wont all be a bed of roses but remaining grounded in the present is the best present we can give ourselves and others - thank you for your time Gary"
— Anonymous Cheltenham 2017
The anger receded and I regained control of myself.
"I was given Gary’s name and number following two nasty incidents whilst out cycling. I am an amateur road racing cyclist and spend many hours a week riding on local roads. As such, an accident is always a possibility and having had many near misses and been threatened quite a few times by aggressive drivers I knew it was only a matter of time. Unfortunately it finally happened and I was deliberately hit off my bike from behind by an angry driver who left me for dead and drove off! I was lucky not to have been killed and only incurred some nasty bruises and cuts. Initially I felt very little about the accident……no fear or anger…….just disbelief that someone could do that to another human being. A week or so later I started getting nightmares and the fear, anger and reality of the event hit me. I tried to just carry on and went back to riding as normal but I was constantly stressed and apprehensive. 2 months later whilst riding I was run down again. This time it was an accident (didn’t look before turning) and I ended up in hospital with nasty bruises and cuts but again, very lucky really. I recovered from the physical injuries but my head had started to go to pieces. I felt angry all the time, sometimes upset, sometimes very tired and sleep was intermittent. A month later I had my first road race and hated every moment of it. I was actually scared and fearful during it and after 20 miles I pulled over and got off my bike. I realised I had to do something about it and contacted Gary. I only had two sessions with him but everything changed……… We discussed what had happened and he explained why I felt why I did, why the anger was there and how to deal with it and what it was that made it so difficult for me to ride my bike again. It was amazing how quickly I changed. The anger receded and I regained control of myself, even when dealing with aggressive car drivers again I was able to remain in control and not lose my head even though I was angry. My wife noticed the immediate change in me and I remain to this day a much better and balanced person since the meetings which has helped in my everyday life as well as on the bike. I greatly admired Gary’s way of listening and explaining to me the motions and emotions we all go through in our lives. The things we discussed and the way to deal with them had never occurred to me before, even though they seemed obvious after the discussion. He seems to have a great understanding of the way our minds work…….he knew mine better than I did anyway!"
— Nick Preece January 2016
After what seemed like a few chats I walked away a different man.
"I came in to see you about quitting cigarettes but you very quickly realised that I was suffering from grief for a very long time, over 50 years in fact. After what seemed like a few chats I walked away a different man.Your kindness knowledge and experience helped me to unlock everything I had held in since my mother's death when when I was a kid. All with just a suggestion here and a verbal nudge there.Thank you again so much for all your help and I would recommend you to anyone."
— Trevor 2015
Gary helped me to turn my life around.
"I came to Gary for help when my entire world and identity had crashed. My father with whom I had had a very difficult childhood was very ill with dementia. My mother was in complete denial. I had just been through an agonising court divorce which I didn't want as my husband had had an affair with my good friend and left me virtually penniless as I had given up my career to support his. I had also had a rare illness which resulted in my losing the sight in one eye and a lengthy stay in hospital. I had become addicted to valium. I was angry, depressed and totally utterly lost. Gary gave me the tools to start to see my situation as fluid..not fixed forever. He showed me how living in the moment could ease my immediate hurt but still allow me to be practical and plan. He helped me see I was a woman with a future not a fat, frumpy over 50 divorcee, It was sometimes painful but always constructive. Today I have a good job I am back in a position of authority, I deal better with my father's illness and I am calmer. Gary is a man of tremendous insight and compassion and can see through game playing. I credit him with helping me to turn my life around and to anyone thinking of seeing him I'd say 'Go. There are therapists and therapists. Gary is pure gold"
— Ms. Debbie Raikes May. Gloucestershire
OCD
Living with OCD can be exhausting. These clients describe learning to respond differently to obsessive thoughts and compulsive patterns rather than being controlled by them.
Within one session Gary offered me an alternative way of viewing my behaviour.
"Although I knew I suffered with OCD I had no idea how to tackle it. Gary was able to see me at very short notice and within one session offered me an alternative way of viewing my behaviour that I had never considered. His approach is direct and to the point. After a few minutes of talking, he identified what was triggering my OCD and explained the mechanics of how and why it worked. Once I understood the OCD I was open to a more positive and logical way of looking at my decisions. Gary made it clear that consciously changing my behavioural patterns and removing OCD from my life was going to be hard work and it has been. However, as I am now armed with the correct tools to deal with the issue, it is not a problem and I am now able to reduce the effect it has on my life more and more every day. The difference in my life since seeing Gary is quite marked; I will be forever grateful!"
— Mr N. C. Gloucestershire
After only six sessions my OCD went from checking repeatedly to checking once and leaving satisfied.
"I have suffered from OCD and anxiety for a number of years and it started to ruin my life and relationships. It was at this point that I decided to start counselling with Gary and it has changed my life for the better; more than I could have imagined. After only six sessions my OCD went from having to check the plugs, light switches and doors numerous times every day to having to check once and then leave satisfied. He has taught me the ability to live in the present moment and not fixate on what might happen in the future and for this I will be forever grateful. As well as the fantastic results Gary achieved in my personal case, I also think it is commendable at how quickly he resolves your issues (about 6 sessions) as this shows his commitment to improving your lifestyle."
— Woman 23. Gloucestershire UK
PERSONAL GROWTH, CONFIDENCE AND LIFE CHANGE
Not everyone comes because of one specific problem. Some people simply know that something in their life needs to change. These clients describe greater clarity, confidence and a stronger sense of self.
Months later, the change has sustained.
"I can only describe the two sessions I had with Gary as astonishing. I had looked at the testimonials page and found it hard to believe that he was able to help people resolve their difficulties so quickly. I was sceptical but thought I would give it a go. I am very glad I did. Gary’s method and approach gave me a level of clarity about my situation that in such a short time that it seems slightly ridiculous that I had struggled for so long. He has a non-judgemental but very direct and clear approach. The RIPP model was incredibly helpful and should be more widely used. I waited a while to write this testimonial as I wondered whether the insight, I gained would sustain the positive change I was looking for. Months later it definitely has. I have since recommended Gary to others and hope they have contacted him. Many Thanks Gary"
— Anonymous May 2022
I am now the father, husband, brother and son I always knew I could be.
"It is impossible to outline how positive an impact Gary has had on my life. His help and care through difficult times has turned my world around. I’m now the father, husband, brother, and son I always knew I could be. Without Gary’s guidance and knowledge I know that this truly liberating change in my mental health would not have occurred. I really am so grateful to him. Life’s good."
— EW. Hereford August 2020
It was a relief, and so joyous, like the weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
"I feel so blessed to have Gary in my life. His unique guidance has allowed me to get myself into a positive, fulfilling, headspace, that I would never have thought imaginable ? In my sessions with him, and from the depths of my soul, emerged huge positive revelations, about the way I think of myself ? It was a relief, and so joyous, like the weight had been lifted off my shoulders ! I had done many, many, CBT sessions with another counsellor prior to this, and always felt that this type of therapy was about breaking, and then replacing one set of personal rules with another ? Gary has his own unique, groundbreaking therapy, RIPP which I would wholeheartedly recommend ? Its a spiritual journey ( and I am not at all 'hippy' if you can excuse that generic term ) You will feel at ease with him, straight way, with the way he engages with you, and before you know it, you will be feeling the light, in the 'now', as I have done."
— Mr A H Cheltenham 2016
Some things that I carried around for years have now left, never to return.
"When someone close to me suggested therapy, I honestly didn't think it would be for me in any way, shape or form. What? To sit with someone who doesn't know you and then you tell them personal things? How can this help? All I can say is that a weight has been lifted from me. Some things that I carried around for years have now left, never to return. It's hard to explain but when the penny drops, it's like you know you’re never going back to dragging all that unwanted baggage around again. To be open and honest in safe environment has changed everything for me. If a hiccup occurs (which I highly doubt) I know Gary will be there to put me back on track."
— Mr C.P. Stroud 2014
Meeting Gary was the best thing I have done in regards to my personal wellbeing.
"Meeting Gary was the best thing I have done in regards to my personal wellbeing. I had over the years tried counselling, however it left me feeling worse as I had to go through the events that led me to seeing the counsellor. Whereas with Gary it's different he taught me how to deal with the problem and that I'm in control. He taught me how compassion and love is a great healer and great way to survive. On top of all this, Gary is a lovely man who I have found to be direct in his approach and passionate about his working and belief in his work. This is what I feel make him a success."
— Mrs S.S. Cheltenham
Within three sessions I was completely fixed, and several other problems disappeared as well.
"This is coming from someone highly skeptical about how effective traditional Psychology actually is, and I'll be honest, I went in expecting nothing good or helpful to happen at all; it was really just to humour my other half. In my case, I needed help coming to terms with a difficult past situation; I expected months of Psychological analysis ahead and thousands of pounds worth of bills, but within three sessions I was completely fixed, and not just with my one main problem - several other problems suddenly disappeared as well as a result. The reason for this is because Gary doesn't practice Psychology, he practices Truths, which he offers on 3 levels. The first is directly related to the situation you're in, and how to constructively solve it by coming to terms with it, and bringing subconscious behaviours into awareness. The immediate result can only be described as an "awakening" and is incredibly exciting to behold. The second is the obscure, "I don't really get it" advice that you walk away with between sessions - it takes a week or two to sink in, but once you have subconsciously processed it and put his ideas into practice, you notice the world in a completely different light. You wake up one morning with everything making sense, and wondering how you were changed overnight for seemingly no reason. The third is advice that is not directly related to the situation at hand, but can be applied to issues stemming from it - for example, the signs of unhappiness that others show to try and passively affect change in their situations. I have recommended Gary to other people and I haven't seen a problem that Gary hasn't solved so far, and I doubt I ever will - the guy is a miracle worker, plain and simple. And the best part is that all of those little "exercises" most therapists give you to do - like rubbing your ears, counting to 10 and downing tranquillisers - you won't see any of that nonsense here, much to my relief. So, you might want to bring as much emotional baggage with you as possible, because you won't have it for very long."
— Mr Gareth Steward. Gloucestershire.
I realised I was in a pretty good place and always had been.
"I had worked for the same organisation for over 35 years and for the majority of time had been quite happy. However, changes within the organisation and to a certain extent myself, found me very disillusioned. A chance presented itself, enabling me to leave, which I took; so I found myself in early retirement. Great ... Not so. My life had taken quite a sudden change, and I wasn't prepared for the void which my egotistic self found. I have quite a few interests, am healthy, but found this was really affecting me and it was beginning to eat in to other aspects of my life. I found I needed someone to talk to and after a little research on the internet decided to contact Gary. I had six sessions with Gary and we talked about a whole host of things; including touching on spiritual topics which I found more valuable than I thought I would. Gary lets you talk and set your own pace and agenda, gently throwing in the odd question which stops you in your tracks and makes you think or reflect on certain issues. At the end of my time with Gary, I thought 'you know I'm in a pretty good place and always had been' I just couldn't see it because I always wanted to project myself somewhere else. If you do see Gary don't forget to sample his coffee collection. Thanks for your help Gary"
— Mr A.M. Cheltenham
It saved me literally years in getting where I wanted to be.
"I found working with you enabled me to listen to my own instinct by clearing away the 'obstacles' that seemed to be in the way. They weren't actually 'obstacles' at all, they were just worries about what might happen in the future. I quickly took action based on the 'here and now' as you taught me and have not looked back. I am now doing a job I could never have thought possible, and also successfully embarked on retraining. I was able to learn to listen to myself and not seek external approval and validation for the things I want to do. It has saved me literally years in getting where I wanted to be. The sessions were very empowering and left me able to view my past through the eyes of my 'Now' as an adult. The relief was enormous."
— Woman 40. Cambridgeshire UK
The sessions helped me to become the real me.
"My coaching and counselling sessions with Gary were an invaluable source for assisting me to move forward, they helped shed light in many areas of my life where there was darkness. I learned a lot about myself in turn allowing me to become the real me. The sessions were very informative and at the same time also a lot of fun. They helped me to grow as a person as I began to realise my full potential. After each session I felt more in control of my state and therefore much happier. I am also a better wife and mother because of it. I had 5 sessions that were over the phone with Skype and it worked perfectly, even with the time difference between Australia and UK. I am so glad and lucky to have found Gary and I thank him from the bottom of my heart."
— Woman 30. Sydney Australia.
EVERY STORY IS DIFFERENT
Every testimonial on this page reflects one person's individual experience.
People arrive with different histories, different personalities and different goals, so no two journeys are ever exactly the same. My hope is not that you compare yourself with someone else's story, but that you recognise something of your own experience within it.
