Lucy – UK

I approached Saul after 18 months of battling ME/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. I had tried everything the NHS had to offer, plus alternative therapies, meditation, self-help books and medication (both prescription, herbal and countless expensive supplements).

Despite my best efforts, my condition hadn’t improved. I had a successful business that I had to give up, and couldn’t even work part-time from home. I tried volunteering from home one hour a week, and even this was too much.

Consequently I became very depressed, and the anxiety that I had always suffered from became overwhelming. I just didn’t know how I was going to cope with life anymore – the future looked extremely bleak.

I had read about this therapy in some of the self-help books I’d bought, and had a very basic knowledge of it when I contacted Saul. I had a strong feeling that this was an avenue that could bring relief, provided I had expert information and encouragement. I love learning, and was keen to get to grips with learning any tools that were on offer – I had nothing to lose after all!

Saul initially put me at ease, and during our first session listened patiently whilst taking a detailed history of my condition, and demonstrating through our chat that he had an extensive knowledge. He was more than happy to share all of this with me, either through more traditional means (i.e. telephone) or digital (i.e. Skype and e-mail).

From the first session I felt that he got to know my symptoms, personality and daily routine. As he had suffered from chronic fatigue himself, it was very easy to explain my issues, and he was extremely empathetic. At my request, he e-mailed me a wide array of tools for me to work on. I was also impressed by the fact that he offered six pre-booked sessions at a discount rate; struggling on a low income meant that this made the therapy possible.

As a perfectionist, I have a tendency to ‘beat myself up’ for not doing things exactly as they should be done. This in itself was a barrier to the efficacy of this therapy. Saul completely understood this, and we removed this block together with his advice to only do what I felt I could each day, rather than trying to do everything perfectly every day.

I saw positive progress with my condition almost immediately. This was so noticeable that even friends and family remarked upon it. After 18 long months of struggling, within days there was light at the end of the tunnel. The painful symptoms lifted within weeks. My energy levels took longer to increase until I really knuckled down and started being true to myself and meeting my own needs first.

I am now at the point where I have rediscovered a love of cooking, something I had wanted to do but never had the energy to even look for recipes, let alone stand in the kitchen for half an hour and cook. I’ve started volunteering for Cats Protection, which also gave me a huge boost – for me, the mixture of charity and animals really is being true to myself. I’ve started painting again and am making homemade presents for family this Christmas, and I’ve also joined a local Facebook group where I’ve met new friends.

If someone had told me even 6 months ago (sitting on the sofa in my dressing gown with greasy hair, watching daytime TV!) that this is where I would be now, I wouldn’t have believed them.

I highly recommend Saul as a therapist. He is sensitive, thoughtful and his advice is always carefully considered and tailored to your needs. He is efficient at replying to any queries between sessions, professional and produces great results. I felt very much at ease with Saul, particularly because of his non-judgemental attitude. I should also mention we had some good laughs – ask him how his Grandad got visitors who had outstayed their welcome to leave…

Saul has been an integral part of my recovery from a disease that we are all told is incurable. If there is such a thing as heaven, he has definitely earned a place there.

Photo for illustrative purposes