Testimonials
In their own words
Real feedback from real people who have completed structured programmes through Mental Health Matrix. Every testimonial reflects a genuine experience of clinically-governed, therapist-led support.
Our clients come from every background, age group, and walk of life. Where contributors have given their consent, we include demographic tags to show the breadth of who uses and benefits from Mental Health Matrix. We actively seek stories from diverse communities to ensure everyone can see themselves reflected here.
"Gareth helped Malcolm to help himself get out of a mental health rut he had found himself in. This helped him to save his job. That helped us to save our otherwise happy marriage. We are now pregnant and we don't think any of this would have happened without Gareth's support!"
JD & MD, Cardiff
The Brain Gym for Mindful Manifestation
"I had little belief that this course for Mindful Manifestation with Gareth at The Brain Gym would actually do much for me. How wrong was I as my life changed gradually throughout the course and homework and now I have completed the 1 to 1 online face to face course. Looking back I can now see the simplicity and feel the progress I have made and it is recognisable by myself. Truly life changing. Gareth is patient, empathetic, kind and can relate to so many of the issues I have dealt with through my past life and why they once caused my lack of trust to make choices, decisions etc, even the smallest ones that have caused me so much anxiety and stress. Obviously I am still work in progress with myself but I now have my custom made mental tools in my own brain toolbox moving forward. Thank you so much, it truly has been worth persevering for such a life altering positive outcome."
Heddwen's homework
- When disappointment comes, I accept and re-evaluate.
- When I don't know yet, I pause and ask how urgent is this?
- When life feels wonky, I pause, notice and park and allow it to be wonky.
- What Mr Calm knows is he's learning when to appear, as if by magic.
Mr Calm character by Roger Hargreaves
I trust myself to pause, breathe, reflect, accept, react and Mr Calm to prompt me!
Heddwen Ede, 54, Bognor Regis
Course and programme feedback
Feedback from learners who have completed structured courses and programmes through The Brain Gym and Presenting Mindfulness. Each testimonial links to the programme it relates to.
“Understanding the difference between my intellectual and primitive brain was a revelation. I now catch myself when the primitive mind takes over and can consciously switch back to rational thinking. The clarity this programme brought was worth every penny.”
EL (31), Graphic Designer, Bristol
“I had no idea how much my primitive brain was running the show. This course explained the neuroscience in such an accessible way; I finally understand why I react the way I do, and I have concrete tools to change it.”
FT (51), Accountant, Leeds
“I have lived with ADHD my entire life but never understood the neuroscience behind it until this programme. Learning how my dopamine system actually works gave me compassion for myself and practical strategies that fit my brain, not fight against it.”
GD (29), Solicitor, Cardiff
“This course did not try to make me neurotypical, it helped me work with my ADHD brain. The focus techniques are things I actually use daily, and the value for a programme this comprehensive is honestly remarkable.”
HL (49), HR Manager, Toronto
“Moving from just managing ADHD to actually thriving with it felt impossible before this programme. The neuroscience sessions helped me see my ADHD traits as strengths when channelled properly. I am more productive and calmer than I have been in years.”
JT (27), Physiotherapist, Edinburgh
“The thriving framework completely shifted my relationship with ADHD. Instead of constantly fighting my brain, I learned to harness its unique wiring. Complex neurological concepts were explained with real warmth and clarity; I never felt overwhelmed.”
KD (47), Architect, Glasgow
“As a parent, I was struggling to connect with my teenager. This programme helped me understand the adolescent brain, why they take risks, why emotions run so high, and gave me tools to support without suffocating. Our relationship has genuinely improved.”
LL (25), Project Manager, Sheffield
“I wish every parent of teenagers could access this course. The neuroscience of adolescent brain development was explained so clearly, and the practical strategies for navigating those turbulent years have made our household calmer and more connected.”
MT (45), Social Worker, Sydney
“I had not left my house for three months before starting this programme. Understanding how my brain had wired the fear response gave me the confidence to start challenging it gradually. I am now walking to the shops alone, something I thought was impossible.”
ND (23), Journalist, Liverpool
“The agoraphobia programme broke down exactly what was happening in my nervous system when panic hit in public spaces. That knowledge, combined with the graded exposure techniques, has given me my independence back. Exceptional value for something this life-changing.”
PL (43), Civil Servant, Nottingham
“I never thought of myself as someone who misused alcohol, it was just how I unwound. This programme helped me see the neurological patterns behind my drinking without any shame or judgement. I have cut my intake by 80% and I feel like a different person.”
RT (63), Paramedic, Brighton
“The neuroscience of how alcohol hijacks the reward system was eye-opening. This course presented it in a way that felt educational rather than preachy, and the strategies for building healthier coping mechanisms have genuinely stuck.”
SD (41), Pharmacist, Melbourne
“This programme helped me understand alcohol use disorder as a brain condition, not a character flaw. The neuroscience removed so much of my shame and gave me a clear framework for recovery. I am eight weeks sober and counting.”
TL (61), Business Analyst, Oxford
“I had tried willpower alone so many times. Understanding the dopamine loops and how my brain had been rewired by alcohol was the missing piece. This programme made complicated addiction science feel completely accessible.”
WT (39), Event Coordinator, Cambridge
“Watching my mum's memory fade was devastating. This programme helped me understand what was happening in her brain and gave me practical tools to support her with patience rather than frustration. The guidance on maintaining connection was beautiful.”
AD (59), Retail Manager, Newcastle
“As a carer for someone with early-stage Alzheimer's, I felt completely lost. This course gave me the neuroscience behind the condition and, more importantly, strategies for preserving quality of life and meaningful moments together.”
BL (37), Chef, Auckland
“I spent years trapped in cycles of restriction. This programme helped me understand how my brain had hijacked my relationship with food and my body. For the first time, I feel like recovery is not just possible but sustainable.”
CT (57), Lecturer, Southampton
“The neuroscience behind eating disorders was explained with such sensitivity. I finally understand why willpower was never enough and why my brain kept pulling me back. The strategies here go so much deeper than any diet-based approach.”
DD (35), Occupational Therapist, Exeter
“This programme helped me understand patterns in my behaviour that I had never been able to explain. The empathy-building exercises felt challenging but safe, and the neuroscience behind impulse regulation gave me genuine tools for change.”
EL (55), Police Officer, Bath
“I was wary of any programme that tried to label me, but this one focused on understanding and building skills rather than judgement. The brain science behind empathy and social connection was genuinely fascinating and practically useful.”
FT (33), Firefighter, Dublin
“I used to be completely blindsided by anxiety spikes, that sudden rush of dread out of nowhere. This programme taught me exactly what my amygdala was doing and gave me a toolkit to interrupt the cycle within minutes. Genuinely transformative.”
GD (53), Dentist, York
“Understanding the neuroscience of the anxiety spike, the cortisol surge, the threat response, made it so much less frightening. I went from multiple daily spikes to managing them calmly within three weeks. The value here is extraordinary.”
HL (31), Veterinary Nurse, Norwich
“I have spent my whole life pulling away from people before they could hurt me. This programme helped me understand the neurological roots of avoidance and gave me gentle, practical steps to start building trust. I am finally letting people in.”
JT (51), Financial Adviser, Canterbury
“The avoidant personality programme made complicated attachment theory feel accessible and personal. Understanding why my brain defaults to withdrawal, and learning to override that pattern safely, has changed how I relate to everyone around me.”
KD (29), Data Analyst, Cape Town
Founder awards and accolades
Gareth Strangemore-Jones, Founder, CEO & Clinical Lead at The Brain Gym & Research Ltd
Personal 4.9* rating from 10,000+ online sessions
"Among the World's Top Performers" (Newsquest)
"Intelligent Optimist of The Year" (Ode Magazine)
"Trailblazing Pioneer" (Hypnotherapy Today)
"Gareth's clients improve by 144% on average across 7 key areas of life!" (TBG-CORP+ International Research)
"We won our World Record with the help of Gareth's Brain Gym!"(Guy Rigby, Cross Atlantic Rower)
"Gareth helped me win my three championships!"(Monique Collman, BNBF National Champion)
"Outstanding contribution to the community"(Cancer Research Wales)
"Best Community Outreach"(Zokit Business Awards)
"Best Online Wellbeing Clinic - Wales"(SME News UK Enterprise Awards)
"To perform at this level so consistently takes knowledge, effort, stamina and grace!"(Best Private Mental Health Clinic, South Wales Health & Care Awards)
Click to enlarge
"Gareth is one of the most dedicated and effective persons I know."
Dr Ervin Laszlo, Nobel-nominated scientist-philosopher