Here's what our clients say about us.
Check out what our workplace clients say.
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"Neil is extremely personable, with a soothing and understanding persona that makes sharing uncomfortable truths really easy. Eliminating unnecessary drama and anxiety from my life has enabled me to become more productive, happier, and able to say NO to toxic situations and people that have dragged me down for most of my adult life.
Every session with Neil has been transformational and enlightening, and my only regret is not finding him sooner. Neil has contextualised meditation in a way that enables me to be mindful whilst understanding the common tricks that the mind plays on us. I am able to manage difficult situations and people more readily and without stress or anxiety." - Tracy(1-1 coaching client)
Every session with Neil has been transformational and enlightening, and my only regret is not finding him sooner. Neil has contextualised meditation in a way that enables me to be mindful whilst understanding the common tricks that the mind plays on us. I am able to manage difficult situations and people more readily and without stress or anxiety." - Tracy(1-1 coaching client)
See what the students of Dolphin School thought about the mindfulness curriculum
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"I have done mindfulness and meditation courses before but never have I connected so much with the approach, the techniques and the teacher as in the 6 week mindfulness and meditation courses Neil ran.
Neil is incredibly charismatic, playful and funny whilst also being super knowledgeable, empathetic and insightful.
He strikes the perfect balance between the two. I have learnt things that are really going to improve my life significantly. I loved it so much I am probably going to book onto the next mindfulness and positivity course Neil is doing in June. I would 10/10 recommend Neil to anyone who is wanting to explore mindfulness more" - Jenni B
Neil is incredibly charismatic, playful and funny whilst also being super knowledgeable, empathetic and insightful.
He strikes the perfect balance between the two. I have learnt things that are really going to improve my life significantly. I loved it so much I am probably going to book onto the next mindfulness and positivity course Neil is doing in June. I would 10/10 recommend Neil to anyone who is wanting to explore mindfulness more" - Jenni B
Thank you for your recent work with my son. I really believe it has helped him find the positive in situations life throws at him, and even when he feels knocked, he's so much better and finding his way through. He hit a bit of a low this Christmas and it really struck me how differently he dealt with it. Not only did he notice what he needed (food, decent sleep etc), he didn't let it settle in the way he might have done previously. I know he's still a young'un, and who knows what life will throw at him, but his time with you was time well spent. He's learnt so much about himself and he's definitely in a better place now than he's been for ages. - Lucy, 1-1 young person client (parent)
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Lucy, group and 1-1 client
In 2018 and 2019 Lucy and I worked together to get mindfulness into her life and help her enjoy the moment, instead of getting lost in future focused worrying. "I did the 6 week course and loved it. We then did 1-1 sessions. I'd never done mindfulness or meditation previously. It was completely alien to me. |
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Camilla. coaching client.
In 2017 we worked together to help Camilla overcome anxiety and to return to a positive attitude, using meditation and self-enquiry. "Meditation has helped me to relax and feel more hopeful. I didn't imagine how good it would feel. Neil is amazing - he thinks in a new way and is full of positivity - he really transmits that! Everyone should do this. We all have stuck moments and there are better ways to live. The sessions exceeded my expectations so much!" (Camilla, 1-1 coaching, 2017) |
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Julie C, 1-1 Coaching (for health) Sessions.
Julie has been experiencing various health conditions for over 20 years, including symptoms of ME and Fibromyalgia. We worked on restoring her mind health to a more positive state using meditation, affirmation and visualisation and we also uncovered and flipped some self limiting beliefs. |
After 25 odd years of exploring complementary therapies, and self-help techniques, it can take a *lot* to impress me. And I'm deeply impressed with the approach and coaching abilities of Neil, aka Positively-Mindful (based in Bristol, and world-wide on Skype). His free guided meditations I love include the 'Wellness Mini Meditation' and I feel it would be useful to many. Particularly useful perhaps to those experiencing chronic challenges, where the symptoms themselves (or an increase in them) can cause additional stress that is not particularly helpful in allowing the body to rest and repair. The Loving Kindness meditation is great too, and I look forward to trying the others...I'm particularly sensitive to sound, and visual is my least accessible sense, so I'm very happy to find guided meditations that are accessible for tonal/kinaesthetics ). Thanks for making these freely available Neil (Julie C, 1-1 health coaching, 2017)
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Martyn, 1-1 Coaching Sessions.
Martyn was starting his new work and wanted to rediscover mindfulness to help him reach his full potential, uncover limiting beliefs and go forward with clarity and passion. "It was life changing! Transformational! |
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John, 6 week group course participant
John enjoyed learning at Bristol City Yoga with 20 other people over 6 weeks and he gained a lot of insights and friendships from the course, which he is not integrating into his life.
John enjoyed learning at Bristol City Yoga with 20 other people over 6 weeks and he gained a lot of insights and friendships from the course, which he is not integrating into his life.
"I enjoyed meeting like minded people with the same aim as myself. Neil was great and always had a great beaming smile. People at work have commented that they have seen an improvement in me, so this is brilliant and I am grateful to Neil for helping me see the way forward." (John Hickey, 6 week group participant, November 2016)
Poppy, 1-1 Client.
Poppy and I worked together to overcome some of her personal anxieties and we explored:
Stoic Meditation, Wu Wei, Vipassana and Therapeutic listening sessions.
She used this to help her pass her PHD final interview.
Poppy and I worked together to overcome some of her personal anxieties and we explored:
Stoic Meditation, Wu Wei, Vipassana and Therapeutic listening sessions.
She used this to help her pass her PHD final interview.
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Mike , 1-1 Client, working on improving focus and emotional control, 2016
Mike was finding that he wanted 1-1 sessions to focus better and get a tailor made service in his own time, seeing as he couldn't always attend the same time each week. He found the 5 weeks of 1-1 valuable for both his work, improved sleeping patterns and in his relationships.
Mike was finding that he wanted 1-1 sessions to focus better and get a tailor made service in his own time, seeing as he couldn't always attend the same time each week. He found the 5 weeks of 1-1 valuable for both his work, improved sleeping patterns and in his relationships.
"I did 1-1 coaching with Neil and really enjoyed it - I gained more control over emotions and insomnia - Neil is very approachable and the delivery of his teaching is really good"
(Mike Grifthis , 1-1 Client)
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Mark S, group and 1-1 client
In 2018 and 2019 Mark and I worked together to use mindfulness to feel focused and calm, and it changed his life! |
"I did the course again! It was that much fun!" |
Frankie, Remote 1-1 Client - Mindfulness Pain Management
Recovering from a serious operation she was facing a life of chronic pain and hopelessness.
She and I worked remotely together (via Skype) to try some meditations to face the fear of pain and transform her experience. Frankie is now well on the road to recovery and living a full life again.
Recovering from a serious operation she was facing a life of chronic pain and hopelessness.
She and I worked remotely together (via Skype) to try some meditations to face the fear of pain and transform her experience. Frankie is now well on the road to recovery and living a full life again.
"I contacted Neil during a very difficult period in my life, while I was going through cancer treatment. At one point, for about 6 weeks, I was struggling with near constant pain. Neil talked me through some techniques to help me to engage with the pain, rather than always being scared of it. It was really hard to focus so intently on something I just wanted to run from. But just talking to Neil helped a lot.
Neil mixes his own experience with practical tips for dealing with the pain, and it was reassuring to hear his words. His warm and open approach instantly calmed me down, which in turn made each day more manageable. Thank you!" (Frankie J, 1-1 Client, February
Tanya, 1-1 Parent-Child Mindfulness Work
Tanya wanted to help her son work through some emotional issues and he showed an interest in Mindfulness.
He and I quickly built a rapport and we worked well together.
This work has prepared him for secondary school
Tanya wanted to help her son work through some emotional issues and he showed an interest in Mindfulness.
He and I quickly built a rapport and we worked well together.
This work has prepared him for secondary school
"I contacted Neil as my son was having difficulties in sleeping (he is 11) . Neil has an amazing friendly and welcome approach which children relate to and that made the whole process much easier - I have recommended Neil since for friends who need additional support for their children as they navigate life and I am using Neil again myself for the secondary school transition time to help with the adjustment. Neil really "gets it " from the children's perspective" (Tanya, 1-1 Client)
Lulu, 1-1 Client
Lulu wanted to work through past memories and feel good about herself again.
We worked together over the course of three months.
She felt comfortable enough to embrace travelling and went off on a big adventure!
Lulu wanted to work through past memories and feel good about herself again.
We worked together over the course of three months.
She felt comfortable enough to embrace travelling and went off on a big adventure!
"So far I have had four 1:1 sessions with Neil and am excited about booking the next block. In these few sessions Neil helped me to address some key stresses in my life including some difficult behaviours and thinking that I was struggling with. The most interesting thing is that life hit me with a few curve balls over the course of our sessions (giving me lots to talk about), things that I would have expected to knock me sideways.
However, amazingly, I just felt stronger and more resilient each time a problem occurred when I had a chance to go over it with Neil. Over a month or so, my mindset has shifted from being scared, stressed out and full of self doubt, to being excited, motivated and generally the most positive I have been in a long time. Neil's manner is something that I have never seen in any practitioner before. He created an absolutely trusting, safe and non-judgemental environment where he positively challenged me, he provided me with worthy insights and easy tools to use in my day to day life, and we also had a lot of fun.
This has absolutely been the best experience of complimentary therapy (or indeed of any therapeutic activity!) I have ever had. I have already recommended him to pretty much everyone I speak to!" (Lulu, Bristol, 1-1 client)
Wendy, Mindfulness 6 Week Group Workshop
Wendy attended with her daughter, after a recent family bereavement and we worked through grief and questions about life and death. This was a real benefit to the group and they left the 6 weeks feeling more complete and open.
Wendy attended with her daughter, after a recent family bereavement and we worked through grief and questions about life and death. This was a real benefit to the group and they left the 6 weeks feeling more complete and open.
This has been my first taste of Meditation and i enjoyed and learned so much from each of the sessions. I love the fact we all bonded really well and the fact I was made to feel comfortable sharing my thoughts - something I have never been able to do before outside of the family.
Neil you are such a great teacher and are always open to listening very carefully and attentively to each of us. You deliver the course extremely well and have really inspired me to learn more about Mindfulness and to keep practicing Meditation. This is helping me so much especially at this very sad time in my life.
Not a day goes by without me visualising the `glass of water `and how it gets heavier and heavier when we layer up those worries.I`ve gained so much from the course and am using my new knowledge to try help my other daughters :-) Many thanks! (Wendy, Bristol, 6 Week Course)
Rebecca, Mindfulness 6 -Week Group Workshop
Rebecca was already experienced in forms of mindfulness, therapy and self-development.
She came looking for something different and some inspiration.
Rebecca was already experienced in forms of mindfulness, therapy and self-development.
She came looking for something different and some inspiration.
"This course contributed hugely to a transformation in my outlook, behaviour and general sense of self. The fundamental lesson for me was realising the benefit of meditation and developing a personal practice to suit my needs, as well as an exploration into my true self and learning to listen to myself and to others effectively. "
(Rebecca, Bristol, 6 Week Course)
Other Great Testimonials
"Neil has brought a very calming and healing energy to our department. His classes are well structured and have a progressive layout from week to week so there are changes from one session to the next which keeps things new and exciting. I think that everyone should try mindfulness sessions" (Ben McNee, University of Bristol Events Team)
"Neil's workshops have proved to be an invaluable resource for students and staff at UWE Bristol, helping them develop mindfulness techniques to cope with work related stress and improve their resilience generally." - Amy Tanner, Staff member at University of Western England
"I liked the way that you explained how the brain reacts to thoughts. It helped me understand my own experiences more and I have learned to let go of arguing with reality!" - Student at University of Western England
Neil - After one session I found it very uplifting, I felt like I was floating afterwards - it was amazing!
Mark Swain
Really calming and a fantastic break when there is a lot of pressure from work. Really liked Neil and how the group got more confident over time. Brilliant activities such as these get people together and talking. (6 Week Course Participant, Bristol University Geography) I liked the warm an inclusive atmosphere, where we all felt safe to talk openly. Neil made everyone feel welcomed. His insights gave me confidence and direction to retrain my brain. (Rick Standing, 6 Week Course) "Great layout of the courses - unforced and balanced meditation, lots of open and honest discussions which were really interesting way to learn. I like the mix of spirituality and factual advice about feelings and human behaviour" (Jess, 6 Week Course) "I loved being in a space with a group of people with one thing in common; a desire to have some peace in our lives." |
Hi Neil,
I just wanted to email my thanks for the sessions you have been running with geography at the university of Bristol. I have found these an excellent help and i feel i have been making great progress in using the skills of mindfulness in everyday life to try and help me with things I struggle with. This well being course came at a fantastic time for me, as I have begun to accept the challenges I face with mood and anxiety and feeling “swamped”, therefore I wanted to let you know how grateful I have been for all your words of wisdom and for increasing my awareness of myself. I found your first session on anxiety particularly helpful. - Hannah Williams, Student at Bristol University. |
"You treated us with the utmost care as you guided us through the ways of thinking that can lead to a more positive and happier outlook. I really liked the fact that you created a welcoming and non-judgemental space in which we were able to be vulnerable (not always an easy thing for me to be in front of others!). I have learnt a lot from this course, above all to treat myself with a little more kindness, to forgive myself and to practice self-love. I've learnt that to do this is not about self-absorption or selfishness, but to find a way of being in the world in which my relationships with others, as well as my relationship with myself, can be more peaceful and joyful."
(Josie, Bristol, 6 Week Course)
"I gained techniques to relax and see things differently." |
"The course ran at a good pace and was very insightful" |
"I enjoyed the variation between meditation practice and discussion. I liked the relaxed and fluid style the course was taught in, too - it worked really well. I gained a greater understanding of mindfulness and how I can be mindful in everyday life." "Hello Neil ‘Be-More’, I just wanted to tell you what a wonderful example of clear and strong male energy you are. It's a joy to be in your field. X" "It was a great introduction to meditation. I had no idea what to expect, and the relaxed positive environment made me feel very comfortable to explore my thoughts." |
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"I booked a day long meditation session with Neil, for my sisters hen do, as a lovely relaxing end to a full weekend. Neil was so welcoming, understanding and made me feel relaxed immediately. He was calm, friendly, warm and kind. We had an hour session and wish we had booked for longer. The session was relaxing and energising all at the same time. The sounds from the singing bowl were a wonderful experience and something I would like to do again. It was the perfect end to a perfect weekend. I hope Neil does some sessions in London soon!" (P oebe Kibbey, Mindfulness Recharge Day)
"After each lesson I felt I had something to reflect upon and put into practice and move forward with in the week to come. Very often conversations or sentences came back to me during this time. Learning to mediate was the best thing about the course, I really think this will change my life. "
(Wendy, Bristol, ,6 Week Course)
"The sessions I had with Neil were eye opening and deeply personal. He has the ability to listen and hear much more than what I say while encouraging me to investigate and appreciate my own psyche."
(Tammy, 1-1 client)
It was amazing, really connected with the world around me, felt really secure and held. I have never eaten anything so mindfully! It was the most amazing experience and the perfect end to a lovely weekend in Bristol, connecting with lovely ladies! I would definitely recommend it! (Coralie banks , Mindfulness Recharge Day)
I really appreciate the Tutors' approach - being friendly, open, authentic, equal, sharing their own struggles, mixing humour with deep work, treating us with respect and equality. I have often met tutors (mostly men) who were very good as tutors in many ways but also with strong big ego which they were feeding during the courses. I haven't felt that with you -thank you so much. (Leona, Mindfulness Day Workshop)
I worked with Neil 1 to 1 for 4 weeks as I wanted to explore some hidden emotional blocks that seemed to be stifling my positive energy towards my new goal. Neil was good in that he didn't let me off the hook and asked me the questions that needed answering. He is knowledgeable, compassionate, non-judgemental, caring and a great observer and listener. Through my time with Neil I gained clarity on who I really am and what I really want to do. Discussion, combined with Mindfulness is an essential for exploring your inner you. Thanks Neil. (Martyn, 1-1 coaching)
"Owing to a number of circumstances I had got to a point in my life where my go-to emotional responses were always negative – anger, frustration, resentment, fear. This was having an impact on my relationships with partner, family and work colleagues and consequently increasing my stress. I knew I was somewhere I did not want to be but wasn’t sure how to get out of the negative cycle.
Through both group meditation and one-to-one sessions, Neil enabled me to regain my sense of humour and remember how to smile. It is a gift for which I am totally grateful, and cannot recommend him highly enough to anybody who needs to unwind a little (or a lot!)." - Roz Okatan, group drop in meditation classes