Client Testimonials

All quotes used have been with clients consent

Dear Steve,
Sometimes life takes a turn that you are not expecting, and mine did just that. I thought I could deal with it on my own and then I cracked. I was recommended counselling but was quite sceptical about the whole process, but I felt I had nothing else to lose. It was nothing like I imagined and I am so glad to have taken that first step. Having someone have the time to listen to you and never judge you was very comforting. For the first time in a long time I felt huge relief at getting my problems out there and I started to understand ways of accepting them and dealing with them. Steve was very good at making me do the work to find my own answers, but it helped me to find myself again.
Since my therapy finished I have had other traumas in my life and am now not afraid of asking for help to deal with them. I can’t thank Steve enough for his time, patience and most importantly helping me to feel like me again.
- Katy Sexton MBE British Athlete/Swimmer - used with kind permission

Working with Steve has been so helpful for me to work through issues with anxiety. I really appreciate his kind and casual approach; I feel like I'm talking to a friend who gives really good advice, rather than feeling like I'm under a spotlight having to talk about my feelings. I'm from another country, and Steve really understands how culture can affect how we react to different issues, which was really important to me.
- Ann

Steve has changed my life...
Before seeing Steve, I'd tried medication and other forms of therapy multiple times. But, none could even come close to Steve's ability to empathise with my problems and help me get through them. Seeing Steve is an enjoyment, and doesn't feel like your 'stereotypical counselling'. He's warm and welcoming which is exactly what I needed during a low point of my life. He always offers me a cup of tea when I see him, so it feels like a seeing a friend or a relative.
He helped me smile about the things that were making me feel low, and taught me to carry this on outside of therapy and share it with others.
Steve is a truly amazing man, and any client of his is lucky to be given his time.
- Chris

Been seeing him for several months and it's helped me to vent my frustrations, he's a very relaxed and chilled man as well as very funny. He is very good at his job and makes the whole thing very comfortable
- Joe

Steve has been an invaluable support in getting me to understand myself and therefore communicate much better with loved one and others.

He is a great listener but will also give an opinion when needed. This makes our sessions much more interactive and for me much more helpfull.

He is also a really friendly and kindly chap.
- Nick B

I was recommended Steve at the darkest of my days. He has instilled a more positive and forward-looking midset with me, which has meant I can value myself again. His approach has been very candid and engaging. I leave each session with a sense I can live with my illness and not have it control my every waking minute.
- Craig

Hi Steve, I just wanted to get in touch to thank you for all your help and support during my time in counselling. I had no idea what to expect and was very nervous, but you soon put me at ease. You made me feel very comfortable and this allowed me to voice all the worries and stress that I had bottled up for a long time. You helped me to discover for myself what was causing all my stress and anxiety and how to deal with it in my own way. You did not judge me or try to tell me what I should do, but let me use you as a sounding board and then make my own decisions. I feel that I know myself better and am a more rounded and confident person since coming for counselling with you! Thank you again for everything. Best wishes
-S

I have been Steve’s client for 2 years through my son’s terminal illness and subsequent death. Steve, throughout, have been sensitive, empathetic and caring. Having lost my only son at 24 years-of-age, my counselling sessions with Steve have supported me through dark days and total heartbreak. Steve’s professionalism, gentle challenges and consistency have helped me to somehow move forward towards the light.
- CL

I was very cynical of therapy in the beginning but having completely run out of options of how to deal with my life on my own I figured I didn't really have anything to lose.
Steve helped me work through my issues in such a way it was more like having a chat with a good friend, albeit a very insightful friend instead of a therapist.

I cannot stress enough that Steve is a fantastic therapist, and has quite literally saved my life so I owe him quite considerably more than the small amount he charges for session!

I would recommend Steve to anyone in a heartbeat; no question.

TLDR:
Steve has a fantastic temperament with just the right balance of the sanguine, melancholic and phlegmatic humours to put his clients at ease and create a safe, relaxed, welcoming and confidence inspiring atmosphere right from the start.
- Paul

I came to Steve in my early twenties having struggled since a young age with mental health. Being male it was difficult to accept I needed help because of the stigma around men and mental health. Soon after coming to see Steve I was diagnosed with something called General Anxiety Disorder which was a relief in getting an understanding of where my struggles came from. From this I was put on to the correct medication and with the support of Steve over the years there has been significant improvements and I am now living a more fulfilling life and have a far more positive outlook to what the future will bring.I Highly recommend Steve and his personable and caring nature to anyone looking to making the first steps to changing there lives.
- Rob

I have been seeing Steve for over a year now. As someone who found the idea of therapy a bit intimidating, he was very welcoming and patient right from the start. Over the course of the past year he's been a vital part in my development. Would highly reccomend to anyone. Whilst mental health is often a serious topic, the in-between moments of levity and lightheartedness alongside the counseling from Steve go a long way in making it much more enjoyable and engaging.
- Sam J

Dear Steve,
I wanted to say thank you for helping me get back on track. As you know, I was very dubious about the whole counselling thing, but my girlfirend gave me a choice: get my anger sorted or we were over. I though counselling would be a load of touchy feely rubbish, but I am so glad I came. Your down-to-earth, straight-talking and sense of humour is great and now I even miss coming! It is also great to know that I can always come back for a top-up if I ever need it. Everybody can see a positive change in me and I’m not ashamed to tell people that I have had counselling and how much it has helped me.
Thanks again.
- T.C

When you’re at your darkest point, Steve is literally the person that switches the light on and shows you the way out. Being sceptical about the therapy process and how much it would actually help, I was so glad to be proven wrong. Steve is friendly and engaging, having a real talent for speaking at the right times and saying things that help you to understand who you are and why you feel like you do. He mixes his sessions with intelligent insights, humour and when required he speaks directly and candidly. But mostly he listens, and when you feel depressed, anxious, worthless, alone etc etc.....that’s a priceless quality.
- Warren

I was very sceptical about therapy before I came, however, this feeling has completely changed. Being a young male, the controversy about going to a place like this goes through our heads, but actually meeting and working with Steve changed all of that. I really felt like the weight I had been carrying on my shoulders was lifted and he really helped with both my anxiety and depression. I now look forward to going as I know it’s a good place to talk and vent.
- Nathan

When asked to give feedback on my experiences with counselling, the main thing that came to mind is the dramatic improvement in my life and wellbeing. Having met Steve at the age of 12 as a troubled teen, Steve has helped me through various stages of my life - I’m now 23! Steve is extremely approachable and comforting. His laidback and personable approach to counselling gave me - especially as a young male - a platform to be able to work through my issues in a comfortable environment.
- Olli

Steve has really helped me to deal with my anxiety and depression issues. His down to earth and friendly nature made me feel very comfortable from our first session and has been a positive influence on many aspects of my life. Steve has made a huge impact on how I see myself and how I deal with situations. I cannot recommend him enough.
- Aaron

Steve is my guardian angel in the form of a man I honestly don't know where I would be. I am now 15 and I started attending counselling when I was 13, I was put there at first when I was 12 but dew to my stubbornness I refused until it was to late and I needed help. Steve has a special place in my hart for all he has done for me, thank you Steve.
- Olly

As a client of Steve's I've made massive personal improvements, not only in my mental health but also in how I tackle any challenging daily situations, he is able to adapt his methods depending on whichever scenario you might be going through and helps you to develop a healthier, more realistic view on it, through whatever means suit you best. As far as I can see as a single client. As a young man struggling with finding myself he has been incredibly helpful and having gone through previous therapy before and having concerns that once you're feeling better you're on your own,Steve has also made me feel very reassured that if things get hard again he'll be there to pick you back up, thank you Steve.
- Michael

When I first started seeing Steve I’d had the hardest couple of years of my life, with pre-existing issues I felt the time was right for me to see a therapist. It changed my life massively being able to see someone that I felt totally confortable with. I had previously tried another therapist, which didn’t end well, however Steve has been an absolute God-send and is the easiest person to talk to I’ve ever met, helping me find my true self and helping me come to terms with certain events in my life and be able to move on in a positive way. As a 23 year-old male I would recommend Steve to anyone going through a difficult time.
- Jacob

I started therapy with Steve at the darkest point in my life (suicidal thoughts and actions were a daily occurrence) and I was sure that therapy wasn't going to work for me. I couldn't have been more wrong. Steve made me feel comfortable and welcomed from the very first session, with no pressure on me to talk about anything that I wasn't ready to.

I was put first.

I could write an essay on the positive things that have happened in my life, and in my brain, as a result of therapy with Steve, but I don't have the time or space here. Needless to say, If it weren't for Steve, there is a very real possibility that I would not be here today.

For the first time in my life I had found someone I could talk to that understood the many facets of mental health. My experiences were validated and given meaning, allowing me to understand what was going on and how to manage it. I was not judged. I was not made to feel weak. I was not made to feel any less of a man, or human. I was not treated as just another patient that needed to be processed.

I was also not pitied or patronised. Being treated with respect made the whole process a lot easier.

I have had many hours of therapy with Steve. I have cried and I have exorcised many of my demons; but, most of all, I have laughed and learned. I am in a good place in my life. That is, without a shadow of a doubt, down to the therapy that Steve provides.
- Lewis

Steve has been a real big help to me especially being a man in my mid twenties I found it hard to open up and speak about my emotions but Steve has taught me that it's ok to talk about my emotions and ok to be upset and not to hide or bloke out the way I feel.
- Shane S

It took quite a long time to allow myself to access therapy an meeting Steve immediately made me realise I had made the right decision. He has the amazing capacity to make you feel in control and calm and ready to talk when you are ready. I had this vision of a therapist asking me loads of questions, instead I was met with a very well-developed listening ear. Never looked back.
- Wendy

Dear Steve
I just wanted to say thank you for the help I've had from you in my counselling sessions. The understanding and empathy you have shown to me through my difficut times have made an enormous difference. You have a way of seeming to understand what I have been feeling and I felt very relaxed in your company and able to tell you my innermost thoughts without judgement. Thank you.
Regards
J

Dear Steve,
We both wanted to let you know that a year on we are still together and in fact our relationship is stronger than ever and it’s no exaggeration to say that without counselling we would not be together now. You not only helped us as a couple but helped us to rediscover ourselves as individuals. We both appreciated your open and frank approach and your sense of humour. Both of us actually now miss our sessions.
Thank you.
- J and W M

Dear Steve
I thought I would drop you a line of thanks as my life has moved into a different phase. I am now comfortable with being happy for the first time in a long time. Our counselling sessions are largely responsible for making me more open to happiness.
We both know I will never fully recover from the tragic blow dealt to me but I am finding ways of living with it. I hope all is well with you. Please feel free to share this message for others to read if it will serve any useful purpose.
Best Wishes
-CW

I started seeing Steve this time last year and straight away felt relaxed and confident we could work together to cover some issues . Over the 6 months of regular meetings Steve helped me see things from a different perspective and he helped me understand much more about my life past and present . He creates a warm and relaxed environment for you and makes the experience far less daunting than it could be.
- LL

Finding Steve was a life-changing moment for me. I began therapy several years ago despite being very cynical and 'male' about finding help but, through his sense of humour and light-hearted approach, I felt comfortable and able to trust him immediately.

He helped me not only recognise and manage my symptoms of depression and anxiety but has helped me through a lot of very big changes in my life. Although no-longer in regular therapy I try to check-in with Steve whenever possible for the occasional 'top-up'.

Since seeing Steve, I have recommended him to virtually everyone I know and he has taken on a large number of my friends and family (I don't know if they just sent me in as a guinea pig!) but he is able to deal with all sorts of personalities going through all sorts of different things and I think this is almost certainly what sets him apart.

Going through therapy with Steve has been interesting, constructive, occasionally emotional, often hilarious but always positive and always helpful.
- Adam

When I began working with a counsellor I realised very quickly, that the majority of my problems stemmed from a deep rooted lack of self-esteem, and this was causing self destructive behaviour, including alcohol and substance abuse.
Understanding this enabled me to begin to challenge my own behaviour and thought patterns and to realise that I do have worth.
This is a long and at times painful process, but one ultimately leading to a fuller life, and a life lived less fearfully.
- A

Hi Steve,
I had an idea of what a counsellor would be like and you were definetly not it!
Thank you for being yourself and helping me find and accept who I am.
- W.S

Seeing Steve has made a huge difference to my life. He's helped me to resolve a lot of the issues that I've had my whole life and seeing him regularly helps me to manage my anxiety. I've been seeing him for nearly two years and it really has transformed how i feel about myself and my relationships with others I can't recommend him enough.
- DJ

I have been seeing Steve for about 10 years. At first he helped me through a crisis and now I see him to keep on top of things. His approach is kind and caring and he is excellent at getting you to challenge the way you think about yourself and the world around you. He restores your self confidence and self esteem.

Everything in life seemed pretty horrible when I first started seeing Steve and over the years he has put me back on the path of enjoying life. He also comes up with hilarious and incredibly effective coping mechanisms.

Without Steve life would still be pretty horrible.
- Jenny

Steve has had a profound effect on my wellbeing over the last 5 years I have known him. I always look forward to seeing him as I know I will leave in a better place than when I arrived. Steve has a fantastic gift of making you feel valued and helping you find your perspective again. Steve is warm, caring and at times has had me laughing my head off. I can not recommend Steve highly enough and I'm so glad to have him as my therapist.
- WJ

Hi Steve,
Because of my issues I thought that working with a male counsellor would be hard, I am so glad I decided to have an introductory session. I immediately knew that this was right. You have helped me more than I can say. I feel i know who I am and that I can now trust which is so amazing.
Thank you Steve
- T.W

My sessions with Steve were great for me at a difficult time. He helped me to see things more clearly and even to realise that my previous grief was affecting my current feelings. I felt at ease with him and able to speak freely. Steve allowed me the time to process things whilst we talked and he used his insight and experience to frame my own experiences. He definitely helped me to see that what I was feeling was normal and gave me the boost I needed as I tried to come to terms with things. Thank you Steve!
- Scott

Steve is a generous, warm hearted and engaging person. The therapy is person centred but Steve likes to work through dialogue and discussion. He creates a safe and accepting space where it is possible to explore even the most sensitive issues.
- Julian

Steve is simply excellent. It is no exaggeration to say, that had I not met Steve, I would not be the person I am today. I was in such a bad place, and could see no way out. Steve was my light at the end of the tunnel.

I thoroughly enjoyed each and every session with Steve. They were always so informal, like having a cup of tea with a good friend!

I would recommend him to anyone (even my Brother, who has also now arranged to meet with Steve!).
- Danni

Dear Steve,
I was recommended to you but as you know I was concerned about seeing a male counsellor because of the issues I had. However, I wanted to say to you it was the best decision that I have ever made. I have now regained my confidence and feel like a whole person. You have a great way of working and I wish you well.
Thank you
- C.E

Hi Steve,
I just wanted to send you a quick e-mail to say thanks for all the help so far. Our sessions are so useful. So far they have helped me realize what I've needed to realize and have been thinking about for a long time. It was time to face up to it too. Knowing what I know now from our sessions, it's all a great realization. Thank you for your help Steve
- C

Becoming a client of Steve's is the best investment I have ever made into my future. So much so I have recommended him to both friends and family. He is not judgemental and I can completely be myself in sessions which in turn enabled me to do that in all parts of my life.
I began counselling nearly 3 years ago with weekly appointments and I am now attending flexibly every 4-6 weeks. 3 years ago I would not have believed I could be this confident, brave or consistently happy. I feel completely in control of my own life and decisions and I have Steve's help to thank for that.
- Megan

Steve thanks for all your exeptional support through the difficult times. Keep doing things your way. It works.
- CE

Dear Steve,
I just wanted to send you some feedback to put on your web page. Like many of the people who have left comments I was sceptical when I came to see you. I just felt it was a last resort and what did I have to lose? To be really honest, I still don’t quite understand what happened exactly, but what I do know is that I was able to say things I had never told anyone and things I had not even admitted to myslef. I am now content in a way I never thought possible and for the first time I feel like a whole person. You had a way of accepting me and challenging me at the same time, which was amazing. The coping strategies we found will be with me for life. If counselling can work for me, it can work for anyone. It’s made me feel more of a man, not less of one.
Thank you
- B.C

Until I met Steve I would let my overthinking cause me to be really anxious and unhappy, and at times feel quite isolated. I would keep the thoughts to myself and not share them with anyone, even my close friends. Steve encourages me to think outside the box, let me be who I am, saying what I want not matter how trivial it may be. Steve's ability to use humour, laughter, honesty and openness has enabled me to create a way to think outside the box and challenge my own thoughts. His support has made me feel that I'm not different from anyone else, has encouraged me to be more happy in my own skin and realise that I'm not alone. I never thought counselling would be something I would need or want to try but Steve's support has helped me to be more open and happy in myself to deal with life.
- Phil

When my doctor suggested counselling when I was struggling with anxiety following sexual harassment at work, I was very reluctant. However, from talking to a friend, Steve was recommended to me. Contacting him was one of the best decisions I've ever made.

He just has the wonderful ability to really see you. To ‘get' where you are and where you're coming from. To help you see that it's ok to feel how you're feeling and to give you strategies on finding some kind of normality again.

I was worried that I'd just be sat talking and it would be a bit of a one way street, but Steve knows when you need to talk and knows when you need to hear from him. He's refreshingly straight talking and we quickly built a great relationship.

I've come such a long way with Steve's help and it's great to know he's there. Hopefully I won't need him for any more First Aid but I fully intend to have a regular mental MOT with him in future. Counselling has completely lost any stigma with me and I would highly recommend Steve to anyone (and indeed have already recommended him to a friend!).
- Lynn

Steve is down to earth and easy to talk to/deal with. I would recommend Steve to anyone in need of Counselling or other therapy no matter what your issues. Value for money, flexible and genuine concern/care for his clients without being touchy feely
- Kevin

Steve I want to thank you for helping me face and come to terms with some painfull past issues and and start living so much more at peace in the present. Your warmth and sense of humour will always stay with me, thank you so much
- E

Steve has helped me with my anxiety. He is very easy to talk to and the sessions seem to fly by but at the same time we get a lot of talking in He has helped me talk to people like my wife, family and friends about how I'm feeling rather than keeping everything bottled in. Thoroughly recommended.
- Conor

Empathetic, challenging, supportive, Steve has helped me through some dark times, and continues to do so. i cannot recommend him highly enough.
- JB

I have been working with Steve Briggs as my counsellor for a number of years. Steve has his own style which is both empathetic and honest While challenging your issues and helping the client to find their own answers, hence helping with both recovery and the understanding of your mental health issues. I was dubious about seeking help due to my preconceived knowledge of counsellors being sympathetic and touchy freely. I soon was at ease with Steve's style and cannot underestimate the significant effect Steve has had on my recovery. If you are looking for a counsellor to help with any issues at all. I would recommend that you make Steve your first call, you will not be disappointed
- Kevin R

Steve has helped me immensely to understand myself. He is personable and professional, being discreet with an ability to empathise and bring out the best in a situation. A great tonic- l thoroughly recommend him.
- Kath

I was very sceptical about the benefits of a therapist ,I'm a middle aged man and not used to talking about my feelings but Steve made it really easy and natural.
It has helped enormously with my recovery , just plain talking good humoured support ,guidance and would recommend him in a shot.
And I'm very jealous of his hair.
- Barrie

Steve has helped both myself personally & a number of people within my family.

He has been nothing short of brilliant & we would fully recommend him (as we have done) to people needing help.

Don't hesitate & get in touch with Steve today and start you're own healing process.
-Dan B