What My Clients Say

“I am incredibly grateful for the support I’ve received from Gillian. She helped guide me through a period of deep grief amongst other internal difficulties, and her presence, insight, and compassion made a profound difference in my healing journey. I trusted her wholeheartedly, and I always felt truly heard, understood, and supported. Her guidance helped me regain clarity, strength, and perspective at a time when I needed it most. I would absolutely recommend her to anyone navigating challenging life transitions. I fully plan to return to her in the future should my mindset shift and I feel the need for a reboot. She is someone I trust completely and value immensely.”

“As we are heading towards the end of 2025 it is my pleasure to write a thank you note and a testimonial for Gillian Wood and Now See The Wood. Firstly, I want to congratulate Gillian on her splendid new website and also say that I am looking forward to reading Gillian’s upcoming book, which will no doubt be awesome. I have known Gillian for a while and have been aware of her fantastic reputation and her great track record. I started working with Gillian on a one to one basis in 2023. I didn’t have a specific problem or challenge to deal with and Gillian’s style encouraged me to have sessions with her; her style being less “Life Coach and more “Life Awakener.” I wanted to map out my future life and work plan, to achieve balance, to meet my aspirations and to lean more towards being than doing. My time with Gillian has been game changing for me and gave me the guidance and impetus and tools to start and develop and to get my plan in motion. Gillian is honest, positive, constructively challenging, holds up mirrors and is the best listener I have ever met. Thank you Gillian. I 100% recommend working with Gillian. ”

“From the moment I met Gillian, I knew she could help me. She asks perfect questions to make you really consider what you are letting block you. She is like a bolt of positivity, but with an undercurrent of honesty and she is a mine of information. I would 100% recommend working with Gillian if you’re at a career crossroads, or in fact like I was, completely stifled by my views on what I could (can) do and what could be (is!!!) possible. Thank you, Gillian. ”

“I would certainly recommend Gillian’s coaching. I personally broke through self-sabotaging thoughts in my career after 3 coaching sessions and working on specific activities set by Gillian between each session. It made a significant difference. Thank you.”

“I decided I needed some sort of coaching due to anxiety and overthinking. I did some research and had several free phone calls with different coaches. Just from the initial phone call with Gilian, I knew that she was the right person to work with. I’ve had six sessions now and made some really big, positive changes that I would have struggled with before embarking on this journey. I can highly recommend working with Gillian. She puts things into perspective, is really positive and gives you the tools you need to achieve your goals.”

“My very first coaching session with Gillian was far more helpful than other methods of support I have received previously as within the first 30 minutes of my session, Gillian had already identified why I was feeling the way I was. This had been a mystery in sessions for support with others but Gillian understood and ‘got me’ so she was able to offer suggestions of what to do next. She highlighted my strengths, skills and areas to develop in different areas of my life that I hadn’t even thought about. ”

“We offered a half hour well-being session for all our staff with Gillian and were astonished with the take-up and the impact. Just that time to chat to some-one on a one-to-one basis about issues which matter to individuals personally, had an impact on staff changed our school culture and made it one where people felt more valued and heard. Gillian was able to support individuals to identify areas where they may need support and signpost them to that support-in addition to changing their perspective on situations and looking at how they might better help themselves. Teaching is a profession where so much is expected and staff ‘give out’ so much of themselves. Ofsted are now interested in how school leaders and managers support staff wellbeing and I feel that the well-being conversations Gillian held were a way of filling up the staff members’ emotional buckets and help them to pass on that level of care and compassion to the children and our community here. Comments from some participants include: ‘I thought Gillian was very easy to talk to and didn’t force anything. I got to discuss a school-based issue that was causing me worry and sleepless nights. She asked lots of questions about what would I do differently? Would it have changed the outcome? I found this really helpful and enabled me to reflect and actual be able to move on a bit. It was good to have a non-judgemental person to talk to. I would defo want to do this again.’ ‘I found the session really helpful. It encouraged me to take control of the things that aren’t going to well and how to handle the things that are outside of my control. (If she was free, I would have one every week!)’ I would definitely recommend employers using Gillian to support their colleagues and employees as part of a strategic approach to staff well-being.”

“I can honestly say that Gillian’s coaching has changed my life! She is such a wonderfully calm, caring but also realistic and pragmatic person. The sessions take place in a dedicated, private and very comfortable room that I very quickly came to think of as my safe space. Nothing is out of bounds and she’s helped me in so many areas of my life including dealing with the challenges of running a business, relationships, family, serious illness and retirement. I went to her feeling a lack of purpose and direction, and fears for the future as we move into our autumn years and she has helped me work out what I really want to have in my life and given me strategies to achieve it within realistic limitations. Gillian’s coaching has made a huge difference to me. She doesn’t get bogged down in the typical “how does that make you feel” but offers useful and effective advice to help understand the people and world around you. That said, she is a very, very caring and understanding person, with a great deal of experience, and helps you realise that you can only control your own actions, whilst giving you useful strategies to get the very best out of yourself and those around you. I would wholeheartedly recommend her.”

“I have recently had 3 sessions with Gillian. I wanted to find a safe space to develop my self-confidence. Gillian was very friendly, warm and flexible. She was very knowledgeable and was able to explain different concepts in a relatable way. Her sessions were all online, which enabled me to easily see her around my working hours. I felt I learnt a lot from her in how to tackle my negative thought patterns and how to communicate my needs better to those who I love. I would highly recommend Gillian, to anyone who is looking for gentle guidance in relation to their self-development. Thanks GIllian !! ”

“How did I end up here on to absolute clarity I had reached a time in my career where I simply wasn’t fulfilled or nourished and wondered how I ended up here. Thankfully before I threw away my career I met Gillian who is a truly outstanding Career Coach with an exceptionally high level of experience, knowledge and capabilities and with a natural ability to make you feel calm, supported, challenged and listened to and will help you see how you are in control of your career and choices. Gillian is incredible at exploring everything said and done both positive and negative (with a keen ear for key words I use that open up a new avenue to explore). I’ve had 3 coaching session so far (with more to come) to get me to a point where I not only have clarity over what meets my needs and therefore what I want but also the confidence and belief in myself which I didn’t have at the start of this journey. I will never be able to thank Gillian enough for helping me to take control of my career, The learning I have now and sense of direction is intoxicating!”

“I was stuck. I didn’t know who I was or what I wanted. Then I met Gillian. Gillian has helped me discover my core values which in turn has helped me take control of my life. Through listening, questioning, equipping me with a toolkit and setting homework Gillian has expertly supported me to take control and create a vision for my future. She has also given me the confidence to enact on this vision. Her sessions are empathic, insighful and straight talking. She really got to know me and helped me bring out the best in myself. If you are reading this then you have already started the journey to taking your life back. Let Gillian be your guide, you will not be disappointed.”

“I have had three sessions of coaching by Gillian. In every session Gillian listened very well to what I was saying and was able to link my thoughts and behaviors together and make more sense to me of what was happening in my life, where I was stuck and where I needed help and input. She was confident that I could move forward in a more fulfilling and positive way by recognising my gifts and talents and making small but significant steps towards certain goals. The exercise of listing my values, something I had never done before, was eye opening and extremely helpful as I recognised what was important to me. The realization that my anxieties were centered around things I could not control was freeing and I am now getting into a healthy habit of improving the things that are mine to improve. Gillian gave me many helpful ideas as to how to make mundane jobs less so and what books and films I may enjoy. I am therefore going forward in life with renewed zest and confidence and this is due to Gillian’s great listening skills and abilities to see into my personal situation and reveal the truths and help I needed. Thank you very much.”

“I walked in quite anxious as I knew I would have to face an obstacle that just fills me with dread. However, I walked out with my head held high knowing how to overcome this and rather seeing it as a barrier, I now know the solution and that I can and will tackle it. I would advise anyone that is sitting on something that they don’t know what to do, how to handle or think they just can’t do it, well, YOU CAN and YOU WILL. The first step is to contact Gillian Wood and you won’t look back”

“Signing up for “career” coaching I actually received a lot more than I bargained for, Gillian providing the perfect mix of helping me analyse my strengths vocationally, whilst also uncovering aspects of my own nature and personality which were holding me back. I see that this coupling of solid advice with some introspection on my part was entirely necessary, and very much welcomed, conducted as it was in such an open and encouraging atmosphere each time. Dogged in her approach, Gillian is an intent listener and insisted on exploring everything which she saw had value in my search, both positive and negative. I was questioned on things I said (and indeed my choice of words on occasion!) where Gillian recognised the potential to explore options which would prove beneficial to me. This was key as it provided insights into career aspects I may not have considered as viable prior to our sessions. Establishing my values at an early session led into me unearthing options I may have already known but wasn’t prepared to explore, considering them out of reach. Gillian helped me “see the wood” with practical methods of exploring what I might have considered “pipe dreams” vocationally. Critically she has given me the confidence to positively seek these opportunities out, and it has come as no surprise that I am now seeing roles manifest which seem tangible, challenging certainly, but entirely possible with the right attitude.”

“There are some people that just have this natural ability to make a difference in peoples lives and Gillian is one of them. She is extremely easy to talk to and has the ability to empower you to make the right decisions for yourself. I have thoroughly enjoyed the sessions I have had and feel that I can make choices and decisions that are positive for my future.”

“I was struggling with confidence issues both personally and professionally since being made redundant from a job of 25 year service and dealing with the ‘Menopause’. After our first meeting and the professional manner in which Gillian conducted herself, I felt more relaxed and at ease and was looking forward to my next session. Each meeting was always driven by me, as Gillian always asked if I was struggling with anything and needed to talk about something specific or just generally and through Gillian listening and posing questions back at me, made me change my mindset to use more realistic reasoning/comparisons when addressing my doubts/insecurities. From this I then went away from each session feeling better about myself, more confident and with tools to talk to myself when I needed too. Gillian has a fantastic way of asking the right questions to make you look at things in a positive rather than negative way. Did I achieve what I wanted too from my time with Gillian, I would say YES – two of my closest friends actually said to me ‘ you seem to be different, like you got your mojo back’. That is the best testament I feel both myself and Gillian can ask for. Thank you Gillian for bringing me back, for your professionalism, yet relaxing and caring manner you conducted every session and the natural ability you have to listen, not judge and bring out the best in me, a true gift which will see you gain success you so richly deserve, with all the hard work and dedication you apply.”

“I had 4 coaching sessions with Gillian. As a small business owner, there are a number of issues that I have to deal with: figuring out how to run a business; marketing; budgeting. The biggest issue for me though, was self-belief. Changing careers in my late 40s, believing that I could do what I set out to do, left me wondering if I really could pull this off. Gillian helped me to examine all the things I’d already done in my life and all my past accomplishments, and helped me to understand that I really am a very intelligent, determined, capable person, who can do what she sets out to do. We then moved on to my new role as a small business owner. Gillian’s questioning techniques helped me to realise what it is that I want to achieve, and then we discussed tools and skills that I already have that have taken me to this point, and how I can use those tools and skills to continue to grow my business. Gillian helped me to see that I’m already successful, and helped me to visualise what a successful business looks like to me. I am moving forward with the techniques and tools that Gillian has given me, and I am continuing to grow my business. Working with Gillian was a very positive experience. She didn’t give me the answers, but used questioning and activities that led me to my own conclusions. I am now able to move my business in a direction that will ultimately lead me to my goals both as a business owner and a health care professional. I cannot thank Gillian enough for the guidance and assistance. I would recommend her to anyone who is seeking to move forward professionally. She is personable, thoughtful, thought-provoking, and kind.”

“I’d like to start off by saying a huge thank you to Gillian! This experience has been completely unexpected and brilliant! I have learned so much! First of all I’ve learned that my true passion and the career I want is in a talent I only ever thought of as my hobby. I’ve learned that I have the power within myself to stop limiting my possibilities and options and allow myself to think differently. Ultimately think with personal authenticity. And when I do that I’m not only a much happier more fulfilled person, I am acting more confidently and I believe in myself more. That’s quite a life changing lesson! I’ve learned that I am even more resourceful than I already thought I was! I just have to choose to be. I have also learned to be able to anchor myself and tap into my inner calm. This is an amazing technique which I will never stop using and helps me not only to immediately clear my thoughts when they’re frantically taking over my brain, it also gives me a tool I can use to improve my anxiety and focus my breathing. This is coming in handy now I’m growing myself a business for the first time! I am so excited about the future. I have a much clearer direction to work towards and it feels exactly like the best thing for me! I’ve already taken orders and I have a new Instagram page where I can post pictures of all my cakes! I have thought of the perfect name for my business and although I’ve still a lot of work to do, I won’t be fumbling through in the dark; I have all my ducks in a row and it’s very clear to me what I will do! Gillian has given me a great experience, I believe coaching is the way forward for everyone. No matter the goal. Gillian as a coach can inspire your own new ideas by challenging the way your usually think and getting you to free yourself from unwanted, unnecessary and useless barriers and encourages your best efforts to achieve a goal or a dream and lets you realise the potential inside yourself.”

“I can't recommend Gillian enough for coaching. She has guided me and helped me re-frame my thinking through a number of challenging times where I have doubted myself and my abilities. I have come away from the sessions with a little more confidence and hope that anything is possible and it's within my reach to attain. Gillian has supported me and always been there for advice and guidance sending positive thoughts along the way.”

“When I first started seeing Gilllan I was struggling with a lack of direction and self belief. What a difference she made in just the first few sessions! The support and guidance that Gillian has offered me has been incredible and now I feel empowered and excited about the future and all of the opportunities that are coming my way. An absolultely fantastic coach. Thanks Gillian.”