Testimonials

What you do is truly amazing. You have single-handedly given E the confidence to feel a greater sense of self-worth and, as a parent, no matter how hard you try, you are just too close to help. She's put her faith and trust in you, and what you do, and for that reason you really have given her the gift of personal happiness - along with the comfort for me, as her mum, to know she's in a good place. Thank you for everything you have done.

mum of E (aged 8)

She has been great ever since the Magical Change conversation, as far as we have experienced. Definitely, I am so delighted with how much she has come on. Her confidence is amazing. Best decision we ever made.

mum of N (aged 9)

Everything you have done/are doing with O is helping so much. She was telling her grandma all about you helping her feel better. I really appreciate all the time and care you have given to helping her. It is hard as a parent to not be able to sort this ourselves and it is great to have someone to help.

mum of O (aged 9)

He is so much happier in himself and appears to be a lot more confident with everything. I really can't thank you enough for your words and advice over the last few months.

mum of J (aged 14)

Her behaviour has definitely improved at school and the child minders - well I haven't been asked in by the teacher for a chat! At home she is better- still sometimes has melt downs and there is a need to repeat requests- but she isn't such a nightmare.

mum of A (aged 8)

We did, as a family, witness an improved ability to find coping mechanisms when faced with challenging situations. She is certainly showing signs of increased resilience for sure. It is quite possible that she still employs the strategies taught through the 'Magical Change' techniques now, when faced with possible difficult situations, as will be inevitable in a young person's life.

dad of D (aged 10)

Trudy has done a really wonderful job 😀. After the first two sessions, O told me that all of his worries about school had gone away. (And he joked that he was worried about not having anything to worry about 😂). This is a huge relief for us, and will hopefully be a permanent change for him.

mum of O (aged 5)

At parents' evening the other week she was given glowing reports from all her teachers for work ethic, resilience and most importantly, just being an all round good egg. Things are going well - she's more confident and seems to have a lovely circle of friends. Thanks for all your support.

mum of I (aged 11)

Just to say she so looks forward to speaking with you and whatever you have done is clearly having a positive effect upon her. During the past few weeks, I have noticed that she has been more forthcoming and sitting/talking with us all. It's been lovely to see her happy, laughing and joking again. Her weekly talks with you have clearly helped as she seems more confident to talk openly with me about her feelings, which is good -because then it helps us to understand and support her more.

mum of E (aged 15)

Having to think about her week has been a big positive. Previously, she would never want to discuss her behaviour afterwards, saying “Let's just forget about that.” Because she has to discuss it with you, it's far more powerful.

mum of C (aged 11)

Simply of her own doing, she auditioned solo for a singing lead at school! The only one to sing at that!! Sadly all the Y6 kids got the leads but the school have big plans for her!! Dumbstruck xx

mum of C (aged 9)

With the help of the input from Trudy, he is being guided through this tricky time and he's gradually coming out the other side, hopefully with no lasting damage. He's happier, sleeps better, is easier to talk down when he is angry, is less aggressive. He has made and maintained some great friends and life is much less stressful for everyone, especially him.

mum of J (aged 6)

Thank you so much for all your time and helpfulness, it was like a breath of fresh air to me.

mum of F (aged 9)

She hasn't had any worries lately about going to events etc as far as I'm aware. She said she uses 'Trudy's techniques' to calm herself down when she's getting stressed and she feels it works.

gran of L (aged 18)

He's been brilliant.....thank you so much for taking the time to help my son.

mum of J (aged 7)

The rest of the week has got progressively better and each day he has come home and been able to tell me about what he has been doing at school, people he has spoken to and homework he has to complete. All of this is fantastic to see. He is so much happier in himself and appears to be a lot more confident with everything. He has had various conversations with us about 'so and so said this and I was chatting to so and so about that!!

mum of J aged 14

I want to say thank you for all the help you've given to K. Her confidence has improved greatly.

mum of K (aged 14)

I often think about you and how amazing you were to L and with us.

mum of L (aged 14)

Then you stepped in. You explained what and why this was happening to both her and us. You explained how to fix it and WHO could fix it. This made her realise what she had to do. We saw her change immediately and she grew stronger and stronger. A massive thank you for your help with A.

dad of A (aged 9)

Her anxiety has improved in that she is dealing with it better rather than having less of it. She is capable of calming herself better. I think what has been the most successful for her has been the process of reflecting upon her own behaviours and assessing her successes.

mum of C (aged 11)

I cannot thank you enough for helping me and my daughter and now she is much more confident.

mum of C (aged 6)

She seems so much more manageable these days and engages more not only with me and her dad but with other people too. She has her sense of humour back, despite having braces fitted

mum of G (aged 14)

We now have our little girl back, who is able to enjoy her life in a way a 9 year old should. We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

mum of A (aged 9)

She's come on so much in the last 6 months and she would never have done it if it wasn't for you Trudy. Your words of wisdom did the trick. She was even talking about you and what you said to her on our way to an event. It's obviously stuck with her.

mum of J (aged 4)

She's doing really well - thanks to you - as I know it's really helped having an external support - from you. She wants to do well for you.

mum of D (aged 10)

Hi, I think S is doing absolutely fantastic - even after a school holiday. I expected a wobble but he did his technique and he was fine.

mum of S (aged 9)

What you have done to help J move forwards and improve his behaviour is phenomenal! I choke up every time he comes to see you for his little chat about his week.

mum of J (aged 6)

O also told me how he feels very comfortable talking to you and how he feels you understand him - this is really pleasing and I would like to thank you.

mum of O (aged 11)

Thanks Trudy! Your help and support is very much appreciated. It has been wonderful to see how much it is helping O cope during this tricky period. Today was tough for her returning to school after being away for a couple of days while ill. It is her first 'school trip' today and the anxiety was quite bad. But she was able to cope with the uncertainty without too many tears. I know this progress is due to work you are doing with her. Thank you!

mum of O (aged 9)

T is well and looking forward to starting secondary school. His voice has broken over the summer and he is full of confidence which is great.

mum of T (aged 11)

It's like some huge relief. Some weight has been lifted and we are unravelling the brain now. I really cannot thank you enough for today. Onwards and upwards. It has answered so many questions for me as well.

mum of C (aged 14)

Thanks so much for helping E in the way that you do. It truly is magical and wonderful to see the light back in her eyes. It means so much to us all and to her and it's because of you.

mum of E (aged 8)

I saw improvements within a month but it was a gradual process. His school life and home life is better and homework isn't such a battle now. The positive thing was that I think he connected with you. He felt supported and enjoyed having someone to talk to.

mum of O (aged 11)

I saw an improvement mainly within her home life and friendships. She still has meltdowns at home but they are usually less severe now. She is more empathetic and considerate in friendships. She appears to have matured in some of her thinking and behaviours. Having a weekly input was very supportive. She valued having someone to talk to her who was not judging her.

mum of a child with an ASD diagnosis

I noticed an improvement two or three weeks in and she is still improving. She is prepared to tackle homework independently and mostly gets herself out of the house independently now. Her growing confidence has even given her a bit of an attitude :)

mum of a school refuser

I honestly can't believe the difference in K since you started working with her. She seems to have a lot more control over herself and doesn't feel quite so lost. Thank you for everything you have done.

N mum of K (aged 10) and then later the same mum wrote

Hi, I just wanted to say how grateful I am for everything that you have done for K. She walked into her new school this morning all by herself, with her head held high. 6 months ago I didn't think that was possible. I honestly can't thank you enough.

Thank you so much for all your help. I was saying to my friend yesterday, out of all the people he has supporting him, I think you are having the most positive effect on him - I can't tell you enough how truly grateful I am. I'd hug you if you were here!! xx

J mum of O (aged 16) ( this boy had 5 other sets of professionals around him - including CAMHS, drugs and alcohol team and a psychiatrist)

F is doing really well. It's like a weight's been lifted. He told me he's been trying to do his breathing before bed - But he hasn't had to do it when he's been worried, because he's had no worries. :D

mum of F - boy aged 10 - after week 1

He's like a different child, like something inside him has come out and he's just amazing us all 💙 x

mum of J - aged 6 dealing with grief

What was life like for, and with, J before the Magical Change Challenge?
J was so hard on himself; he is such a bright and intelligent boy but had stopped believing in himself. He would get so upset every week if he struggled on a homework question, for example. He thought he should know the answers straight away and when he didn’t, would say some really sad things about himself. His self esteem was so low and no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t find a way through to make him see what an amazing boy he is. This then turned into anger and he would go from perfectly calm to so angry in an instant.
How is life now for J and the family?
Life is now so much better. J is happier and believes in himself. He doesn’t have such a strong feeling that he has to be perfect, in fact his favourite saying is that “perfect isn’t a thing, you can always get better, but you just have to try your best”. I can see he now values himself as much as I have always done. He is getting better at controlling his anger outbursts as well, he has all the tools he needs and is learning to adopt one before escalating straight to anger. We have a funny secret word that only he and I know, that I use if I think he is heading down the angry route which makes him laugh and helps to defuse the situation.
What skills do you feel J has now that they didn’t have before (if any)
He takes time to breathe and think before immediately reacting and if he needs to, he’ll take himself to his bedroom to calm down and then come back when he’s ready to talk about the situation. He sees what an amazing boy he is which is why I approached Magical Change in the first place.
What advice would you give to another parent about using Magical Change?
I would highly recommend Magical Change, the process works. It is the second time J has been through the process, for completely different reasons (the first was to deal with overwhelming grief), but when I saw J was struggling with his self-belief & confidence, I knew I could reach out and Trudy was there to help. It was amazing to see how the techniques were adaptable to help J both times he needed it. Not only that, but the sessions have also helped me to understand how best to support J in different situations. I said it to Trudy at the end of the last session but feel I should add it here too as it could help other parents decide to begin the Magical Change programme with their child. She is a truly amazing lady who understands children and how to help them, and supports families through difficult times. Thank you really doesn’t seem enough.
If J feels better than they did before - what aspects of the sessions do you think worked /appealed to him?
I think J enjoyed the sessions as he knew they were completely non-judgmental and would support him. He knew Trudy would talk to him and help him see things different. He sometimes struggled to be open about anything that hadn’t quite gone as he would have liked over the previous week and would instead talk through me. Knowing he was able to do that made him feel comfortable about having the discussions in the sessions. He would always come away with advice and enjoyed completing the takeaway activities to talk through at the start of the next session.
If 0 was where you were in the family at the start of our time together and 10 is the ideal, what number would you use to scale the improvement that you think has been made across that time
I’d say we are currently around 8-9, J has made huge improvements and his self-belief is 100% back to where it should be. He also now has the tools and techniques to keep working independently with my support on the journey to control his anger.

Mum of J aged 9

What was life like for and with E before the Magical Change Challenge?
Difficult and scary, as she didn't feel I could understand what she was going through and she wasn't talking to her dad much. As parents we felt unskilled as to how to deal with what she was going through, as we were so worried for her.
How is life now for E and the family?
Much much better, she seems more at peace. She still has moments of anxiety but is able to step back and recognise what is going on. Her eating is much much better. Her weight is still at the back of her mind (partly teenage years) but doesn't seem to influence much the way she eats.
What skills do you feel E has now, that she didn’t have before (if any) ?
She seems more at peace and able to 'function' better. She is aware that she has self esteem and confidence issues, therefore tries to work around them as opposed to get lost in them. She needs to work on that to make the right decisions regarding her relationships, we are hoping she will recognise that.
What advice would you give to another parent about using Magical Change for children who are struggling in some way?
We would definitely recommend this service, we felt we could trust she was in a relationship with someone who would help in a caring and gentle way.
If E feels better than she did before - what aspects of the sessions do you think worked or appealed to her ?
Honestly she didn't share much with us, that in itself was quite good for her. She could talk to somebody independently away from the worried parents. We saw her blossom and change for the better.

Parents of E aged 17 yrs

What was life like for and with B before the Magical Change Challenge?
I was at my wits end before. B’s anxieties were spilling over and affecting her family relationships as she would take out her problems in bad temper. On top of that, we had the sleeping in her own bed issue.
How is life now for B and the family?
In terms of her sleeping issue, I have been really delighted with her commitment to tackling this. It has become a lot easier for her to do this on a nightly basis and it has made a big difference. I think that lockdown has taken the pressure off and she has found this challenge easier because of this.
If B feels better than she did before - what aspects of the sessions do you think worked or appealed to her ?
B has found a lot of value in speaking to you. She listens to your wise words and uses your techniques and advice that you offer, via the way you coach her. Using others‘ experiences seems to totally get her buy-in as she takes comfort in hearing that others share her thoughts and feelings. This is great. The sessions have certainly been of huge benefit to B, and the family, and at the moment she is a better person because of it.
What advice would give to another parent about using Magical Change?
Regarding advice for anyone else, I would have no hesitation in recommending Magical Change. It is a wonderful concept, delivered in a totally personalised way, that is engaging and thought provoking for the individual. Thank you again Trudy for all of your help!

Parents of B aged 10 yrs

What was life like for and with B before the Magical Change Challenge?
Before B started with Magical Change Challenge, he was prone to bouts of anger that he found very hard to self regulate. His father had become absent (not for the first time) and then his Nanny whom he adored passed away, weeks later. I believe he felt very low, let down, vulnerable and scared at that point.
How is life now for B and the family?
Talking to Trudy helped him realise that his feelings were relevant (not just to his family). That it was ok to feel scared, angry and lost. After a couple of sessions B warmed up. He began to look forward to his chats and the perspective that Trudy brought to his life.
What skills do you feel B has now that he didn’t have before (if any)
Trudy gave him coping strategies to deal with and understand his bouts of anger. For example we made a little safe and cosy corner in his bedroom. A new soft bean bag, cushion and rug, with some favourite books at hand. A place to go if things just seemed too much.
What advice would give to another parent about using Magical Change?
If as a parent you are considering looking for outside help for your child, do it! They love talking to someone kind and caring who is interested in their thoughts, but not personally involved in their day to day lives. With Trudy they can also track their success regularly. Its their own personal journey. I never discussed the sessions with him afterwards, it was his time. Trudy will show your child how proud they can be of themselves and how much their potential is, if they believe and have confidence in themselves.
What aspects of the sessions do you think worked /appealed to him ?
I believe that B does feel better than he did before. Trudy gave him the arena to be honest, open and frank about what was going on in his mind. What was positive and what was not, together with other ways and outlooks of looking at life. Trudy was incredibly kind, sensitive and generous to us with her consideration in understanding how we felt when we lost my Mum last year. She worked with B to help him feel and remember the wonderful positive things about his beloved Nanny. The penultimate session was sharing with B some inspiring and positive things that all sorts of people felt about him in his life. He was moved to happy tears! I am truly grateful for all of Trudy's hard work, dedication and fun sessions she shared with B.

Mum of B - aged 11

What was life like for and with O before the Magical Change Challenge?
He was very unhappy, and had no friends, he couldn’t make or keep relationships. He self-harmed and had suicidal thoughts. He drank and took drugs as an escape from his life – sometimes leading to nights in hospital (on several occasions). As a family we found this very hard and so upsetting; his younger brother found this exceptionally hard, especially when he said he was going to 'kill himself’. Every single day was a 'battle’ - I think I cried everyday for a good nine months, at times I felt I couldn’t go on myself.
How is life now for O and the family?
Life is better for everyone, we still worry as parents do, but not to the extent that we did. The sessions with Trudy gave him the skills and confidence to speak to people, how to act, how to be around people and help and advice on how to start conversations and interact with people. This gave him the confidence to get a part-time job, which led to him finding friendships. He still has down days – but Trudy has helped him understand that in everyday life its completely normal to have down days, and that knowledge helps him to think 'I’m ok, its just one of those days’. Before, the down days led to getting drunk, but now he manages those feelings. Don’t get me wrong he’s a typical teenager – and loves a beer! – but he does in the main , at the right time, in the right place.
What skills do you feel O has now that he didn’t have before (if any) ?
More confidence, comfortable with people he doesn’t know. Able to start conversations and build up rapport.
What advice would give to another parent about using Magical Change?
Firstly, be open with Trudy, tell her what’s going on so she is aware of things that your child might not tell her. Your child must want to talk to Trudy. Towards the end he was always asking me “when is my next session with Trudy”. I knew he wanted to talk to her about something, which was great. Trust Trudy – she has a calm, non-judgemental approach. The sessions were confidential, sometimes with his agreement, I was brought in on them.
If O feels better than he did before - what aspects of the sessions do you think worked /appealed to him?
Talking in a confidential setting ; help with building relationships and how to speak to people; Understanding his feelings - he used to think he was 'weird' because he thought the way he did, but Trudy helped him to understand he's not - these thoughts are perfectly normal; timings worked around him.
If 0 was where you were as a family at the start of our time together and 10 is the ideal, what number would you use to scale the improvement, or otherwise, that you think has been made across that time?
10 – he is a different person from when the sessions started – thanks Trudy

Mum of O - aged 16

What was life like for, and with, T before the Magical Change Challenge?
What was life like for, and with T before the Magical Change Challenge?
Before starting "Magical Change", the situation was challenging. Previous counselling and therapy attempts had limited success, with our son reluctant to participate fully. He struggled with independence and managing difficult situations, leading to unpredictability and a refusal to engage in previously enjoyed activities. Communication was also a significant obstacle.
How is life now for T and the family?
It's been wonderful to see my child's progress. Things were quite difficult before we started these sessions, but we've seen some really positive changes. He's more independent now, and I'm often surprised by the things he takes on by himself. He's also more comfortable communicating, even turning his camera on during sessions, and he's gradually opening up about his feelings. We're now able to have family meals together, and he can clearly express his preferences and needs, whether it's about activities he wants to join or even what kind of holiday he'd like. It's been a journey, and he's still learning and growing, but it's encouraging to see him gaining confidence and navigating life with more ease.
What skills do you feel T has now that they didn’t have before (if any)?
He's steadily gaining awareness and independence, leading to gradual improvements in various aspects of his life. This self-understanding allows him to take more control and create situations where he feels comfortable.
What advice would you give to another parent about using Magical Change?
Try it! It's clear that firsthand experience makes a world of difference when supporting someone on the autism spectrum. Medical professionals, despite their training, often lack the personal understanding that comes from lived experience. I've found that they tend to rely on theory rather than practical application, and their approaches can be quite rigid. It's like they know the textbook definition of autism but haven't truly grasped what it means to live with it day in and day out.
If T feels better than they did before - what aspects of the sessions do you think worked /appealed to him ?
It really helped that you weren't just a medical professional or teacher; you had already helped other autistic children and had a prior relationship with our family. That existing connection made a huge difference. Our child enjoyed reflecting on his achievements and his adventures from the week.
If 0 was where you were in the family at the start of our time together and 10 is the ideal, what number would you use to scale the improvement that you think has been made across that time?
He showed significant improvement after around 10 sessions, going from a 'zero' to a '4' on a scale of 10. This is remarkable considering years of unsuccessful therapy with other professionals had resulted in no progress at all. He engaged well with the "Magical
Change" program for 8 months, viewing the sessions as positive checkpoints in his personal development. Over this time, he gained a deeper understanding of himself and learned to tackle challenges head-on, developing coping strategies that worked for him. The program provided crucial support during a stressful period of exams. He's come so far and we would rate him an '8' now, and it's inspiring to see him taking ownership of his journey and striving to reach a '10'.

Mum of T aged 16

What was life like, for and with, S before the Magical Change Challenge?
From my perspective, I think life with S was unpredictable with almost every day facing tantrums and bad temper.
How is life now for S and the family?
After a few sessions I could see a change as S started to listen more and open up about his emotions better. And now by this point, I have noticed a remarkable change in S. His tantrums have come down and when he gets angry - often for reasons involving screen time, he tends to handle this better by going to his room and finding other things to do, such as school work, or playing with his toys. What is 'magical' is, he is opening up more - at least to me - and states what he doesn't like and what he wants to do.
What skills do you feel S has now that he didn’t have before (if any)
When I asked S for his feedback about this, he didn't know exactly how it had helped him but he said he liked the lessons and he liked chatting to you.
What advice would you give to another parent about using Magical Change?
I would definitely recommend the sessions with you for anybody whose child is struggling with emotions. I still remember the day when I was helpless and didn't know who to get help from, to manage S's tantrums, I saw the email from yourself as a blessing! I rang you that day evening and you were very happy to see S. The very first class you explained to S what the feeling of anger does to your body in simple terms and how to do simple things to overcome it. The weekly reflections were very helpful.
If S feels better than they did before - what aspects of the sessions do you think worked for him or appealed to him ?
I think the listening exercise you offer, allowing the child and the parent to tell how the week has been - and the reflections - are great. The simple story with pictures was also good for young minds.
What overall improvement do you think has been made across that time?
I am very grateful to you Trudy, and you will be a very important person shaping S's self esteem and confidence.

mum of S aged 12

What was life like for and with L before the Magical Change Challenge?
Before Magical Change we were always honest with L but never gave the full story in tough circumstances to protect her. E.g my dad having to have an operation - we didn’t tell L anything about it with the hope it would be done and that would be it over with so that she did not worry needlessly.
How is life now for L and the family?
Life after Magical Change I feel has improved. L can handle more information in tough circumstances and therefore we have been able to give her more of the full story and she understands and processes it and asks questions, rather than bottling it up.
What skills do you feel L has now that they didn’t have before (if any)
I feel L can now use some good tools to help her keep calm and not to overthink things
What advice would give to another parent about using Magical Change?
Give it a go - it can be life changing and is the start to control and process
If L feels better than she did before - what aspects of the sessions do you think worked /appealed to her ?
Talking to someone who she’s felt comfortable with, and being able to open up to someone outside the family has been important, as I think L never said much to us, as she worried it would upset us, taking about things we, as adults, were trying to manage too.
If 0 was where you were in the family at the start of our time together and 10 is the ideal, what number would you use to scale the improvement that you think has been made across that time?
I would say about a 7 and I think L would agree. She’s still adapting to changing her thought process but Magical Change has hugely helped and continues to help - even without the weekly sessions

mum of L aged 18

What was life like for and with H before the Magical Change Challenge?
Our evenings were very stressful and we felt helpless as my daughter had developed a sudden fear of storms and was presenting with tummy aches and not wanting to be alone. She was seeking constant reassurance about the weather and how ‘noisy’ it was going to be in the night. She wanted to sleep in our bed. But we held a firm boundary and spent hours settling her in her own bed each night. This was exhausting and caused a tension in the family.
How is life now for H and the family?
Life is much calmer and we are all getting enough rest! Even when the weather is noisy, H can now fall asleep easily and even feels comforted by the sound of the rain patting on her window.
What skills do you feel H has now that they didn’t have before (if any)
She is much more confident and assertive than before, even at school where she hardly spoke. She genuinely believes that she can achieve whatever she puts her mind to and that she can solve her own problems as they arise.
What advice would give to another parent about using Magical Change?
It’s a really gentle and person centred approach so your child should be able to engage and enjoy the sessions. Even if it might not feel as if any change is happening early on, trust the process! In my experience, it took a while for it to ‘click’ but with patience, and reminders to do what Trudy suggested, H had a breakthrough and suddenly, the problem went away.
If H feels better than she did before - what aspects of the sessions do you think worked /appealed to her ?
I think she enjoyed the sessions because Trudy ‘heard’ her. She felt less ‘silly’ for having the problem as Trudy told her stories about her own similar situations in life and explained what is happening in her body and mind. She enjoyed having this focused time each week to feel supported and nurtured. She loved the weekly sticker awards and the fact that she felt empowered that she got to choose how many stickers she had earned. Thinking about it now, I think this is a particularly unique and special part of magical change as H is much better at giving herself feedback now.
If 0 was where you were in the family at the start of our time together and 10 is the ideal, what number would you use to scale the improvement that you think has been made across that time?
10

mum of H aged 9

Before I felt like a bubble was growing inside me. Now the bubble has popped

I (aged 7)

Since I've been talking to you, I've been so proud of what I've been able to do. Because around a year ago, I wouldn't be able to do half the stuff, I've been able to this year.

A (aged 15)

I didn't know I could change. I thought I was born like that.

J (aged 11)

Thank you for helping me to be the person you know I can be. You've lifted me from the bottom, when others felt they could do no more and tried to take away my hope.

S (aged 18)

It (working with Magical Change) made me feel safe, like when I'm having a hug with my parents. At first, I was a bit worried that it would not work because about 6 other people had tried to help me before. I would say to other children that sometimes you might be nervous but it changes you into a happier and a better person. I'm much better since the card. You and everyone around you will be much happier

M (aged 9)

My 'better' feelings wouldn't have lasted without the Magical Change Challenge

S (aged 9)

When I took the challenge, I felt like someone was with me. I started to feel better when I was OK expressing my opinions in class. I do things differently now - I'm different and happier.

F (aged 10)

In the past, I've been feeling like my life is wasting because life flies by when you're old or a little old like me. I've also lost my appetite and I've had pains in my ribs because I'm not eating enough and I'm also getting more skinny. I've been sad because there was nothing to look forward to. I've been trying the tool and it's working quite well and I'm feeling really positive about this when it's only a couple of minutes after the appointment

O (aged 9)

I am very proud to have been the first child to have responded well to Magical Change. It certainly helped me and I know it can help others too.

A (now aged 16)

You did a lot more than most people could. I think that our sessions helped a lot and I think I've got my anger under control.

C (aged 14)

I was a little scared , and Trudy had a good chat with me and gave me some techniques to help with my nerves. These techniques have helped me realise things aren't always as scary as they seem. I now feel braver and I challenge myself more than before.

F (aged 9)

We used stickers to show how confident I felt and when I finished I got a certificate and then I felt that I did have more confidence. I knew I could push myself more and I still have my certificate in a safe place.

I (aged 8)

It got me though the week, helping me with tests and matches and with controlling my anxiety.

M (aged 14)

I've had a really crap two weeks but I always remember the advice you gave me and it really helps x

O (aged 18)

It calms my worrying and I can be proud of myself and feel I can be more successful, more focused and in less trouble. I like your stories best - they inspire me and give me tactics. I now feel I am more knowledgeable and I can focus more. I feel calmer and less odd. It felt like a challenge and I needed to give it my all. I would say to other children that if you start this challenge, you can change as a person and could change others and become more successful.

O (aged 11)

I liked having someone that I can talk to that I can trust. I've changed in all kinds of ways but I don't know the words to express them

R (aged 8)

I felt nervous at first but I wanted to know what it felt like to talk to an adult. It was the first time apart from my mum and dad. I gradually started feeling better. I enjoyed chatting to someone and showing them something I'm proud of. Take the challenge. You'll feel much better afterwards.

J (aged 9)

I'd encourage other children to try because it might help them in the future. Be confident - use the tools, persevere and succeed.

C (aged 11)

I want to be alone when I am angry but now I feel a lot better about myself. My work's better and my behaviour is better. Try it. It is a good opportunity for it to help you.

H (aged 11)

I think you are a unique teacher. You don't concentrate on what has been done wrong. You look for a reason.

O (aged 16)

How did you feel before the Magical Change Challenge? (on a scale of 0-10 and in words)
1 - I didn’t believe in myself, I thought I was stupid. I wasn’t happy and would get upset if I made a mistake.
How do you feel now? (on a scale of 0-10 and in words)
10 - I am now so much happier, I know I’m not stupid and I care about myself. I know I don’t have to get everything right all of the time.
What skills do you feel you have that you didn’t have before (if any)
I know how to calm myself down if I get angry. I have learnt lots of techniques to help me react differently to situations. I have a mental health wall in my bedroom that has lots of different advice that I can use when I need it.
What advice would give to another child about taking the Magical Change challenge?
Listen to Trudy and talk to her in your sessions. She is kind and wants to help you.
If you feel better than you did before - what was it about our sessions that worked for you or appealed to you?
I liked talking to Trudy about my week, especially when I earned 4 stickers. I knew that she would help me understand how to get happier and stay happier.

J aged 9

How did you feel before the Magical Change Challenge? (on a scale of 0-10 and in words)
0 - I knew things weren’t okay and I wanted things to get better. I felt like Trudy would be my fairy godmother.
How do you feel now? (on a scale of 0-10 and in words)
8 - I feel that I understand myself better and I get less frustrated when others try to help me. I still suffer from anxiety but I continue to find ways of dealing with difficulties.
What skills do you feel you have that you didn’t have before (if any)
Better at accepting who I am and trying to get better at accepting that sometimes things don’t have to be enjoyable but it is okay for them to be manageable.
What advice would give to another child about taking the Magical Change challenge?
Just try it. It’s not just like another therapist who has no experience of the difficulties. Trudy has tons of stories about kids she has helped and it was always good to hear those.
If you feel better than you did before - what was it about our sessions that worked for you or appealed to you ?
It’s like a checkpoint in a video game. I liked talking to Trudy.

T aged 16

How do you feel now?
I can now say, with full honesty, that while I’m still constantly working, and will be recovering for quite some time - that you have helped me significantly. I have more confidence in myself and in life in general. You have helped me find better ways to cope and helped me find better ways to express myself and my emotions in a healthy way. I feel happy.

What skills do you feel you have that you didn’t have before (if any)
I feel the skills I have taken from the sessions are: how to be expressive in a healthy way, to be, in the knowledge that I can’t always control everything and I have also learnt how to deal with situations I usually may have avoided, or stayed away from, and I can now be going into them with much more confidence. I have acquired the skill of communication - which I realised I never had before.

What advice you would give to another teenager about taking the challenge?
My advice would be you have to be willing to make a change and help yourself. You may believe you have nobody but there is someone who will always listen. Nobody can fix you on their own you have to be dedicated to want to make a change, no matter how impossible or how unrealistic it may seem. It’s a hard and heavy task but in the end it’s always easier than you think. Time and persistence always helps to overcome the challenge.

If you feel better than you did before - what aspects of the sessions do you think worked or appealed to you?
Personally, I needed to feel comfortable and that I had someone to talk to that wouldn’t judge me or make me feel bad for what I say or how I coped with certain situations. I think the things that worked for me were breaking things down and analysing what may be the triggers, what type of situations, people and environments were damaging for me. I liked the aspect of having someone to talk to and who just let me say what I wanted but didn’t try to tell me that I was wrong for feeling that way but instead tried to find a positive outlook on a situation and how to cope better. I also liked when tasks were set, so I could compartmentalise my thoughts and emotions and find roots to problems or different coping mechanisms. Thank you so much for what you have done to help me, you have really helped me change my life around for the better 🙂

E girl aged 16

How did you feel before?
Before we started working together I felt like I was losing control of my problems and how to deal with them- I was making decisions for myself that weren’t helpful and that were irresponsible.
How do you feel now?
Now i feel like i can make the correct choices for myself, for my well-being and health. I also now have a better hold on how to react in certain situations, rather than panicking and making irrational decisions. I feel as though I can think clearly and calm myself down well, when I need to.
What skills do you feel you have that you didn’t have before (if any)
Now, I'm able to evaluate the consequences of my decisions more easily - I can think responsibly in terms of how not to damage my health or mental health. I also can manage my anxiety a lot better, using breathing exercises and understanding how to think in a different perspective.
What advice you would give to another teenager about taking the challenge?
My advice would be to try as hard as possible to think positive and not let any exercises scare you. Trusting that things do get better eventually is key. If you give up and don’t even try the exercises or try to engage, you won’t get better- it’s all about putting in the effort yourself, and thinking positively and enthusiastically is the way forward.
If you feel better than you did before - what aspects of the sessions do you think worked for you/appealed to you
In the sessions there was a lot of talk about understanding the people around you, specifically if you have confidence issues and insecurities about what others think of you. The sessions help you understand that you can only control your reactions and not others. This is extremely helpful because it makes you also realise that not everyone looks at you as much as you think - it’s a relief in a way to understand that people care a lot less than you think.
What were your three favourite quotations from the set of quotations that I sent you.
1. When you can’t control what’s happening, control the way you respond to what’s happening - for that is where your power is!
2. Mistakes are proof that you are trying!
3. You can choose to have a great day!
Thank you so much for everything Trudy! My life has literally turned around for the better and it couldn't have happened without you. Thank you for teaching and guiding me through my issues. I will be forever grateful.

E girl aged 17

How did you feel before the Magical Change Challenge? (on a scale of 0-10 and in words)
'Most of the time I just felt angry for some reason.' I felt 5/10.
How do you feel now? (on a scale of 0-10 and in words)
'I now feel 8/10. She helped me to not feel so angry. Trudy just explained things in a different way.'
What skills do you feel you have that you didn’t have before (if any)
'I now know if I'm about to get angry, I have things I can do to try to stop it.'
What advice would give to another child about taking the Magical Change challenge?
'If you are like me and you don't know what to do when you get angry, talk to Trudy, she will teach you how to feel better.'
If you feel better than you did before - what was it about our sessions that worked for you or appealed to you ?
'I really enjoyed being able to see my progress and being able to talk through things that were bothering me - with Trudy.'

B boy aged 11

How did you feel before the Magical Change Challenge? (on a scale of 0-10 and in words)
2/10 I felt angry all the time. I didn't know how to explain myself.
How do you feel now? (on a scale of 0-10 and in words)
8/10 I know how to calm myself better before I get too angry.
What skills do you feel you have that you didn’t have before (if any)
Knowing the triggers - I know when I am about to get angry, recognising the signs before I feel too angry.
What advice would give to another child about taking the Magical Change challenge?
Know that you are not seeing Trudy because you are a "bad" girl/boy. You just need some help to understand your emotions and learn to deal with them. Find what helps you. Listen to Trudy, she really can help you.
If you feel better than you did before - what was it about our sessions that worked for you or appealed to you ?
I loved filling my card up with stickers. Also enjoyed doing the journal with you. I also loved the animal card game we played.

K girl aged 9

How did you feel before the Magical Change Challenge? (on a scale of 0-10 and in words)
Before Magical Change sessions I felt 3/10. This is because I felt down all the time and struggled to get the motivation to do things. Also I had a hard time talking to people and my confidence was low which had a negative impact on my mood.
How do you feel now? (on a scale of 0-10 and in words)
Now I feel much better, I feel good most of the time and when I do feel down, I know how to deal with it, and know how to get to the root of the problem. Also I am much more confident and actually enjoy talking to, and getting to know people. I would say my mood is an 8/10.
What skills do you feel you have that you didn’t have before (if any)
I have gained lots of conversational skills through the use of the sessions, for example asking people questions. I have also learned the importance of eye contact and use it in every day life. Overall I have learned how to come across much more confident and friendly.
What advice would give to another young person about taking the Magical Change challenge?
The advice I would give to another person taking the Magical Change challenge is to be patient. It does not come overnight, and it is not easy, but if you persevere you will come out on top.
If you feel better than you did before - what was it about our sessions that worked for you or appealed to you ?
The best things about the sessions was being able to talk to someone about the problems I was having in day to day life. It was also good to have someone with a clear head to be able to look at the problems from a different angle. Finally the sessions taught me how to interact with people and how to form good relationships. Thanks for your help Trudy you helped me get through a lot.

O girl aged 17

How do you feel after taking the Magical Change challenge ? (on a scale of 0-10 and in words)
When I first started the sessions I felt like a 0, I had let my feelings build up too much because I didn't want to be a burden on others, now I have realised how important it is to express my emotions and that I am not a burden. 10 - I feel much better now. I know how to express how I feel in a positive way. This has helped me deal with things I previously struggled with - such as even basic tasks that I would find challenging.
What skills do you feel you have that you didn’t have before (if any)
I have developed many skills - but one in particular that I learned was the breathing techniques for when I was having a panic attack. However, due to the sessions and expressing how I felt, I no longer needed these techniques because the panic attacks stopped.
What advice would give to another child about taking the Magical Change challenge?
My advice would be to trust the process and believe in yourself and know that it's okay to ask for help.
If you feel better than you did before - what was it about our sessions that worked for you or appealed to you?
Many different aspects of the sessions helped me, however, all in all, I think that just having someone to talk to that wasn't family benefited me the most because I find it hardest to talk to the people closest to me.

L aged 18

How did you feel before the Magical Change Challenge? (on a scale of 0-10 and in words)
3/10- I didn’t like storms at night and it gave me tummy ache and I did not want to go to bed
How do you feel now? (on a scale of 0-10 and in words)
9/10- I feel more calm when it’s stormy and I like going to bed now.
What skills do you feel you have that you didn’t have before (if any)
I can go to bed easily now and I feel more comfortable in other parts of life, like school
What advice would you give to another child about taking the Magical Change challenge?
You should do it because it helped me
If you feel better than you did before - what was it about our sessions that worked for you or appealed to you ?
I liked all of it, Trudy explained things well and told good stories. I especially liked the sticker card.

H aged 9

The work that Trudy did with me around Magical Change was truly amazing and very helpful. Her guidance and knowledge are incredible and very supportive. Trudy helped me in creating a very strong basement to all the self-development work I'm doing and I'm truly grateful for her support during a time I needed it the most.

M was an adult female with a traumatic childhood to overcome.

How did you feel before the Magical Change Challenge? (on a scale of 0-10 and in words)
Before: 5 - I felt nervous and anxious in stressful situations.
How do you feel now? (on a scale of 0-10 and in words)
After: 10 - I am now more calm and in control of my emotions I have been practising the breathing technique Trudy taught me. I am more confident now that I can handle stressful situations and calm myself down. Before taking the challenge, I used to feel nervous that I would lose control in stressful situations. However, having practised it regularly, I now feel calm and more confident in myself.
What skills do you feel you have that you didn’t have before (if any)
I had read about the breathing but didn’t actually believe it. After giving it a go with Trudy and using it in practical everyday situations, such as on way to work, in the morning, at night, at work, etc.. I realised that it does help in grounding me and calming me down. I am now reassured that I will be able to handle difficult situations. Trudy's circle of control diagram also helped me understand the factors/ events which are in our control, and those not in our control, so there is no use worrying about those. I have started journaling: this is something new that I have learnt with Trudy. I find it quite liberating and it provides a space between me and my emotions/ thoughts. Penning down my thoughts and feelings, I am able to analyse them from a distance, more logically rather than emotionally. With time I am now able to view my thoughts as just thoughts and not reality. Before journaling I would engage with my thoughts and get caught up in analysing them on and on which caused me distress. I find journaling a valuable tool to thought control.
What advice would give to another adult about taking the Magical Change challenge?
I suggest to any adult going through difficult / stressful times to take the Magical Change challenge and embrace the process wholeheartedly. Trudy’s voice and manner is very soothing. She explains the concept and strategies in simple easy to understand language. Understanding the concept behind the breathing techniques is equally important to give it a go and Trudy makes it very easy to understand. She also made me understand that all anxiety is not bad and it helps us in life threatening situations, as it is the brain's defence mechanism.
If you feel better than you did before - what was it about the sessions that worked for you, or appealed to you ?
First and foremost, Trudy has a very calming persona and soothing voice. She speaks with authority. This helps build trust and confidence in her. She uses simple language which is easy to understand. The sessions are well timed and not too lengthy. Trudy advises you to try the strategies in the week after the session. She then asks for feedback about your progress / difficulties so that she can help fine tune the technique. She assesses whether the strategies work for you or not. This enables her to assess your progress and suggest new/ more strategies as you progress through the sessions.

M was another adult female struggling with anxiety and intrusive thoughts.

Originally, dealing with J was an almost daily feature of my life, now I hardly ever have to do that any more. Given the difficulties in his home life, that J is having to face at the moment, he is coping exceptionally well and much better than he would have been able to do previously. He has more friends and a greater overall level of acceptance amongst his peers.

Mr M - Primary Headteacher

Trudy has worked with pupils in my school and had tremendous impact. I cannot actually believe it ... M is talking so confidently about her feelings, assessing situations and actually handling them with confidence, rather than withdrawing herself....she is positively 'buzzing'. I can't thank you enough for this Trudy....I'm very excited about it.

A F - primary Headteacher

From the responses presented in the feedback findings, it is evident that the children themselves felt they had been positively impacted by the techniques and strategies employed through the ‘Magical Change’ programme. The children themselves reported that they felt better in themselves and ‘less worried’ about the various previously reported concerns. In the case of one of the youngsters, numerous positive developments have been made since the programme was undertaken. Firstly, the attendance of the young person has increased dramatically. We have also observed a far less anxious child who is developing the strategies required to cope with ‘change situations’ as well as increased resilience to cope with situations where she perceives herself to be unsuccessful. The school is pleased it engaged in the programme and are grateful for the time and energy spent in its delivery.

CG - primary Headteacher

S has been so smiley this week. And, even when he has found a day tricky he has always come back the next day with a smile and a clear slate.

N W - classteacher

J has rarely missed any school time this year. She is more confident and will have a conversation with me… she will answer questions in class and is smiling more often. She is being proud of her work and showing me her artwork from home. She took part in a presentation to the class

classteacher of a school refuser

I have not been made aware of any incidents where R has become angry and overwhelmed since the start of the challenge…

classteacher of a child with anger issues

It has benefited my behaviour management strategies in class, as well as offering bespoke well-being sessions for identified children in school

N.C. teacher in a private school – KS1

To a large extent, Trudy’s method resembles the Consultation Method of service delivery employed by psychologists in that her Consultation Interview with both parent and child involves focussed collaborative discussion in which the individuals who share concerns work together to identify ways forward.

Trudy’s method draws upon a number of psychological theories and principles, including:
• Solution-oriented theory
• Personal construct theory
• Systems thinking
• Narrative therapy
• Symbolic interactionism
• Social constructionism

The key features of the ‘Magical Change’ method are:
• Participants are seen as equal in status and in sharing expertise
• Consultees retain ownership of the problem
• The goals of consultation are to facilitate reflection upon potential ways forward in the current context and to develop future problem-solving skills.

Trudy’s method applies to different levels of working and this flexibility is key to its
success.
• At a systemic level (e.g. family and school dynamics)
• At a group or class level (e.g. classroom management)
• At an individual child level (e.g. devising behavioural or learning programmes)

End products of the ‘Magic Card’ technique.
1> Thinking, learning and study skills
2> Promoting self-esteem
3> Increasing motivation
4> Personal, social, emotional and developmental
5> Solution focused brief therapy
6> Anger management
7> Stress management / relaxation techniques
8> Assertiveness training
9> Cognitive behavioural therapy (changing the thoughts that underlie a young person's
behaviour)
10> Personal construct psychology (changing a young person's view of the world)
11> Emotional literacy (developing a young person's ability to identify and name their
own and others emotions)
12> School management
13> Anti-bullying strategies
14> Friendship groups
15> Self-esteem groups
16> Social skills groups
17> Pupil support groups, for example improving attendance
18> Conflict resolution approaches
19> Peer mediation
20> Peer tutoring
21> Peer counselling
22> Management of classroom behaviour

Lis Walker - an Educational Psychologist who analysed my method of working and also successfully replicated it herself.
BSc, PGCE, PGDip SpLD (Dyslexia), PGDip Psychology, MSc Educational Psychology
Registered with The Health and Care Professions Council: PYL27699

Your intervention looks great, I can understand your happiness with it and I'm more than happy to share thoughts! I'm a research psychologist and work mainly with kids/families that are under pressure and have fallen or are falling apart (such as infants growing-up in orphanages, children whose parents migrate for work, young people who can't settle in foster family settings, etc. I've had a read through the outline of your method and, in broadest terms, all that you describe and speculate about makes sense.

Your list of contributing factors at the end is great - seems pretty complete and all makes sense to me. I think you do well to recognise the investment of an adult in the child's problem, the focused attention from someone who holds a special position, and who is able to truly recognise the child (here the identification with the child's experience is important, and I think also simply seeing the child as they are, with or without the specific 'problems' being experienced).

Critique from a research psychologist and Associate Professor