Client Experiences
It’s time to step into the woman you truly are and live life your way
client Experiences
Read a selection of client experiences working with Julie.
All testimonials are written by clients, some have chosen to use their name, others have chosen to use a pseudonym.
All shared with clients permission.
You not only helped me with the issues I brought to you, but our work together also improved my confidence and general personal development.
Since our last session I have I studied a counselling and psychotherapy course as well as a life coaching diploma.
Starting a new venture as a life coach in the hope to use my newfound positive outlook, confidence and my own personal experience with mental health to help other people like you helped me when I needed it most.
Jess
Small business owner
Julie is a first-class professional who is a pleasure to do business with.
She blends consummate skill with obvious emotional intelligence and innate compassion to provide highly effective interventions for her clients. She maintains a high level of current awareness of both professional and socio-cultural issues to inform both her business and professional worlds.
Julie’s greatest offering may be the unswerving passion for empowering people through her work. This is an enduring value reflecting in everything she does, very much “walking the talk” in an authentic way.
As a valued colleague I can only offer the very highest recommendation to anyone considering using her services. She’s a seriously nice person to boot!
David Cliff
Gedanken
Julie made me feel at ease straight away.
She made me feel comfortable and I was able to talk to her openly and honestly.
This has made me feel stronger and I am now able to rebuild my confidence and resilience.
It has been a positive impact on both work and home life and I feel positive that I can move forward.
Victoria
Professional
I felt very comfortable and at ease in talking to Julie
I am not a very good talker but these sessions helped me immensely.
I felt very comfortable and at ease in talking to Julie and have began to come to terms with my loss.
I will never get over it [but] I am with Julie’s help, better able to deal with it.
Joan
Retired Business Owner
Julie is empathic, knowledgeable and genuine.
I decided to ask Julie to be my Supervisor based on her website. I liked what she had to say about Supervision and Counselling, her philosophy.
I also liked the idea of having a Supervisor who is well-qualified and experienced… I wanted someone that I could aspire to be like…
Julie has not let me down. She has given me just what I wanted. She has always responded quickly and effectively to any questions or issues that I may have had in-between sessions.
She is empathic, knowledgeable and genuine. She works by setting a good example. Her insights and gentle challenges have helped me to grow and develop as a practitioner.
I feel as though I can take absolutely anything to Supervision with Julie, anything that is either effecting my work or any aspects of my work that I am struggling with, and whatever it is I am never made to feel that it is anything other than valid.
I really enjoy my work with Julie. I feel supported as a practitioner and through our work together I feel that my confidence has grown and my client work has improved as a result.
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience of Julie as a Supervisor.
Fiona
Counsellor
…a huge step forward and I actually feel listened to.
I was concerned… as I have attempted [this work] in the past and had a bad experience.
However, this has been such a huge step forward and I actually feel listened to, simple things like remembering things I have said previously and not needing to explain things [again].
kim
professional
I feel more equipped to deal with the stress at work.
I just want to thank you for helping me see there are ways and strategies to get over periods of great stress and anxiety.
I feel more equipped to deal with the stress at work.
My husband commented I seem much happier.
Natalie
Professional
Julie was professional, approachable and unfailingly kind…
Before [working with] Julie I was at the lowest point I have ever been in and was plagued constantly by negative and suicidal thoughts. However, I can confidently say [now] I feel like a new and better person. I am much happier, confident and healthier after my time with Julie.
[Looking back] I would never have believed I would be in such a great position now and that is largely due to Julie and the amazing work she does. As well as feeling massively better in myself, [it] has massively improved the relationship I have with my family and friends, many of which were negatively affected when I was at my lowest.
Despite not initially wanting to [face doing the work], the relationship I formed with Julie was amazing. I felt I could discuss anything with her and not be judged she always listened attentively and never failed to help me find solutions and coping mechanisms.
Overall, Julie was professional, approachable and unfailingly kind and compassionate, exactly the person I wanted to work with. I honestly couldn’t praise Julie enough, she was quite simply amazing.
Now I feel happy in myself. I am more confident and my university life has improved dramatically. My relationships with family and friends are better than ever and I feel like I am now in the place I want to be.
So thank you Julie, I cannot praise you enough!
Bethan
University Student
I feel more positive and feel connected and I now have the tools to keep me on track…
Prior to [working with Julie], I was feeling disconnected, lost and unable to deal with my feelings.
I feel more positive and feel connected to family, friends and that I now have the tools to keep me on track and if I do slip back again…
Today I am feeling more positive. I have learnt a lot about myself and not be so hard on myself.
I have learnt how things that have happened to me in the past have affected me and that I can make changes to progress.
Genevieve
Professional
I have found Julie to be extremely approachable and easy to talk to.
I have told her things I haven’t told friends or family as I feel comfortable and safe with her.
She has also been very understanding with regards to my unpredictable job and timelines, including me having to temporary end [our work] due to deployment and have been offered help over Skype should I require it.
Katherine
Service Personnel
The insight and change of thought process I received from Julie is priceless.
I was very sceptical… how I could benefit from talking about my problems. I suffered from extreme bouts of anger, anxiety and depression.
Julie made me feel very relaxed and trust was built very quickly. I quickly learned the problems stemmed from people taking advantage of my good nature.
Julie helped put things in perspective for me, gave me the tools and confidence to think before committing to help others.
Graham
You made my sessions feel comfortable and trusting.
Thanks so much for helping me regain confidence and gain coping strategies to deal with stress;
I recall these strategies so many times.
Mandy
From the beginning I settled immediately to Julie’s warm, friendly, yet challenging and extremely knowledgeable delivery.
She helped me through the transition from my previous much valued Supervisor of 16 years with kindness and sensitivity.
Julie has great skill in creating a safe a held environment in which to work through any complicated situations I may bring, empowering me to explore not only my client’s issues, but also my own insights and perceptions.
The level of contact is spot on, informing me of further C.P.D. and any other points of interest.
Fiona Smith
Counsellor
Personal Development with Julie
has allowed ideas and practises to surface that I would never previously have thought about before and how to use them in the work environment.
Personal development has Greatly improved my productivity and people skills in my current role, whilst helping me move forward with my personal business venture.
Daniel
Oil and Gas Construction Engineer
Open, friendly and non judgemental.
Since October 2013, in her capacity of Supervisor, Julie has helped me enrich my work with some very difficult clients within the NHS setting with her supportive and imaginative style of supervision.
The open, friendly and non judgemental way she builds on the working relationship, is both professional and informed, allowing me to feel safe to explore and reconnect to our wealth of joint knowledge.
Julie has also great business knowledge and experience and is hugely encouraging when it comes to personal growth within the counselling profession.
Fiona Summers-Smith
Counsellor and Supervisor
Julie is a supportive, knowledgeable and inspiring Supervisor, who I have no hesitation in recommending.
I have been fortunate to have Julie as my Supervisor since February 2016. She offers me the supportive and reflective safe space to explore the therapeutic process and my personal awareness.
She is always professional offering a balance between challenging and encouraging which is important to me.
I never feel that I have to filter what I say to her, knowing that whatever I bring to the session will be worthy and valid.
I work within Primary Care Mental Health and Julie is always there to guide me through some of the more “tricky” aspects of my role, responding with good judgement and insight to the dilemmas and questions that arise.
Julie has given me the much needed encouragement and support to fulfil some of my professional aspirations and after every session I have come away feeling as though I have discovered something about myself or my professional practice.
Julie is a supportive, knowledgeable and inspiring Supervisor, who I have no hesitation in recommending.
Lisa
Counsellor and Supervisor
Since I began working with Julie as my external supervisor I feel as though I have grown as a practitioner,
I have been challenged and also been given the time and space to reflect on the counselling I do.
I feel confident in bringing any issue into supervision knowing that I am going to be supported and all avenues of practice are explored within an environment that is conducive to continuing personal and professional development.
I would have no hesitation recommending Julie.
Ashley Thurlow
Counsellor and Supervisor
I can highly recommend Julie Twist in her work as a Therapist, Supervisor and Trainer.
She is experienced in all three areas and maintains highly professional work ethic.
Christine McIntyre
Psychotherapist
I really enjoy my work with Julie.
I feel supported as a practitioner and through our work together I feel that my confidence has grown and my client work has improved as a result.
I cannot speak highly enough about my experience of Julie as a Supervisor.
Fiona
Counsellor
After seeing Julie’s picture on her website I felt straight away I would be able to work with her and that was proved right with her warm and friendly approach.
During my supervision with her I have always felt safe and able to discuss anything with her both about my clients and myself.
She has encouraged me to grow as a Counsellor by challenging me with issues around my clients and also allows time for me to reflect on my approach to them.
Sometimes I think I haven’t got much to discuss but as soon as I sit in the chair opposite Julie I seem to come up with all sorts of issues and I feel that is down to her making me feel safe and valued and I would recommend her to anyone.
Alison Knox
Counsellor
Prior to getting in touch with Julie, I was nervous and quite vulnerable.
I suppose I was worried about opening up but as I researched [who] to approach.
Julie helped me move through a difficult time in my life. I was stuck in an endless negative emotional loop.
What I wasn’t expecting was the positive knock-on effects… in other aspects of my life. Life is calmer, I am kinder and more gentle with myself.
Working with Julie was a massively positive experience. Some cathartic moments, some understanding, some practical skills.
The challenge happened but in a controlled safe way.
Julie has guided me through the hardest most difficult experience of my life. I was stuck in an endless loop of negative emotions.
I was surprised at how much I learnt and the skills I developed and how this spilled over positively into all aspects of my life, my relationship with my children, work and friendships. I feel good, positive about life now…
J
Professional
Julie has been great at helping me and my son through our grief of losing his dad.
I went on my own for [myself] but she has been a great help with my son.
Also, she has given me some tips on how to help myself through the times it hits me and how to let it pass.I would definitely recommend her to friends as she put me at ease from the start.
Diane
PROFESSIONAL
Working with Julie helped me understand what I was feeling and why and that it was ok to feel that way because it wasn’t permanent…
The coping strategies were simple and easy to use and understand, just by being able to recognise my own behaviour helped me stop it and become more positive and able to control myself.
Understanding others behaviour also helped me not to take on board their thoughts and feelings as if they were my own.
LD
PROFESSIONAL
Before contacting Julie… I felt that I was reliving the past and going back to try and change things, but the outcomes were always the same… [feeling] even worse about myself.
I wanted to… be at peace with myself… [I am now able] to take a closer look at why I behave and feel the way I do and [Julie] helped me to understand a little more about my feelings and my personality.
I feel as though [working with Julie] has given me a little more confidence to be kinder to myself without feeling guilty… and has had an impact both on my personal life and in a work environment.
The [work] with Julie was different to previous [work]… not a structured and our conversations were led by myself into areas that I wanted to explore.
I never felt pressured into finding something to say… [the time] often seemed to pass so quickly that it felt like about 10 minutes, which is credit to Julie.
I would say that I now feel better able to understand some of my feelings and I definitely feel more optimistic about the future.
HOWARD
PROFESSIONAL
I have a better quality of life now; I am able to enjoy things I never thought I would be able to and I am the happiest I have ever been.
At 16 I received CBT due to issues surrounding eating and obsessive exercise; I was diagnosed with anxiety, low moods and body dysmorphia.
The CBT was unsuccessful, so I was essentially given these labels and sent on my way with no real understanding or support in place.
Through working with Julie, I have managed to come to terms with the underlying causes of my issues with food and exercise, and I now do not associate myself with the body dysmorphia label I was given whatsoever.
At 19 I started having panic attacks on top of everything else which meant another referral to do CBT and another unsuccessful process.
It was at this point my dad insisted I went to see Julie, I resisted at first as I was sceptical.
Since [working] with Julie I have achieved so many goals big and small I never thought would be possible including moving away to university, going interrailing, going on my first all-inclusive holiday, starting a new job, treating myself to food deemed unhealthy without feeling guilty or hating myself, allowing myself to miss gym sessions and allow my body time to rest, going out for meals, eating at buffets, learning to say no to people and going away for weekends without it being a big thing.
I am overwhelmed with how far I have come since starting my sessions with her.
I have a better quality of life now; I am able to enjoy things I never thought I would be able to and I am the happiest I have ever been.
JESS
UNIVERSITY STUDENT
I learned how to cope with various situations and problems more effectively.
When I first went to [see Julie] I had problems with my home life regarding my relationship with my partner.
I learned how to cope with various situations and problems more effectively and I now do things differently to what I would have done.
My goal is to use the knowledge learned… to help me improve my relationship with my partner and to look forward to the future with my partner and daughter.
terry
I now feel I have the tools to continue building my self-confidence by myself!
I started [working with Julie] after being diagnosed with PND (post-natal depression) after a difficult pregnancy and birth.
Julie has not only helped me with PND, but we have also worked on my confidence and dealt with issues from my childhood.
Vicky – Professional
VICKy
PROFESSIONAL
I just wanted to let you know that since I came to you, my life has completely changed.
You may remember that I had a massive temper problem and lost patience all the time, which completely controlled my life.
Since coming to you, I am a completely different person. I don’t stress about silly things anymore, I don’t kick off anymore, in fact I haven’t lost my temper in best part of a year.
I feel so empowered now, I have expanded the shop, tried new [business] techniques, smashed them, decorated, taken on more staff… The list goes on.
At home, we are ALL happier too. Kids doing great….. I just wanted to thank you for helping me to this point. I wanted to be stable mentally, where I had “real” feelings, not extremes every hour, and I still find it unbelievable to think it, but that’s what I have. Just a normal life and the mindset I always thought was impossible for me to have.
I’m not saying I won’t ever visit you again if I have to, but you really have shown me, and given me the tools to really enjoy my life. And if I am happy, so are my kids, so in fact you have also helped change their futures too.
I’m happy for you to use any part of this email, I hide nothing as you know, and use it for any purpose you feel fit.
I will keep recommending you to everyone, as I tell them, if you can help me, you can help anyone.
Thank you so much Julie.
Sarah
Business Owner
Julie has a very calming influence and puts you at ease.
On my first session I was very upset and emotional but by the end of the first session I felt calmer and could see there was an answer to my particular situation.
I looked forward to each session as I knew I was getting stronger emotionally after each one.
I am now able to look forward to the future.
GLYN
PROFESSIONAL
Julie is very approachable and easy to talk to.
She put me at ease, which I find difficult, particularly in a 1-1 situation.
She had some useful tips which help me to deal with my problems during the sessions and at home.
julie
PROFESSIONAL
I have felt safe and comfortable to talk
Julie has been wonderfully supportive throughout my time with her.
I have felt safe and comfortable to talk with her about any topic and she has helped me get to where I am today.
MAX
UNIVERSITY STUDENT
I found [working with Julie] extremely useful…
At first I had no idea how to manage my feelings and would be constantly worried and anxious.
I now have skills which I can use to help me manage the worries and become more independent.
I am no longer completely dependent on one person and feel a lot happier in both social and work situations.
JESS
UNIVERSITY STUDENT
Julie was a huge support to me too and I felt at ease with her immediately, thank you.
I found [my time with Julie] beneficial from the start, the [strategies are] now something I use on a daily basis.
ANDREA
PROFESSIONAL
Talking through problems and feelings were a huge help…
[working with Julie] helped with coping strategies and putting things into perspective.
JILL
PROFESSIONAL
I have enjoyed the sessions and looked forward to attending.
I’ve been able to say how I feel, express feelings that have been bottled up.
In future I will refer back to the strategies and coping techniques and who matters.
elsey
professional
The work was a vital tool in uprooting my addiction.
Addiction had been a poisonous tree in my life for a long time.
Recovery has involved felling this tree and the even harder task of digging up the roots.
[The sessions] primarily helped me to expose the roots of my addiction that stretch back into my past and has helped me to understand how they got there in the first place.
dave
professional
I have enjoyed the sessions and looked forward to attending.
I’ve been able to say how I feel, express feelings that have been bottled up.
In future I will refer back to the strategies and coping techniques and who matters.
elsey
professional
The work was a vital tool in uprooting my addiction.
Addiction had been a poisonous tree in my life for a long time.
Recovery has involved felling this tree and the even harder task of digging up the roots.
[The sessions] primarily helped me to expose the roots of my addiction that stretch back into my past and has helped me to understand how they got there in the first place.
dave
professional
I have found the service offered by Julie extremely supportive and beneficial.
It has provided me with a space to talk and equipped me with the tools to help understand and deal with my feelings.
The whole process has been really positive and I am very thankful to Julie for all her guidance and support.
elizabeth
retired PROFESSIONAL
I found all [our work] very beneficial
being able to talk openly about current experiences and situations which have led up to present time.
I have been given tools which have and will help for going forward in my day to day personal and work life.
lisa
PROFESSIONAL
I was sceptical…
but I felt it has helped me understand that I am able to cope with how I feel about situations I find myself in… and I will as time goes by, be able to not let things I can’t change upset me.
REGIE
She’s really good at helping you make your own mind up and helping yourself get better.
Speaking to Julie at first was hard without crying. Now I can speak easily about the things that have gotten me down.
MARC
SELF EMPLOYED
I can hand on heart say the tools Julie has taught me have saved my life.
I engaged [with Julie] for different issues ranging from my relationships to my self-esteem and confidence to dealing with my brothers’ death…
Julie worked through each part with me and put strategies in place to help me deal with them.
LUCY
PROFESSIONAL
I’m so pleased at how clear things are and how I feel able to address the things that caused me stress.
I was in a bad place when I came to [see Julie]. I didn’t know what to expect and wasn’t really sure anyone could help me.
I’d felt confused and stuck, really didn’t think I’d be able to communicate my thoughts
TRACY
Julie has made a huge impact in my life
The sessions have given me a better understanding about myself in so many ways.
Julie has made a huge impact in my life by leading me the way I needed to go without me knowing consciously.
The sessions came at the right time for me and I feel so much better for taking the journey.
MIA
PUBLIC SECTOR
The sessions with Julie, really helped me
understand the stress factors in my life and the detrimental affect it had on me and my family.
I no longer take on too much and prioritise my ‘to do list’, this helps me take the pressure off myself and allows me to spend quality time with friends and family.
DAVID
Thank you hardly seems enough.
When my father died, I really struggled and couldn’t seem to get over his death.
I was angry with the world and everyone in it.
Julie helped me work through my anger and helped me come to terms with my father’s death.
PETER
I can now move on with my life!
At first, I found it difficult to talk about what had happened to me and I blamed myself.
Julie really understood where I was coming from, in our sessions we worked though the affect the abuse had on me and I no longer blame myself.
JACKIE
Julie has made a huge impact in my life
The sessions have given me a better understanding about myself in so many ways.
Julie has made a huge impact in my life by leading me the way I needed to go without me knowing consciously.
The sessions came at the right time for me and I feel so much better for taking the journey.
MIA
PUBLIC SECTOR
The sessions with Julie, really helped me
understand the stress factors in my life and the detrimental affect it had on me and my family.
I no longer take on too much and prioritise my ‘to do list’, this helps me take the pressure off myself and allows me to spend quality time with friends and family.
DAVID
You made my sessions feel comfortable and trusting.
Thanks so much for helping me regain confidence and gain coping strategies to deal with stress; I recall these strategies so many times.
gary
a safe comfortable setting
The sessions gave me time to explore my situation in a safe comfortable setting and helped me gain an understanding of my situation and past relationships with family.
caroline
Priceless!
Julie has helped me understand how I react in certain situations.
I can now control my reactions to others and don’t take things to heart so much.
As a result, my personal and professional relationships have really improved.
alison
Julie helped me gain a better understanding of myself and to look at my future and form a plan of what I want.
I have been dealing with a difficult relationship [with Julie] I have been able to raise my awareness of wider relationships.
CHRISTINE
PROFESSIONAL
Having an area in which to express my thoughts without judgment was beneficial.
I can deal with problems without catastrophising and now have tools to deal with anxiety.
Hannah
University Student
I have gained a lot of strength and positivity
A big thank you for all your help and support; it has been really appreciated.
Through our sessions you have helped me to see things as they are.
joe
Talking to someone independent of family;
identifying [new] coping mechanisms and being able to understand and confront my anxieties in a rational way really helped.
ARTHUR
This is only the beginning of my new life.
I learned that I am a strong enough person to deal with whatever life throws at me and that I can tackle any obstacle calmly and confident enough, without always losing my temper…..
SARAH
BUSINESS OWNER
We now have a much better working relationship.
I was struggling at work in particular with one member of staff.
Counselling helped me work through this issue
MICHAEL
Thank you for the support you have given me.
If I hadn’t come to see you, I would have still been in the same state I was when we first met.
TRISH
I’m looking forward to a brighter future thanks to you.
Thank you so much for your guidance and support. I am very gratefuL.
LINDA
Quite simply…
Having one hour per week devoted to talking and working through my problems helped.
BEN
PROFESSIONAL
Julie made me feel valued
and helped me to open up and face with the issues I had. Brilliant!
STEPHANIE
Thank you hardly seems enough
for your help and support, because of this I feel able to move on.
SARAH
I feel you have helped me so much.
Many thanks for all your support and understanding in my difficult times.
BEN
I appreciate all you have done more than you will ever know
Thank you for your help through the tough time I have just been through.
CAROL
I like myself now and it feels great!
Thank you so much helping me to feel better about myself.
