'You were an easy going facilitator that enabled me to feel at ease throughout the training. Your sense of humor allowed me to bring clarity and focus to the issues I found most challenging. For this I am most grateful.' C.C., Leeds, 2007

'Richard's perceptive facilitation comes from a deep seated awareness of his own and other people's journeys.
Working with him can be challenging because he pushes boundaries, but it is always safe, and the joy and fun of accepting a 'push' is immense because it always leads to new awareness.'
Fiona Larsen, Reading, 2009

'Richard is a sensitive and aware facilitator. He's always at the cutting edge of groups with varied ideas to lead the group forward.'
Kathryn, Hamburg, 2009

"I have worked with Richard in a variety of workshops and groups over the last ten years and have been consistently impressed by his evident commitment to his own ongoing growth and development.  I appreciate his integrity and clarity of communication as well as the energy and generosity with which he facilitates workshops and groups.  As a client, I have welcomed his blend of support and challenge as an effective catalyst for my growth.  I have especially valued his continued invitations, both spoken and implicit, to be and become more fully myself."
Dom Hooper, 2009

'I have known and worked with Richard on and off for 20 years now and always found him to be extremely knowledgeable of the therapeutic process. He is clear and precise and encourages others to be the same. This can feel challenging at times but it is in my experience always for the benefit of the participant. He also has a good sense of humour, useful when people are wrestling with difficult issues, but this is done with care and consideration so you always feel safe. I always look forward to being in a workshop where he is present.'
Stephen Gillingham, 2009

"I value your authenticity, sensitive observation, precise communication, warmth and humour."
Alan Carver, Leeds, 2009

'On the Fundamentals course I accessed painful memories, but thanks to Richard's skillful facilitation, never felt overwhelmed. He provided a safe space to express hurts, but also to celebrate achievements and share laughter. I discovered that I'm a stronger, richer mix of qualities than I'd previously thought...

'As a Co-Counselling facilitator Richard is unfailingly professional and unfailingly human. His professionalism means you get a quality learning experience and feel safe with his control of the group. His humanity is evident in the way he presents himself as someone who has shared the same difficult experiences as the rest of us...

'People ask "What do you mean it's fun?!" when I tell them about the Fundamentals of Co-Counselling with Richard Mills. They have the idea that counselling is a bleak desent into one's pain. Richard did invite us to deal with painful memories, but he also had us laughing and celebrating what's good about ourselves. So I dealt with painful memories from a more positive, resourseful position. Richard's own sense of humour and enthusiasm provides an environment which makes this all the easier.'
Tracy Shippey, York, 2009

'I have attended a variety of workshops with Richard and always find them powerful, challenging and exciting. At the same time I know I am safe, though not so safe that I can't grow. Richard is steadfast in his integrity, clarity and honesty, and as such I find him an excellent and inspirational facilitator.'
Rosalind Ashling, Perth, February 2010

'I find Richard's workshops to be inspirational and often unusual and I always find that I take away a new discovery about myself'.
Bridget Morris, 2009

The following feedback is from participants on courses facilitated by me and Elisabeth Macdonald:

‘This weekend has changed my life’

‘I appreciated the energy and authenticity the trainers brought to the course’

‘Inspiring and liberating. I also enjoyed the variety of activities and teaching methods.’

‘I appreciated the creation of such a safe atmosphere.’

‘The course has given me hope that I can discover my potential.’

‘I thought Elisabeth and Richard made a good team – skilled and sensitive facilitation.’

‘A well planned, well facilitated and balanced course – it was also great fun.’

Feedback from participants on my other confidence-building courses:

"I found the whole course to be very effective, especially the work on presentation techniques."
P.S., Leeds, 2006.

''A great opportunity to look at situations from another perspective and practice doing things differently. It was good to meet people facing similiar issues and explore in greater depth my own.''
Course participant, Leeds, 2006.

Feedback about my professional counselling with individuals:

(NB.Because each therapeutic relationship is unique and is a joint enterprise between therapist and client, I have had all sorts of reactions. One of the things that keeps me doing this work is the powerful reactions from some people about just how helpful this kind of process can be. In order to preserve confidentiality I am mostly not repeating, in the section below, anyone's exact words, but I print below some of the types of comments I have had. I am also not publishing people's names. The first one is verbatim.)

'Having worked with you for over two years, I have the greatest respect for your unfailing presence, your professionalism, your focus, your understanding and your abilities as a therapist.'
A client from Bradford, 2003

'If I hadn't seen you, all of the final year at college would have been wasted.'
A student from Leeds, 1998

'This has helped me realise it wasn't all my fault.'
A client from Leeds, 1998

'I feel like a new me.'
A client from Leeds, 1997

'I know myself so much better now.'
A client from Leeds, 1996

'I wish I could have seen you for longer, but I feel like I'm on the right path now.'
A student from Leeds, 1997

'Just the one session helped me make some important decisions.'
A client from Leeds, 1999

'I am amazed at how you have understood me: I feel more understood by you than by anyone else.'
A client from Harrogate, 2002

Fear

Anger

Sadness

Joy

Assertiveness tips

Messages from the past

Mad, Bad, Sad and Glad

Coming soon:

Shame and Guilt
The 7 Deadly Sins
Here and Now
Defences
The truth...
Content v. Process
Envy and Jealousy
Ambivalence
Selling Yourself
Count your blessings?