What my clients say:
"I had been a smoker for my whole life, from the age 13 to when I was 60, 47 years! I had tried a number of times to give up, but succeeded only for a few months at a time. I decided to visit Damian because my wife persuaded me to, it helped that he was also a youth worker with some credibility.  What really stood out using Damian was that I thought he was affable and human, and interested in me as a person. He was very thorough and had prepared well following our assessment. Our sessions felt comfortable, but very focussed on the issues I had brought.
I was amazed that I didn't feel like smoking straight away and was really knocked out by this. I had thought I was an incorrigible smoker. Hypnotherapy did the trick. It was a good process, thorough and I felt very relaxed about it. Over 2 years on I still do not smoke, nor do I want to which is the best bit. I would recommend Damian for hypnotherapy without hesitation as he was really helpful and cracked my problem. What else can I say?" Paul B. from Bolton |
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 What Sue Wright, Safe Haven Project team leader, says about Damian:
"Your service from start to finish is exemplary on a professional, knowledgeable, yet friendly level that far exceeds other counselling agencies I have dealt with. Nothing ever seems to be too much trouble to you have always gone that extra mile for the families I have referred for counselling services." |
"After years of battling with bad habits regarding food, Damian was recommended by a friend. Initially I was a little sceptical, thinking hypnotism was like on television or films. However on meeting Damian I was soon put at ease by his easy-going and positive attitude.
 He is someone who you can feel relaxed with, as if you have been friends for years. He really cares about his clients, and listens to everything you have to say. He is always at the end of the phone offering support, and goes that extra mile to make sure you are getting everything you want. Not only does Damian offer a kind and friendly service but everything he does really works, as after only a few sessions, I was well on the way to solving my problems and as an extra bonus I lost a stone in weight! I would certainly recommend Damian."
Victoria from Bolton |
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Exert of letter received from a mum whose son was referred for counselling:
"My relationship with my son has now improved. The counselling sessions have helped him to overcome bad times, to open up and be able to talk with me about what's on his mind. He is now a happy and settled young man, who feels more secure in himself and expresses confidence around others. Thank you." |
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"Before seeing you I craved on crisps, eating bag, after bag, after bag for most of my life, at least 30 years. Initially I was scared of hypnosis as I thought they'd have me acting like a monkey or something stupid. I  eventually decided to contact you because I felt I could trust you. The thing that stands out about you is you actually genuinely care about your patients. You listen and treat them with respect & empathy. Your voice is so relaxing & calming. Most of all you're trustworthy. I was a non-believer, however I had tried every diet going so it was a last resort. I was surprised it actually worked. I was shocked & amazed that I didn't feel the need to eat crisps or crave them, how did this happen to me after all these years??? Damian is the answer. I believe this worked for me because Damian is so caring and really listened to my plight. I would recommend him to anyone even if it's just to listen to his relaxing voice. I believe he can make you well. I would like to add: Thank you Damian this is the right job for you, Good luck.
Janet D. from Bolton |
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A message from Carol Hodgkinson - Senior Pastoral Support Officer, Harper Green School
 Damian, our school counsellor, is a wonderful addition to our Pastoral Team. He shows a clear understanding of the wide and varied issues brought to school by pupils, and follows schools safeguarding policies and procedures. Damian is extremely conscientious and works independently using his initiative when it comes to arranging appointments with our pupils to cause the least disruption to the pupils learning.
Damian understands the pressures and constraints of working in a school. He is extremely professional and builds excellent relationships with the pupils he supports. The pupils find him very approachable and their informal feed back is always positive. Damian pops into my office every week to touch base and discuss any concerns he may have. Written feed back at the end of each term is invaluable. I have and will carry on recommending Damian's services to other schools within the authority.
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During 2009-10 I experienced a difficult time in my life and needed extra emotional support along with the support from my family. Damian not only provided the psychological support that I needed at the time, he provided a very comprehensive support structure that helped my progressive recovery. I found the sessions to be relaxing, informative and the support that I needed to get me back on track.
David H. from Cumbria |
"Giving presentations and speaking in meetings was always a problem, after a few sessions with Damian the nerves and mumbling subsided, and I became more confident in myself and the information I was relaying.  I am now increasingly positive about speaking in public, and am more certain in myself in work discussions. The sessions with Damian have significantly reduced the tension and worry I previously felt, and have enabled me to feel more secure when presenting to an audience, the self-belief I have in my own abilities is much improved."
Lee I. from Bolton |
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A message from Carole Marsden - Project Manager, Paws for Kids Safe Haven Project. (6th Dec. 2011)
"Paws for Kids Safe Haven Project provides home based support for families recovering from domestic abuse in Bolton. Since the launch of the Safe Haven project in 2006, Bolton Counselling services have provided a free service to young people recovering from domestic abuse.
Damian has provided a high quality free counselling service for the children/teenagers of the families we work with, this service has been invaluable to our work as, very often, young people have no access to one to one support. Bolton Counselling services are an integrated part of our service delivery enabling us to provide a holistic approach to the needs of ALL family members. Damian has an extensive knowledge of all aspects of the common issues affecting families when parents separate including, abuse, bullying, anxiety and depression. The service provided has been invaluable in assisting families in their journey in recovering from domestic abuse. The support received is excellent, not just for the clients, but also for the staff support received when clients are referred for counselling. Damian offers a confidential service and operates to a high standard of best practice and is a true asset to the Safe Haven Project. Paws for Kids Safe Haven project have no hesitation in recommending Bolton Counselling's services and thank Damian for his support and commitment to the families we work with." |
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"Damian helped me to overcome my phobia of needles. I used to get so terrified of needles at the dentist that I had to have valium the night before to help me sleep, then valium on the morning, and numbing cream on my hand, then sedation!! After 3 sessions of hypnotherapy with Damian my phobia has been drastically reduced, to the point where I am no longer bothered at all by needles.
I have just had a little boy, so throughout his pregnancy I was having blood tests and injections, all of which I was fine with. Had I not had the hypnotherapy with Damian I would have been a nervous wreck for days before each needle! Many thanks Damian. Marianne M. from Westhoughton |
 My previous supervision was fine. However there were times when I felt my supervisor didn't challenge me enough or revisit a situation with me to look at alternative outcomes. At times I left supervision empty and not in the least inspired. I also felt her religion was, at times, a barrier. Now however I am very happy with my supervision. I feel Damian understands my strengths and weaknesses and he is familiar and experienced in the area I work in. I feel he is able to offer practical ways forward.
Damian also gives me the encouragement to explore new ideas. My supervision sessions with Damian are now a time for reflection and learning and much more enjoyable. I feel a stronger counsellor now due to the support and encouragement during my supervision. I have recommended Damian to other counsellors. Debs - School Counsellor & Private Practitioner |
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"I had smoked cigarettes from the age of 14 on the school bus. I lived with two parents who smoked, and worked with people who all smoked, so I just joined in. I had tried over many years to stop smoking, using patches and counselling. I was coming up to retirement and really did not want to smoke when I retired and I was becoming more conscious of my physical health and wanted to be able to be more active.
I did my research when looking for a hypnotherapist because I knew a colleague who is a psychologist who was also a hypnotherapist so I wanted a more in-depth service than straightforward 'non smoking' hypnotherapy. Damian considered my situation and was able to use the script he wrote to personalise the session. This was what impressed me and I believe what made the session successful. I have not smoked since that day and do not have any regrets. I speak to others who continue to fantasise about cigarettes, but I do not. I would wholeheartedly recommend Damian to anyone."
Val B. from Bolton |
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