Testimonials 2020-22

"I first approached Phil, seeking help with what I saw as a final piece of a puzzle. Why I would make poor food choices and the feelings of shame, guilt and anger as a result. I was looking for an approach that crafted how to explore and understand the challenges with practical tools. To cultivate new ways of thinking, feeling and doing. Phil has a unique breadth and depth of practice that was able to deliver this, that on occasion needed to respond ‘in the moment’ to a change of plan. I felt the combination of mindfulness and CBT was a natural fit to my sensibilities. And Phil is exceptional at holding a safe space in which acceptance and change can happen. Enjoying tasks, his summaries and ‘homework’ suggestions were always thorough and fruitful and the occasional inspirational prompt via social media very welcome. Thank you."

"I have greatly benefitted from the sessions I have had with Philip. I had been suffering from a lot of neck and back pain, which I believe was caused by anxiety, and was clearly extremely anxious during lockdown and after. We started off with the CBT for anxiety and hurt and then changed the sessions to a mixture of reporting and discussing and some CBT on my request. I think it really worked to have a different aspect to the sessions whilst still ‘revising CBT thinking’. Throughout the whole process I felt very supported. I felt that ingrained behaviour patterns were challenged and stated to shift. My view as well as behaviour changed quite quickly. However, I am aware that I will have to do quite a bit of regular maintenance, but I feel much, much better in myself. Not only has my anxiety nearly gone - it only comes up rarely in specific situations and I then know how to deal with it, contain it. I feel much more in charge of my own emotions and have managed to change my ’self-talk’ to be more positive. I am more curious about life in general  and have actually been able to take risks, which I would never have been able to take before. I now feel better than I have felt in years. Thank you very much Philip."

"I have previously sought help, and counselling, for my emotional state on a number of occasions, so I am pleased that Phil was able to work through issues I have with anger, anxiety and loneliness.  We worked through how I approach many situations and in particular why I develop certain thoughts in my mind; Phil encouraged me to consider the facts, so as to encourage a more healthy approach.  It became increasingly apparent that I suffer from abandonment issues developed in my childhood.  This was quite a revelation as I had not previously been conscious of this.  More recently Phil has advised me how I might better come to terms with these particular problems." 

"I completed a 6 week CBT programme with Philip as I had been finding it very challenging to manage bursts of anxiety. During this short time Philip helped me see what was going on beneath the surface and equip me with tools to resolve this issue. I have noticed a profound change in certain relationships that were particularly challenging as well as an overall boost in confidence to trust myself and my instincts! Thank you Philip!"

"Philip really helped me in a time of need, I was feeling lost and needed proper guidance. He managed to help me get over some of my fears after suffering some trauma. I highly recommend Philip to anyone who needs to understand the deeper meaning to their issues."

"Phil, just wanted to thank you for your kindness, help & expert assistance. It's so odd and scary to suddenly come off the rails & lose control.  You put me back on the rails. Thanks again."

"I consulted Phil because my goal was to lose weight by controlling what I consumed. Phil helped me to put this aim into perspective and focus my thoughts more on remaining fit and mobile, which is a more long-term and sustainable goal than mere weight loss. Phil also helped me to recognise the positive aspects of my body shape given my age, rather than focusing solely on the negatives. This had made me far more realistic about the direction to follow and whilst I still try to work on my food intake, I'm now much more concerned with my mobility and overall fitness. I highly recommend Phil's work."

I have been lucky enough to have had 10 therapy sessions with Phil Naniewski. I have found him truly professional, competent , methodical and intuitive in the way he works. Post each session he summaries work that has been achieved and issues raised, reaffirming what has been covered. He sets homework to reinforce the client taking responsibility for their own progress made and healing journey. During our sessions he introduced his own diagnostic pictorial charts which helped one to  clearly see when ones thoughts are illogical and irrational and inspired one to create positive scripts that support me in moving forward with the life challenges being faced. His friendly open approach makes one feel supported when sharing personal beliefs and thoughts and not judged, emphasising a sense of security.
I experienced a positive and beneficial supportive professional relationship with Phil and would highly recommend anyone seeking a therapist for any personal issue to contact him".

“I was referred to Philip via a mutual acquaintance after experiencing anxiety that led to a panic attack.  Time is a precious commodity to me but the time we spent was efficient, practical and effective.  I was able to better understand the underlying causes of my issues and feel armed with practical solutions for managing and controlling them now and in the future.”

"I turned to Philip for help after suffering a stroke caused by untreated high blood pressure.  Having returned to full time work I found it overwhelming.  Through CBT and Mindfulness he showed me that my quest for certainty and perfection was illusory.  It is enough to be competent and productive.  His techniques helped me to control anxiety at work which in turn assisted me to manage my blood pressure.  I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Philip."

"I met Philip through some good references from a previous therapist I had. I had tried CBT before and got some benefits from it, but Phil's more action-based and very structured sessions really helped grounding and recovering a bit of balance at a time where I was experiencing some extreme anxiety at work. Working with Phillip feels in a way like having a personal trainer, he gives you great tips and guidance, you do your part of the work and he's great at following up and helping you when you're not quite feeling it. Definitely recommend (but don't forget to put your share of work into it!)"

"Having tried numerous medical and alternative options (to deal with panic disorder and performance anxiety) over a number of years with no success, Philip Naniewski was recommended to me.  What I had begun to see as insurmountable challenges, Philip broke down into smaller elements & effectively ‘reset’ my mind through swapping unhealthy beliefs with more healthy, constructive beliefs.    Philip's work provides you with simple, effective techniques that can make a long-term difference to mental well-being."