Birch Therapy Clinic
Testimonials
"“Enlisting the help of a therapist feels like a big step, as if you’re horribly damaged and need fixing. I’d avoided it for a long time, until circumstances forced my hand. Being diagnosed with prostate cancer quite literally stopped everything, the focus became … now, my body, my family, and the animals I shared my house with. “They” say you need to be ready to see a specialist, and that’s probably true, I just wish I’d realised I was ready a long time ago. Although maybe I wouldn’t have met Elaine.
I once said to her that if I’d known it was going to be this easy, I would have done it sooner, but the truth is that it isn’t easy at all. Baring your soul to someone, telling them things you’ve never admitted to yourself, let alone your spouse or best friend, takes courage, and a desire to confront the ogres and disarm the demons.
Elaine just makes it seem easy. She’s five steps ahead of you yet still holding your hand. Supportive but asks the questions that need to be asked. Lovely and friendly, though firm, she sees through any attempts at bluster and deflection. It’s a cliche but I’m going to say it anyway: Elaine has changed my life.
She’s been with me through my cancer treatment, helped me untangle and confront my complicated childhood, and is supporting me as I forge a new future, one where I am calmly living in the present, aware of what brings me feelings of contentment, and able to give those I love the attention they need. To say that I recommend Elaine wholeheartedly is an understatement”.
Luke, London - March 2025
“Since I began receiving therapy from Nidhi, I have been feeling much better about myself and more positive. She is an excellent listener who has enabled me to talk about past trauma that I have told to no-one else (other than my husband, but I downplayed the issues when telling him). Using various techniques, she has got me to dig deep into past experiences, current feelings and concerns for the future. She is patient, friendly and very skilled. Not only have I been able to talk about anything with her, she has also helped me uncover forgotten memories. I now look forward to my sessions with her”.
Kevin, Caithness – March 2025
“I was referred for therapy after a severe burnout episode left me with a whole host of nasty symptoms and no idea where to start with recovery. Empathetic, skilful and engaged, Elaine has helped me to slow down where I am wont to rush towards quick 'solutions'. Our work on internal family systems has been the central thread running through our sessions, though we veer off into different areas week on week depending on what has come up for me and, almost invariably, I leave sessions with a sense of clarity and direction.
…Elaine reminds me that we only do the work I can handle, and over time I have found this to be true. We have long since moved past what I (thought I) came to therapy for. It's hard to describe the work Elaine does; if I had a thousand words, I think I would struggle. But really, I need only 3: 'what is needed'.
Kat, Edinburgh – March 2025
"Daria helped me understand my health anxiety, and in doing so what kept certain cycles of thoughts and panic going. I gained a number of tools and strategies to use, to both break those cycles and help deal with the inevitable anxiety that came alongside this. Having that knowledge of what's going on in my head, even if it doesn't prevent it happening, has helped me feel calmer and know that I can get through things."
Johnny, London – March, 2025
"I approached Elaine for support as a result of her experience in dealing with trauma and her specialism of working with people with chronic illness. I have worked with a couple of different therapists before, but frustrated that they weren't really getting to the nub of things, I entered into the therapeutic relationship with a good degree of self-awareness but in a hurry, wanting to deal with some traumatic experiences quickly. Elaine has slowed me down. Her careful, deliberate pace has equipped me with foundational tools I needed to protect and regulate myself. I'm grateful for this and for the time she has taken to help me understand the process, and why we're doing what we're doing.
The work we have done together using internal family systems has helped me to reframe things and understand the various parts of myself that are at work in situations both relating to my chronic illness but also everyday life. Working with Elaine has given me a far greater understanding of why I operate the way I do, given me confidence to look at things more objectively, and has encouraged me to find my own true voice and perspective as I navigate life. Elaine is eloquent, thoughtful and has a wealth of resources, tools and techniques at her disposal. I continue to find her input, reflection, and her gentle challenge invaluable".
Emma, Cambridge, Oct 2024
"I came into therapy not really knowing what to expect, and, perhaps, a bit sceptical about how it could help me. At the same time my situation had prompted me to take action as things couldn’t stay as they were. After my initial consultation I was matched with Nidhi. Despite being hundreds of miles apart, she has helped me understand how and why I am who I am – so if you’re worried about online consultation sessions, don’t be. Spending time with Nidhi this way has probably been even more effective than being in a room with a complete stranger. Her professionalism and empathy and understanding of my situation has been so liberating for me and I trust her completely. I’ve a bit further to go yet, but I’m so grateful I was paired with Nidhi, she continues to change my life every week and I couldn’t be more grateful for that".
Ali, Inverness-shire, Oct 2024
"Elaine has helped me to take better control of my mental and physical health, which has been life changing. She is very professional, empathetic and balanced. I am very glad that I commenced therapy with Elaine".
