The following are actual quotes from real psychotherapy clients in Cornwall.
Jane in St Austell, Cornwall
"I never thought I needed psychotherapy, but the more Darren worked with me, the more I realised I needed to be there.
I learnt a lot about the way I experienced problems and if I didn't understand, it was explained to me in a very down to earth manner. Even when I kept falling into the same script, Darren gently reminded me and in the end I soon recognised it for myself often before my sessions.
I was learning to be my own counsellor!
I always felt supported and when distressed I was allowed the time to work through my emotions which was very important. I even started to feel comfortable with challenging Darren, something I could never do with anyone before. It was good to test my new knowledge in a safe environment.
Would I do it again? Certainly and I still do. Psychotherapy is about learning to respect and look after yourself. Darren has certainly shown me how to do that."
Natalie in Truro, Cornwall
At 42 I had been struggling to learn to drive on and off for 20 years. The thought of taking a driving test provoked absolute terror for me and I could not practise driving around the test route without completely going to pieces.
Darren suggested that we use EMDR. We did this for two sessions, firstly to 'unstick' a past trauma and secondly to neutralise any trauma when I did attempt the test.
Two weeks later I passed my driving test.
I believe that EMDR was successful because of Darren's careful and considerate approach. He took his time to really listen to me and understand my difficulties which meant he was able structure the EMDR so skilfully. The EMDR worked on two levels for me; healing past trauma and subsequently fostering a deeper level of OK'ness.
I can't thank Darren enough for his gentle care and kind support, as well as his intelligent and professional approach in helping me to realise my goal.
Amy and Lee in Falmouth, Cornwall
"I have found the psychotherapy offered by Future Days and in particular by Darren
Bottrill, immensely helpful and rewarding. The procedure for getting to see
Darren was simple and straightforward and the from the first meeting the
sessions were beneficial. Darren explained both his role and ours (we were
undertaking couples counselling)and was from the outset understanding and
informative. He has brought light where there was dark, clarity from confusion
and given us both coping mechanisms for helping us to stop repeating unwanted
patterns of behavior. Darren was able to help us both without allowing one of us
to grab more time than the other, something that I know is not easy with two
such different personalities in front of him.
I cannot thank him enough for his help, without it I very much doubt we'd still
be a couple.
Carl in St Austell, Cornwall
Darren's ability to understand the underlying causes of the range of emotional problems that many of us face, is remarkable.
He is clearly a natural at what he does and has found his vocation which is to heal and nurture;
he puts me instantly at ease and regardless of how I felt when I arrive at a session,
I would always leave feeling more relaxed, positive and happy.
Darren listens and gently asks appropriate questions in a nurturing and non-judgemental way.
Throughout the psychotherapy session's, appropriate activities and discussions happen, which create awareness and new ways of thinking and understanding which in turn heal and improve how we feel.
Don't put off feeling good?I wish I had seen Darren for psychotherapy a year before I actually did.
Linda in Newquay, Cornwall
"Walking into Darren's psychotherapy room for the first time was one of the most daunting experiences of my life.
I thought I knew and understood me; yet the journey with Darren so far, has been an incredible discovery of me, warts and all.
The integrity, empathy, non-judgemental stand that Darren resonates, allows me to feel free to explore myself.
I know I am safe with a psychotherapist who holds knowledge, experience and a passion for what he does.
It is challenging and not always easy but with Darren supporting me through this process I feel listened too, while I
challenge myself and untangle the web to find and accept me."
Sarah in Lostwithiel, Cornwall
"Visiting a psychotherapist regularly is very important to me.
I have experienced difficulties in my life and have become increasingly aware that I repeat old habitual behaviour, (old habits die hard). With the skill and expertise Darren provides, I feel I am making progress to establish new ways to express my emotions which liberate rather that oppress my being.
The biggest revelation for me was that I was in control of my feelings. I have always believed the contrary.
With this new way of seeing myself I am now noticing that I can cope with whatever life offers me and that everything is a gift and a lesson.
Thank you Darren."
Steve in St Austell, Cornwall
"As a student Psychotherapist I went to Darren to learn a few things, fairly sure at the time I knew most of them already..... WOW !!
Regular visits since have enabled me to experience life at an emotional level I was not previously able to allow myself. The lessons I have taken thus far have allowed me to handle life's ups and downs with far more balance and appreciation than ever before.
I believe everyone can benefit from some time with Darren, his insight and understanding have definitely improved my everyday life, as well as the way I view and handle any problems that come my way."
Karen in Bodmin, Cornwall
"In my time working with Darren I have learnt so much about who I am and what has made me the person I am.
This has helped me change to be a better more relaxed and calmer person.
He has shown me how I have developed beliefs and how I can update and change them.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for showing me all this.
If I had not attended these sessions, I would have not made the simple steps to improve my world and my family's world,
I feel all for the better. Thank you."
Elaine in Par, Cornwall
"When I met Darren, I knew I had some work to do around my relationships with men,
Darren helped me realise that the work I really needed to do was with my relationship with myself - since then I have never looked back.
His compassion, gentle listening and deep understanding of all kinds of issues such as loss, shame, sexuality, trauma and relationships was exactly what I needed.
Darren is a very caring, sensitive person who knows his subject inside out, is passionate about what he does and has helped me change my life forever."."
Kate in Truro, Cornwall
"I went to see Darren after previously seeing two counsellers in Cornwall and feeling like I was not making progress with my problems.
His down to earth approach, focus, and honesty were precisely the sort of help I needed.
Through talking to someone who understood the way my mind works, my motivations and limitations,
I have managed to see myself differently and achieve new ways to understand and deal with situations.
I particularly appreciate his sensitivity, thoughtfulness and support on difficult subjects and also his challenges in areas that require me to really consider or change my behaviour.
I have always felt everything we talk about in my sessions is completely about me and for my benefit.
I always feel with Darren that I can be honest, straightforward, question anything I do not agree with and be myself.
My psychotherapy sessions are never wasted, dull or pointless.
Many are done with good humour and however distressing some sessions maybe, I always leave either smiling or hopeful."
Blake in Newquay, Cornwall
Quite recently I found myself at a low point, so low that I asked my doctor for help.
For me this was a major step as I have always believed counselling was for wimps
and people should just pull themselves together and get on with life.
Fortunately my doctor directed me towards a psychotherapist.
Darren has helped me understand so much and has given me the tools that allow me to relax and control my life, rather than life controlling me.
I learned so much in a short time and have recommended Darren to others who I know will benefit from his immense knowledge and skills."
Susan in St Austell, Cornwall
"I first consulted Darren for psychotherapy in July 2007, and though our work together is complete for the time being,
I know have only to pick up a phone if I need to talk to him again.
With hindsight, I probably began my psychotherapy with more than a little resistance!
However, within a few sessions I was starting to look forward to going, due to Darren's patience and calming persona.
Over some eighteen months he helped me gain new insights into my character and personal history, which in turn ennabled me to make changes and find better ways of dealing with problems generally.
Thank you Darren."
More testimonials from real psychotherapy clients in Cornwall, to follow.
The names have been changed for anonymity.