These anonymised comments have been reproduced with the full permission of the contributors. 

“After a number of traditionally orientated counselling sessions, Geoff introduced me to the concept of Wilderness Therapy, or as close as we get to the concept in the local woodland. I found this experience to be of huge importance in my life. I found it an incredibly powerful way to address issues which had haunted all of my adult life. I was able to process feelings about my childhood in a way which I had never been able to before. The symbolism of “leaving” feelings in the woods for the trees to look after for me is something I still practice today. Issues such as anger, confusion, blame and abandonment have left me. I am able to live peacefully in the day without carrying around the baggage of my past thanks to this amazing form of therapy.” (16.12.11)

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“We first visited Geoff at a low point in our relationship. We knew that deep down we had the potential to be happy but somehow we just couldn’t attain this. Our own ‘stuff/baggage’ seemed to be getting in the way and we didn’t know how to make things different.

Our work with Geoff has allowed us to understand ourselves and each other better. Geoff gives us a space where we can be really honest with each other and ourselves.

We each worked individually with Geoff to identify our own stuff and figure out how it was impacting on us and on our relationship.

Our communication improved and we developed more realistic expectations for our relationship.

Geoff got to know us both really well as individuals and as a couple and has been incredibly astute at getting to grips with our patterns and dramas. We can’t get away with anything with Geoff.

Geoff has a very pragmatic approach which meant that it always felt that we were working towards something solid (in our case a stable loving relationship strong enough to start a family). Geoff’s approach is also pragmatic in the sense that he mixes and matches different therapeutic practices as he feels appropriate.

We now wish more couples could see Geoff as he has enabled us to be more loving and more respectful towards each other and we now have a baby daughter. We still struggle at times but we have a new way of communicating which means that difficulties can now be quickly resolved instead of leading to all out warfare!” (05.12.11)

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“Geoff has helped me to overcome extreme anxiety and to enjoy life again. I
am achieving far more than before and am making better relationships with
friends and family. I am confident once more in work and social situations
and happy to get involved in hands-on charity work. I cannot recommend his
service highly enough.” (05.12.11)

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 Geoff – “Thanks for following your dreams as it’s helped me overcome my dark hours” C.

“……..a journey of discovery to the wilderness of self. Your calm gentle nature ensures a sense of safety and your challenges allow us to get that little bit closer to discovering who we truly are.” A

 

“I have just had the most amazing, challenging, life changing experience of my life”. A

 

“The Wilderness Programme tested me on so many levels. I left this morning feeling incredibly proud of my achievements on a physical, spiritual, emotional and mental level”. TB

 

“Where I did find support, understanding, cutting edge – a lot of times over the edge – experiences in living life to the full….spiritually, emotionally, mentally and physically. Come to Glan Dwr with Geoff, Jeanette and Maisie”. JL

 

“Never been able to sit in the dark, this journey brought me to sit on my own for four hours on my own, up a mountain, in a forest. Wow, what a transformation”. CR

 

“Gave me an opportunity to really tune in to the next step that I need to take in my life. It gave me insights and good memories to bring with me. It was a good time for space and reflection out of a fast paced environment” JB

 

“I have experienced the most incredible 6 day journey of my life, to date. It was an amazing journey of self discovery facilitated through respect, gentleness, caring and love. For me I believe it will be a life changing experience. Thank you, Geoff, Jeanette and Maisie”. PJ

 

“I was having mixed feelings on whether or not to participate in the wilderness experience. I am delighted that I did. Community is the first word that springs to mind. That includes all of the facilitation team and Nature herself (not forgetting Maisie). I have avoided certain issues for a long time and I have found that the Wilderness left me with no place to hide. I found the process life changing. I was lead very gently into Nature, at the same time meeting part of myself that I hide away – the feelings of low self esteem – the ‘not good enough’ part of me. I embraced that very fragile part of myself in a very safe environment. I have with the help of nature, great facilitation and my own commitment begun a process that will change my life forever. An exhilarating and enlightening experience. Totally recommended”. LK

 

“What an amazing experience, one which words do it no justice. Only to experience it, can one truly capture the true essence of it’s power. The power of Nature, Mother earth and an authentic therapy. The two marry well, like two souls intertwined. Another tool to be integrated into my own therapy practice and very much into my own process and life. The two should never be separated. CS

 

“When I took on to do the Wilderness Programme I had no idea what lay before me as it was my first experience of this kind. Physically I would not consider myself really fit and I had concerns that I would not be able to participate fully in what was to come in the work. My worries were put to rest by the professional way our wilderness guides informed us of how to keep ourselves safe and this continued throughout the three days we journeyed out in our mountain walks. I felt safe in my guides hands and was encouraged to take things at my own pace. I felt very minded, respected and held warmly through every experience. I would highly recommend this experience to everyone, whatever your age. I am fifty seven and found an inner and outer strength in myself”. TC

 

“Dear Geoff. The journey I experienced on the Wilderness week was one of Discovery, Clarity, Purpose, Vision and Action. The holding and containment was of the utmost respect. I am a person that will always put 100% into my exploration but the group and facilitators gave 200% to me. The organisers left no stone unturned, Safety both physically and therapeutically was fully present from waking to sleeping. Physical needs of food , heat and support was of an excellent level. Therapeutic process was one of an amazing journey, a destination I could I could have only imagined before going but one I will always appreciate. My destination will be with me every day and I will fully become me – the true me standing in my power and achieving my full potential. Thank You. A