Case studies & testimonials

Feedback from our parents & students

Case studies & testimonials

Feedback from our parents & students

Kind words from our parents, teachers & students

Case Study: Emily's Story - Finding her way back to school

When Emily’s mum first got in touch, she was exhausted and worried.


Emily, 14, had been out of school for almost a year. What started as “stomach aches” before school had slowly turned into full-blown panic attacks at the thought of walking through the school gates.


She’d stopped seeing her friends, stayed in her room most of the day, and couldn’t face any schoolwork.

Her parents had tried everything — tutors, counselling, even different schools — but nothing seemed to reach her.
By the time she came to me, they were losing hope.

In our sessions together, we began to explore what was really going on underneath the anxiety.
Emily started to understand that her feelings didn’t mean something was wrong with her — they were signals of a mind that had been trying to protect her for too long.


Once she began to feel safe again, her confidence started to return and she started to re-engage with life.

At the same time, I worked closely with Emily’s mum — helping her understand how to support her daughter calmly, and what to say to the school so they could welcome Emily back in a way that felt safe and respectful.

Over the following weeks, Emily slowly began returning to school — first for short visits, then part-time, until she was attending several days a week again.

Her mum told me:

“It’s like a light’s come back on in her. We’re not walking on eggshells anymore — she just seems more herself.”

At My Young Mind School, this is what we’re most proud of — helping children rediscover their confidence, rebuild their resilience, and reconnect with learning at their own pace.


"Jo’s support has had a great impact both on me and my
daughter.

I no longer feel like we’re worlds apart. She’s more open, communicative, and calm. Jo has been great.”

Fiona


"Thanks so much Jo. I really felt lost when Jacob started suffering with his mental health. It has been so nice to have someone to talk to about it.

You’ve done wonders with him. He’s more confident and has started socialising more. I’m less worried too, which is such a relief.” Kelly 


“Without Jo’s help I would have probably needed some sort of medication from my GP.  My son has ADHD and I just wasn't coping well at all.

I wasn't sleeping, I was constantly overthinking things. I was absolutely exhausted.

I feel more me again, more connected, more alive. She taught me what ADHD actually is and what is going on in my son's head and just understanding that completely changed how I reacted. It's been really eye opening.

I can’t thank her enough for what she has taught me. Thank you for your kindness and patience Jo.”

Heather


"Thank you, Jo, for all you have done, your impact has been significant. You have a remarkable way with students—one that they respond to so positively. They feel seen, heard, and valued.

From your patient support of individual learners to your ability to lead by example, you’ve consistently gone above and beyond.."

Carol, Head Teacher

“I was struggling with self-confidence and managing family life. The psychology principles Jo teaches were easy to learn, and distil so much into very simple facts. It is a lot easier than all the meditation I was doing. I have embraced that I am much more of a person, more creative, more content. I am less stressed, and my negative thinking doesn’t drain me like it used to. Thank you Jo”   Suzie


“I was going through a tough time because my eldest was going off the rails. I needed someone as a sounding board who was remote from the situation. Jo really helped me work through things. She gave me a better understanding of how the mind works and how to overcome negative thoughts. I feel more positive about the future now for my daughter and how to overcome difficult times. Jo has a very professional and calm manner. It’s been quite eye opening to be honest.”   George


“Jo is a positive spark and a wise teacher all in one. She has really empowered me. I felt so at ease with Jo and able to discuss anything freely. She has made me see who I really am, life changing really. Great working with you Jo-thanks for everything!”   Jane


“Jo is the best!

She’s like Mary Poppins! A little bit magical.”

14 year-old Katie

“Congratulations Jo, you deserve the award. You have been so inspiring with our young people. They really respond to you in a magical way and the difference you have made will be felt for a very long time."

Chika Au, Director at CLA


"I worked with Jo after having had a year off work due to being diagnosed with ME and because I was still struggling to cope after the death of my mother. I felt that whilst I was getting physically better the mental side of things had some catching up to do. I had lost all of my self-confidence and I was struggling with keeping my family and work life together. I could see that things were effecting the children and my husband which was just awful.

Working with Jo has been an absolute pleasure from the word go. Jo has helped me to see things differently and to approach my life in a totally new way: wow has it been revolutionary. I now feel empowered and content, my anxiety has gone. My ME symptoms have also got better because I'm not afraid of them like I used to be. The most important lesson I have learnt though is that whatever happens in life, I will be ok.

I've been able to communicate better with my husband and children and feel much closer to them. The kids are much much happier.

Jo has not only solved the issues that I went through the door with but she has helped me to find a way to know that I will be able to solve my own problems going forward. Jo has exceeded my expectations in every respect and friends and family keep telling me how different I am and how happy I seem.

I cannot thank Jo enough for everything that she has helped me with and I would thoroughly recommend Jo to anyone. I feel that whatever your feelings or your problems, Jo can and will have a positive effect. Thank you so much!”

Lottie