Testimonial: C.O. (male, 55 years)

Overall impact and benefit of therapy

“My time working with Dr Rachel Seymour has been nothing short of life-affirming. This after first arriving to begin my therapy fearing a future that could not envisage retirement alongside a resignation that retirement may well result in a divorce due to my fear of no longer have perceived objective.” …

“Dr Rachel Seymour’s patience and natural inquisitive nature to gently push me to think and challenge myself allowed me to process difficult issues which are now managed and understood. This in turn has given me a new perspective where retirement, my wife, friends, family and a spirit of adventure of what is to come are to be embraced. In this journey, I have also discovered my true authentic self and am enjoying getting to know me and sharing who I really am with those closest to me.”

What was most helpful?

The biggest learning and life impacting highlight for me is discovering that I am a Highly Sensitive Person and my connection to nature is something I now embrace rather than suppress. As an HSP I now realise that quiet time is precious, and I know when to have down time away from noise and bright lights.

I broadly understand the polyvagal theory and importantly the three main systems and have become self-aware of what triggers me and how to manage myself when I am triggered to bring me back into a regulated window.

Further, I have carefully introduced “vulnerable C” to my clan and to people close to me. This has allowed me to show a more authentic self which in turn has increased my confidence which has in turn seen close friends and family repay that vulnerability more than I could ever have imagined.

Further, having a safe place and a trusted and experienced person in Dr Rachel Seymour to communicate openly and without prejudice is something valuable and special. This is something I would encourage everybody to undertake like you would go to the gym for your body, having such a resource at your disposal for your mind, can be life-changing or indeed life-saving.

Whilst I don’t pretend to understand entirely how it works, the imagery work we undertook had a deep and profound impact on me and instead of focusing on some unpleasant memories I have discovered a deep connection to nature which has replaced the original image to some extent – to a point that I can almost feel the touch of tree bark or the feathery grass within my imagery work.

Would you recommend therapy with Rachel to others?

“Absolutely yes! Rachel’s therapy suite is a calm and inviting space that makes you feel at ease. In this space Rachel gently guides you and reminds you that in this room you are safe and in capable hands to steer you through all kinds of thoughts, feelings, emotions and behaviour. I have come to see over the past year something more profound sat on my shoulder than an angel or devil; I have a Rachel who does what’s right by me and not necessarily what’s easy for me – but always with me through each experience.”