Life Coaching, Personal Training testimonials in Lymington
Supporting your mind, body and wellbeing in Lymington and the surrounding New Forest area.
Counselling in Lymington
“I found the courage to ask for help. Maria gave me the confidence and support I needed to help myself. I am no longer being suffocated by the ‘dark passenger’ in my life. Maria has been with me every step of the way, and I am finally feeling in control again.”
— A
“I wanted to write this for Maria because I feel so grateful for the work we have done together. When I first started working with her, sharing what I had been through was hard enough, and Maria’s warmth and kind smile immediately made me feel that I didn’t have to put pressure on myself to find the right words.
I came to Maria for Trauma Therapy. She came recommended from a lady in my Survivors group, who worked with her during her time at the YouTrust. Working with Maria through Somatic Therapy and breath work has been a deeply transformative experience for me. Talking about the trauma wasn’t enough. I had to feel it and unlock it. She helped me reconnect with my body and begin to understand how much of my past trauma and abuse I had been carrying physically, not just emotionally.
Maria creates a safe space where you can explore what you body is holding onto, rather than continuing to push or avoid those experiences away. Her recommendation of The Body Keeps the Score also gave me a deeper undersatnding on the connection between trauma, the body, and healing.
Through this work, I have started to embrace and acknowledge my trauma instead of feeling defined or controlled by it. I feel more connected to myself, more present in my body, and more able to move forward.
One of the biggest changes for me has been feeling able to focus on intimacy again. I’m beginning to feel more comfortable, open, and connected in that part of my life, which is something I never thought I would be able to experience in the same way again.
I’m incredibly grateful to Maria for her compassion, patience, humour, and the safe space she held for me throughout this journey. The work has helped me reconnect with myself in ways I’m still discovering, and I’m so thankful I took that first step. Thank you Maria!” – Anom
“Maria is a genuine and compassionate counsellor. She was accepting and caring of my presenting issues and, through our work together, helped me overcome my traumatic past.”
— Bex
Couples Counselling
“I honestly don’t know where our marriage would be today without this experience with Maria.
When things between us were at their worst, we were stuck in a terrible situation. Emotions were high, communication had broken down, and it felt like we were heading towards the end of our marriage.
What made the biggest difference was the direct and honest approach. There was no sugar-coating things and no pretending everything was fine when it clearly wasn’t. Sometimes we needed to hear the uncomfortable truth and we did. But what I really appreciated was the ability to find the humour in even the most difficult moments. Somehow, situations that could have become incredibly heavy and emotional were turned into moments where we could actually laugh. And sometimes, that little bit of humour was exactly what we needed to take a step back, breathe, and see things differently.
The honesty helped us face the problems. The directness helped us deal with them. And the humour helped us remember why we loved each other in the first place.
What started as what felt like a terrible situation became a turning point for our marriage. We learned to communicate properly, understand each other better, and, most importantly, laugh together again.
I genuinely believe Maria’s approach helped save our marriage. Sometimes you don’t need someone to tell you what you want to hear you need someone brave enough to tell you as it is, but with enough humour and humanity to help you actually hear it.
We will always be grateful for that.” – K&B
“Maria is an extremely positive and understanding life coach. She helps you become the best version of yourself and leaves you feeling motivated and uplifted. She helped me manage my anxiety in social situations, which has been a massive step forward for me. I never expected to meet such a realistic, friendly and supportive person.”
— R
Personal Training in Lymington
“Maria’s positivity and motivation are infectious! She pushes me when I need it and is a great support — a lovely, smiley Miss Motivator! Not only do I look forward to my sessions with her, but she pushes me further than I would push myself.”
“Maria’s eye for technique and intuition when it comes to wellbeing are reassuring. She is able to focus on your individual goals and requirements. As an asthmatic, it’s not just physical barriers but mental ones that have hindered me in the past. Maria has helped me work on my breathing and recovery techniques, as well as learning to keep going even when things seem tough.”
“Maria is fun, friendly and supportive — everything you’d want in a PT, plus a bundle of pure joy (with a side of feeling the burn!)”
— Hesper
Client Progress
“Maria really does make fitness fun!”
— S.O.
Yoga in Lymington
“I have been lucky to find you, Maria Kay Claridge, as I needed to get fit to go on a skiing trip. Having an old soft-tissue ski injury, I didn’t want my knee in plaster for three months again. You helped me get there, so I got the best out of my ski trip four years ago — and I haven’t stopped! Your yoga classes are worth it too. Very peaceful and restorative.”
— Caroline
“I have really enjoyed starting Maria’s yoga sessions. As a newbie to yoga, I was very conscious that I wouldn’t be able to do some of the postures and stances. Maria has made me feel very at ease, giving positive suggestions and making sure she focuses on any areas where you feel your body needs attention. At the end of the session, you — and your body — will feel completely different!”
— C.H.
Supporting Your Wellbeing in Lymington
From counselling and life coaching to personal training and yoga, my aim is to create a supportive, welcoming environment where you can work on yourself at your own pace.
Whether you’re taking your first steps towards feeling better, building your confidence, improving your fitness or simply making more time for yourself, you don’t have to do it alone. Message me today.