I first approached Jem for therapy in 2018 (7 years ago) because I was undertaking a counselling course and it was a requirement of the course to have a certain amount of personal counselling hours. I looked up local gay therapists as I was living as a bisexual woman, but suspected I was actually lesbian, and wanted someone who had first-hand lived experience of being gay. This search sprung up a few options but Jem's website really resonated with me - his ideals shone through and we were aligned in these values. My initial communication to Jem was email which was well received and responded to, and the first meet was soon after. I continued to see Jem fortnightly long after my required hours were completed as I got so much out of the sessions, as someone with lifelong chronic clinical depression. I am a verbal processor with an unusual lifestyle and few friends so it was a very important part of the process for me to have someone to 'process to'. I don't think Jem always got much of a word in during some of our earlier sessions but it was what I needed initially and he certainly never showed if this was irritating! As the years have gone by and I have become more regulated, I have needed less of this 'monologue' time and Jem's proactive skill as a therapist became more and more needed, valued and utilised (to my mind). Jem has seen many variations and versions of me, we have done good work, and he has supported me unequivocally through some enormous life changes, decisions and diagnoses - and it turned out that I am lesbian! Ultimately I have left therapy after 7 years because I had completed (and surpassed) my aims and goals; am in a stable place and realised that latterly I was using the therapy sessions largely to meet my need for intellectually stimulating conversation. It was a natural stopping point that has come with sadness on my end - to date my working relationship with Jem has been my longest relationship and my first experience of secure attachment. This experience has allowed me to form several deep, secure attachments outside of therapy, which is a lifelong gift I take forward. I would not hesitate to return to Jem should the need arise in the future, as it has been life-affirming and life-changing. His integrity, compassion and skill are very special and he is inspirational to me in my own career as a healthcare practitioner. I thank Jem deeply for the space that he has held for and with me for all these many years.

Charlotte

We were extremely impressed by how Jem was able to forge a working relationship with myself and my husband. My husband has never engaged in therapy and can be resistive. I felt safe, comfortable emotionally and physically in this environment. Jem quickly understood and worked on the issues we were going through. Our unique relationship will stay with me and should the need arise we would both return as he is compassionate, genuine, professional - but loving.

Angela and Steve.

It is no hyperbole to say that Jem has improved my life through the course of my sessions. The safe atmosphere, welcoming character and considered listening all combine to set you at ease from the first moment. From that point, the conversations are almost imperceptibly tailored towards discussing why you're there and guiding you towards answering or addressing the questions you have about yourself. It never feels forced or clumsy, and you often wonder how you quite ended up addressing what you did in a session. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to go through this process with someone like Jem.

Tom.

Thank you for all that you have done for me, Jeremy. I was in a very dark and frightening place, a place completely alien to me and that I was unable to imagine a way out of. Your patience, kindness and skill has supported me to find my new self, rebuild my confidence and allow me to enjoy life again. Your gentle search for the truth, your ability to ask the right question without causing panic and your ability to listen accurately and impartially supported me in my journey. I am so glad that I was able to meet you and trust you to help me in such a delicate moment in my life.

Daulton

I was recommended Jem as a therapist and he has been incredible during the year that I’ve had sessions with him. I was made to feel comfortable from our very first phone call and Jem is one of few people who I have very quickly been able to open up to. Jem is professional, but his sessions are held in his office, so it feels like you are talking to an old friend in a safe and comforting environment. Jem helped me be open, and make changes to the way I think, which has helped me become happier and more confident. I highly recommend him and can’t thank him enough.

Jo.

I had bereavement issues. My husband had died three years previously and I was still having difficulty coming to terms with my loss. I met someone who mentioned that they were seeing Jeremy for counselling, and how helpful this had been. I had considered counselling before, but was unsure. I had met Jeremy whilst he was in his previous profession and although I didn’t know him well, I thought that he would be someone I could trust; this is initially what prompted me to contact him. From the beginning I felt safe and able to share my feelings and anxieties. Jeremy is kind, supportive, and caring - he listened; gently challenged, and enabled me to reflect on some of my thoughts and feelings in a way that enabled me to move forward. From our first and subsequent meetings, I would drive away from our sessions feeling lighter, brighter and more positive. He helped me to regain my confidence and come to terms with my loss in a way that made it possible for me to see a future, which previously I had been unable to do. Naturally, I still experience sadness and loss, but not in a debilitating way. I am grateful for his help and hope that he continues to offer his skills and support to others who are experiencing difficulties. Thank you.

Pat.

I'll be forever grateful to Jeremy for helping me through a difficult phase in my life. He made me feel comfortable immediately and helped me think through many issues that had been troubling me. I feel like I understand myself much better now. A very positive experience.

Sajad.

I first contacted Jeremy in 2017 when going through a very tough time in life, after a bit of reassurance and guidance. Jeremy was always a welcoming and compassionate presence, who guided me through a really troubled time, and helped to get me back on a path to a more normal life. I got back in touch again in late 2020 when struggling during the COVID pandemic, and we delved into some really interesting existential topics, which have again guided me and gave me a lot to think about in a really positive way. I'm sure I'll be back in touch again in the future if I come across any other challenges that I want to talk over with someone impartial.

Will.

I would highly recommend Jem to anyone experiencing difficult challenges in life. He has a wonderful supportive and reassuring approach whilst also asking the right questions to encourage you to self reflect. The models he worked through with me really helped to clarify and understand my thinking. A positive transformational experience from start to finish. Thank you Jem.

Jayne.

Jem has been supportive, accepting and authentic throughout our work together. He met me on my level and brought his true self to each of our sessions, which I thoroughly appreciated. His approach in Clinical Supervision enhanced my knowledge, increased my confidence and helped me to see my own self-worth. A first class Supervisor. Thank you.

Sarah.

I definitely benefited from my time working with Jeremy and whilst I am sad that the work has come to an end I am equally glad that I am now at a stage where I feel comfortable enough to move forward. Thank you for all your help.

Ben.

Thank you, for straightening out my head and helping me to shine again. I really don't know where I would have ended up without you, Jeremy.

Gemma.

Throughout our time together Jem was the epitome of a therapist; being a supportive, understanding, and capable embodiment of helpful guidance. He was attentive to whatever we discussed, enabling me to feel comfortable and welcome in every session. It was a pleasure and a joy to work with Jem at every turn, and one I cannot recommend highly enough for the experience of being truly listened to. Thank you Jem. I leave our work together a more confident and fully realised human being; and would urge anyone else thinking about therapy, to also consider Banish the Crows as a potential light when life feels darker than you'd like it to.

Max.

My experience with Jem was amazing. I have been able to grow as a person. Mentally I am in a completely different mindset in how I view things in life. Going to a therapist is not a negative thing and if and when I need to go back I’ll view it positively.

Penny.

My time with Jeremy has supported me through some very difficult times. I have found our sessions have helped me work through many difficult experiences that have been impacting on my mental health for many years. I feel I have grown as a person and am able to understand myself and my responses to experiences more clearly. I would recommend Jeremy at Banish the Crows for anyone who needs to be seen and heard by an authentic and empathic guide.

Vicky.

I can not recommend Jem more highly. I have felt held by him throughout my process. His wisdom and insight have enabled me open up to explore and express the shadow parts of myself I hoped I would be able to and more importantly, share. Jem provided a safe, supportive place like no other. I achieved everything I wanted to, and much much more.

Zoe.

I initially contacted Jeremy on recommendation from a colleague who was also going through a divorce. I found Jeremy to be a great listener who spoke to me on my level of understanding so I could navigate my way to the next chapter of my life. One chapter that could have be more unpleasant was navigated through with ease due to Jeremy's support and guidance. He was a supportive therapist and I felt comfortable and ultimately came out of the other end with a positive outlook for my future.

Judith.

Jem helped me to gain insight into who I was and what I had become and then helped me to build the confidence to use the tools we made together. My first positive experience with a therapist.

David.

This was my first experience with psychotherapy. I had undergone some counselling in the past but before this was unaware with the difference. And it couldn’t have been more different. When I was looking for a psychotherapist, I began asking around my friends and Banish the Crows (Jeremy) came up a few times and my friends couldn’t have sung his praises enough. This was enough for me. I booked a session. I didn’t know what was involved or how it would work or even if it would be a good fit for me. From enquiring and then booking, the whole experience was relaxing and gave me nothing but confidence. The pre-session literature was clear and easy to understand. From the first session it was clear that Jeremy was a perfect fit. We just clicked. This was crucial for me in order to open up and ultimately gain from the whole experience and grow and gain. I felt supported, understood and listened to. I appreciated every moment of it as it gave me lots to reflect and build on. As a result, after each session I would go away and work on what we had covered. I also felt connected at all times with Jeremy, even when not in the room or session. Jeremy is a beautiful human and this is clear. I felt so at ease with him and therefore it came through in my sessions. I would not hesitate to recommend Jez and Banish the Crows to anyone and have already been telling all my friends. My activity finished a few months ago when I realised that I had come to the end of my journey and made huge progress. I have the skills and a deeper understanding of myself and I have the tools I need to continue. However, I know the door is always open and I wouldn’t hesitate to book another session, further down the line. To this day I feel supported and that's more then anyone could ever ask for. Thank you, Ben x

Ben.

I have had numerous therapists within my lifetime. My therapy with Jeremy though has been the best I have ever received. I immediately felt comfortable and understood. If I ever need therapy again in the future, I will definitely be using Banish the Crows.

Julie.

Jem enabled me to have far greater insight about myself, those close to me and difficult situations. He increased my confidence and helped me feel better about myself, as a person. For this I am truly grateful.

Sarah.

I'm grateful for the part that Jem played in helping me to be better equipped to resolve the issues that I needed to address in my life and relationships. We worked together for just over a year and gradually met less as my situation improved. I felt listened to and the relationship that developed meant that it felt like we worked together and I felt like a partner in therapy rather than a client.

Danny.

Life can be pretty tough at times, it can throw you some rotten curveballs and break you into bits. After the death of my beloved mum and various other things that were thrown into the mix too, my life got turned upside down and inside out. I could not make sense of anything. We are not born with certain coping techniques and trying to go it alone sometimes doesn’t do us good in the long run, we need help and support. There is nothing wrong in that. Booking into see Jeremy was the first steps I took to attempt to get my life back on track. Working with Jeremy, I felt no judgment, I knew I was in a safe environment and his sole purpose was to help me survive and that was such a comfort knowing he was in my corner and no matter what I always felt supported. I’ve managed to accept what has happened (even though I don’t like it) - I have accepted it. I was in a very dark place for quite sometime and through my sessions with Jeremy, over time, I have been able to grow in confidence and start to enjoy my life again. I am still me but, a different version now. I’m now someone who wants to actually get up and get dressed and 'show up'. I want to look forward not backward and I want to be present. Jeremy helped me achieve that. Thank you Jeremy for helping me to bring colour back into my life - I will be forever grateful.

Samantha

Initially I started therapy with my husband. Marriage counselling was truly one of the hardest things I've ever done but with Jem's help and support to us both we are stronger than ever. Me and my husband are back to being best friends, soul mates and united. Following on from couples therapy I started one to one sessions with Jem. I had lots of unresolved issues from my childhood/teens. Everything in my head was scrambled, as if the wires were all in the wrong place, not to mention coming to terms with an invisible physical disability. Two and a half years later I'm amazed to say I feel whole, I accept myself for me and I'm happy! Without Jem's time, patience and empathy I couldn't have reached this state of mind and clarity. I was given space to explore, question myself and most of all I felt safe to do so. What was also surprising was I had a feeling of reassurance outside the counselling room which helped me to cope. It's been a long journey for me but I cannot express enough how precious this time has been and that it has been life changing. Thank you Jem.

Rachel

My experience with Jem has offered me the time, contemplation and re-connection with myself - my true self. Jem was very welcoming and easy to talk to about my life experiences, something that I would usually find difficult. This professional guidance and understanding I feel has allowed me to start becoming the person I always was. It's been a wonderful process and something I wish to continue with myself. Jem has also invited me back any time I may need support.

Melanie

Jem, how do I truly begin to quantify what you've done for me? For over 12 years I've been encouraged to try and seek counselling / therapy, having met with various providers in differing styles and settings and never got past a second meeting...yet with you, from that very first meeting I knew that I would return! Even after my first session I began to feel better, more reflective about myself and my circumstances. For so long I thought there was something wrong with me, always feeling like an outsider in all situations (friends, family, work) and after speaking with you I understand now that in fact there's nothing wrong with me - I'm just someone that has experienced a degree of sadness and unfortunate circumstance in life. In light of this I now possess the tools, knowledge and understanding to accept everything that's happened, and move on with my life. I now have a visceral, solid understanding that in our transient, extremely human lives it's OK to sometimes feel anxious and depressed (and in fact how natural that is) yet now rather than hiding away and shrouding my feelings I now have a permanent outlet and someone I can rely on 110% if I ever felt I needed the support again. For anyone considering therapy all's I can say is go for it! I think we all have things we can learn about ourselves and if you want someone to help you with this, Jem is a kind, open, tender, considerate, gentle soul that you can confide in and trust in total confidence. Finishing my therapy I now feel so much more balanced and content in myself. I've found myself genuinely smiling and laughing so much more - and meaning it. I feel I have newfound sense of control, excitement and zest for life and although I'm uncertain of what the future will bring, that's now what makes the journey all the more exciting for me. Don't ever stop being your quintessential self. With all of my heart, thank you! Laura.

Laura

I arrived at Banish the Crows not knowing whether the way I felt about the issues I had was even appropriate for counselling. There was an instant trust with Jeremy and I felt safe and listened to. I was skillfully guided through several sessions where my situation was explored and I was able to access resources within myself that allowed me to come to terms with events and move forward. There’s some old and cheesy lines in a song ‘I’ve been to paradise, but I’ve never been to me.’ I have now.

Jackie O

The decision to seek therapy with Jem is one of the best I have ever made. Approaching retirement, I had become unsettled and upset and I didn't know what to do with my negative feelings. I was able to have conversations with Jem that I could not have had with anyone else. It took a while for me to be comfortable putting myself in the centre but as the weeks progressed I relaxed and understood and I grew in confidence. I rediscovered part of me that had been lost and I know now that I am okay.

Sally

I would highly recommend Jeremy to anyone who may be wondering if therapy is the best route for them. My therapy journey has been invaluable and I have always felt 'safe, valued and respected' with Jeremy, in the therapeutic relationship. I continue to benefit from the therapy on a daily basis.

Sharon

My husband and I attended couples counselling, which has certainly helped us move on with our relationship. We cannot speak highly enough of Jem. He was totally approachable, understanding, empathic and shared appropriate life experiences with us to help our progression. Without his support I think it is highly unlikely that my husband and I would still be together after 30 years of marriage. I would recommend Jem to anyone, from any walk of life, who thinks that they may benefit from therapy and would say to them give it a try! Thank you Jem - for everything.

Mr & Mrs M.

At 60, I had reached a point in my life where, due to outside influences - bereavement, children grown up, fallout with one of my children, I couldn’t see what my purpose in life was anymore. Jem, with skill, guidance and kindness helped me to realise that everyone’s problems/issues are not all my fault. I now have my sense of worth back, along with a quality of life. It has taken me 6 months and a dozen or so sessions to get there. Jem - I am very glad to have met you.

Kym

Jem offers a warm, comforting and supportive relationship that gives me the space to talk freely without fearing judgement. His reflections and contributions have helped me to see old problems from new perspectives and helped me to make some necessary and long overdue changes in my life.

Julie Tanner

From the off, I found Jem to be a delight. I looked forward to my sessions and was always excited about the next one. As we 'picked apart' me and my issues, things became clearer and it was easier for me to handle my life situations. I’ve grown since my therapy ended - I had to finish early due to financial reasons, but the therapy with Jem has helped me immensley and I’m still looking forward to my future and my 're-birthing'. You’ve been a delight Jem, thank you for your genuine empathy and quirky sense of humour - you always look fantastic and smell fantastic too!

Tina

Making the decision to access therapy was easy - taking that leap and making the appointment was a hurdle that I knew I needed to overcome. Typing the email to enquire about an appointment felt like a relief but then the anxiety set in. By the time I arrived at the car park for my initial appointment I couldn't breathe but as soon as I came face to face with Jem and sat in the cozy chair I was relieved and knew that I was in the right place and with the right counsellor. Initially, all I could do was cry, I felt completely broken and lost. The sense of not knowing who I am or where I belong was immense. The first session went really quick but inside I felt a glimmer of hope - I felt that maybe I could survive my problem and I just needed time to "empty my head"; time to think about all the missing pieces of the jigsaw ("my life"), and how to make some sense of "what's going on". Believe me, I truly have started to heal but it's been a challenge. I have made some decisions in my life that deep down I knew I needed to make - I just needed to know that if I was going to face them then someone would be there to 'catch me'. I am still in therapy and continue to feel that although progress has been made I still need to discover "me" but I am well on the road to recovery. It's been quite a journey but do you know what...I survived and I am resilient!

Sonia

I cannot recommend Jeremy highly enough. When I first started counselling I was off sick from work and my GP had prescribed medication and suggested talking therapy as I was feeling distressed and overwhelmed by difficult events in my life. I was very nervous before my first session, but Jeremy managed the sessions so well that I was soon able to develop a trusting, supportive relationship with him. The therapy provided me with a confidential safe place where I was listened to and encouraged to talk about how I was feeling without feeling insignificant or judged. As the therapy continued I felt able to return to work, and Jeremy talked through how I would manage when the therapy came to an end leaving me feeling more able to deal with difficult situations. Thanks to the support from Jeremy, my self-esteem and confidence have improved allowing me to make changes to address my issues and look positively to the future. I would give a star rating of five (excellent) for the services offered at Banish the Crows.

Erika

I was experiencing some difficulties in my family relationships following a recent, close bereavement. I had never thought of counselling psychotherapy before but I was at a very low ebb. Banish the Crows was recommended to me by a friend who thought that Jeremy and I would be a good fit and through our work together he encouraged me to be less critical and more accepting of myself. I felt entirely comfortable to open-up and be honest during the process as I did not feel that Jeremy was judging me in any way. I particularly liked when he checked in on me between appointments. Those short interactions would make me smile during the most difficult of days. I am still not entirely sure what psychotherapy is but I do know that I am very pleased that I took the plunge and gave it a go. My difficulties remain but I feel in a better position to deal with them.

Claire

My experience has been very positive - working with Jeremy has given me the confidence to realise that my behaviour is normal. Life is difficult for most people and whilst I have had a lot of bad things happen I have survived and and become a better person with the help of Jeremy to guide me. Thank you.

Marlene

Being strong and trying harder had always worked for me in the past and I'd done okay in life. However, that no longer worked when I was thrown into a long drawn out redeployment situation - I could no longer be strong, and trying harder led me to burnout. At the first meeting with Jeremy I wondered why I'd thought that therapy would be a good idea ? I didn't need this - other people needed this not me! Talking about the past wouldn't be helpful - I just needed to regain control and get on with it. However, Jeremy convinced me that we would work well together - he was warm, genuine and non-judgmental. So I talked, swore, cried, and laughed as well and I felt like I was being heard, believed and 'held' by him. We considered how the situation that I found myself in was a period of what he called acute thrown-ness, and how my past experiences were influencing the here and now. By believing in me, Jeremy helped me to believe in myself and that counselling wasn't just for other people. I would recommend him to anyone experiencing a period of thrown-ness in their lives, especially those who do not think they need support.

Anita

I have received treatment from Jeremy for a depression, he was always kind, considerate and trustworthy. Above all, I felt that he had a depth of understanding, in a non-judgmental way. It was a pleasure to meet him. I would recommend him to anybody that needs a safe haven to speak about and release the demons.

Donna

The environment Jeremy created helped me to openly become the most ‘me’ version of me and that changed my life in a way that nothing else had (or has). Jeremy did so much more than listen - he heard then supported me to work with my difficulties. Doing this by creating a ‘safe space’ for me, free of any sort of judgment, where I felt comfortable and therefore able to talk about past and current issues; some of which I had never felt able to talk about before. My childhood experiences were at the centre of everything before I met him and all anyone else; other therapists, talked about with me, and whilst this was important I felt so stuck and unable to move forward. Of course, those childhood experiences shaped me, who I am, but they also stopped me from being who I could be. We were able to explore these issues and see them in different and often more positive ways, helping me to move forward with my life now. Ultimately, Jeremy gave me hope - that things could be different for me, that they could change and that I too, could evolve myself.

​​Leanne

I referred myself for counselling in 2016 following my husband being diagnosed with lung cancer; Stage 3, so this meant that he was palliative. It was a huge shock for us both - my husband couldn't handle it and became very angry. We had a difficult relationship to start with, so with this thrown into the mix i just couldn't cope. This is when Jeremy came into my life. As soon as I met him I felt I'd known him all my life. He was so polite and professional. I was able to just pour everything out. He even helped me to look at my childhood and was able to offer to me some reasons as to why things were the way they were. I was able to find myself, it was like everything had become clear - I'd found ME and at the age of 61 it was no easy task. Unfortunately my husband passed away shortly after I'd finished therapy, and thanks to Jeremy, I'm a much stronger and positive person. I could not have got through it without him. I would highly recommend Jeremy. He is a very supportive and welcoming person. I still can't believe how he helped me to sort my life out.

Sue