Testimonials

I started working with Tom on a one to one basis for several months having heard good feedback from colleagues who had attended his group mindfulness course. I began this process with the intention of exploring mindfulness practices in a guided format as I have previously struggled to stick with it myself. Quickly I realized that the true value I found in our sessions was to have really deep discussions on a myriad of topics covering performance anxiety in sport, managing work stresses and better understanding social relationships. Having started the process with an open but very critical mind, I was constantly surprised at how easy it was to explore any topic and create actionable take-aways to implement between sessions. As a coach supporting athletes I have really appreciated a space to explore my own thoughts and feelings with another person. I couldn’t recommend enough. - Ollie Torr

“We had a great day climbing outdoors with Tom and Laura learning about creating anchors and gear placements when trad climbing. We found Tom and Laura to be really thoughtful and flexibly adaptable to our needs. We had an online meeting prior to our session to chat about what we are looking for and they then adapted our session spot on to what was discussed. We have found both really supportive and professional which made us feel really comfortable and safe. We also talked about mental strategies which are really helpful and have proven themselves as being really effective making us climb harder routes than previously. Overall truely recommendable.” - Johanna Faust

“Loving these online yoga sessions. The classes are a brilliant balance of breathing exercises, gentle flows and strength work. Really appreciating the end meditation and having the best night's sleep. Laura is so clear, supportive and friendly, can't recommend more.” - Alice Robinson

“Had the pleasure of being guided on a weekend of lead climbing with the wonderful Tom and Laura, both of whom are very experienced climbing coaches and outdoor guides. The weekend was a fantastic experience made just by how lovely both Tom and Laura were to spend time with, talk with and learn off. There was absolutely no pressure and the main emphasis was on fun and enjoyment with everyone feeling totally comfortable throughout. Both Tom and Laura had fantastic insights not only into the physical but also the mental side of outdoor climbing which helped me a lot. I would strongly recommend choosing these two as coaches for climbing, outdoor guiding or even just life simply because they are just great people.” - Liam Holder

“I worked with Tom and Laura back in September on a short film where we had to complete a complicated climbing stunt with both a stuntman and child actor. They were fantastic in making sure it was 100 percent safe for the cast and crew and looked convincing on camera as well. They are lovely people whose professionalism matched their patience and flexibility. I would work with them again in a heartbeat and I would definitely like to get climbing lessons for myself as well.” - Anderson West

“Tom and Laura are simply excellent. We had such a fun, meaningful and insightful day climbing in Sheffield.” - Sam Nicholson

“My son had an amazing experience climbing indoors one day and outdoors on the cliff the next. Tom supported his climbing skills and well-being like a pro. We will see him again!” - Juliet Leonard

“Great team who made shooting the climbing sections of the film we were making safe and possible! I was grateful to have them there and I was really pleased with they're knowledge and ability. They come highly recommended!” - Sofian Francis

“I have been climbing with Laura both indoors and outdoors, both times it’s been a brilliant experience. She is patient, encouraging and enthusiastic which put me at ease straight away. The outdoor climb was a challenging route for myself and I didn’t think I would actually make it to the top, but Laura gave me some great advice on different techniques and her calming manner meant I was relaxed when climbing. I achieved the aim and actually made it to the top which I was really excited about! Plus the views were fantastic!

When we climbed indoors Laura pushed me to try my first indoor lead climb, again with great coaching from her and the feeling of complete trust I gave it a go and again achieved the aim of getting to the top!

I would 100% recommend Laura to anyone wanting to start climbing or improve their climbing. I had a fantastic experience and will definitely be climbing with her again!” - Tilly Hall

“I've 'virtually' met Tom a couple times now and it is always a pleasure. In the first instance, Tom did an online seminar that was really helpful and I still use those lessons learned today. The other was an 8 week mindfulness course, and though I didn't really know what to expect, it was brilliant and varied. Tom is great teacher and coach and could articulate things that I first thought were fairly intangible. If you are interesting in working with Tom I fully encourage you to go for it!” - Josh Hadley

“Little steps lead to big success’ and Tom and Laura helped us make them. (Lilly age 8)

Amazing, extraordinary, magical you may be wondering who could contain such characteristics, who else but Tom and Laura. (Jack age 11)

What a magical 3 days spent on our climbing adventure. As a family of 4 of different ages and ability we all went on our own personal journey and each of us were challenged in different ways. Tom and Laura made us all feel relaxed and it was more than just a climbing experience. We will definitely be recommending to our friends😀!” - Family Bradbury

“Good prep.

Executed the brief perfectly.

Good balance of pace, content to get through and getting outcomes from the day.

Built rapore really well with team putting them at ease.

Laura and Tom have a way of presenting with calm authority and integrity.

Perfect leadership day. Lots of good feedback by my team.

Thank you” - Matt Jones

“It was very helpful to participate in the mindfulness course in a moment when I needed the most.

I loved how simple questions that we forget to ask ourselves have so much power in rediscovering life.

Tom and Rebecca have been briliant!

Thank you very much!” - Anna Tanasa

“Well organised but also flexible, adapted to the circumstances of the day. A good pulling together the end of the day and conclusion for the team. Good team engagement. Lots of fun. Highly recommended.” - Allan Holmes

“I was lucky enough to take part in a Virtual Mindfulness Course, organised through my work and I cannot not recommend it enough!

I had been practising meditation for a while prior to the course, but this course has taught me a whole host of techniques to be more mindful and help manage day to day stress. As well as having the chance to work with a wonderful teacher, whose entire demeanour has inspired me to become more compassionate, confident and happy.

Huge thanks to Tom, as he has been a fantastic coach: intuitive, friendly and a pleasure to work with.” - Tess Whitfield

“Tom and Laura assisted us with a full day of climbing / coaching which our clients enjoyed throughout. We will be working with them again in the near future!” - Kit Pest

“I initially got to know Tom as a member of my business networking group. His valuable insights, kindness and calming presence meant that when he launched his mindfulness training courses, I had no hesitation in signing up. Having done mindfulness training ~7 years ago with a different teacher, I understood the concepts but had slipped in my practice. I expected this training to be similar to the previous course, but how wrong I was. Tom adds a whole new dimension, bringing in additional teachings and added value that created a level of richness and depth well beyond my previous experience. The group conversations were supportive and insightful, and Tom's coaching expertise really shone through. Each week I went away motivated and positive, and learnt a lot about myself as well as how to improve relating to others, whether positive, negative or neutral influences. Tom is a truly gifted practitioner and coach, and I highly recommend him.” - Tracey Warren

“The online yoga sessions that Swoop offer are excellent. The guidance is wonderfully clear and the sequences are beautifully put together, combining breath work with stretching, balance and strengthening postures. I always feel as though I have worked my body but also very relaxed at the end of the sessions! Perfect!” - Wendy Andrew

Hi.
I have just finish an 8 week on-line mindfulness course run by Tom Powell and swoop coaching.
The course was absolutely brilliant.
Tom explained everything so well, gave great advice and made the whole experience so interesting.
I have learnt so much throughout the course and I now feel calmer, more in control and ready to tackle the world and everything it throws at me...
Thank you so much to epic restart who allowed me to do the course and of course to tom and the swoop coaching team.

Cheers —Matt Robertshaw

“Tom helped me navigate through a time in my life that I found difficult to navigate on my own. He provided me with new tools and helped me gain new perspectives that have allowed me to work through some of my issues in a kinder and calmer way. I found our online sessions difficult, but extremely valuable. Have already been recommending his services to my friends!” - Marie Kirkland

“I love how rejuvenating and satisfying every session is. Laura guides us perfectly and I feel so peaceful in the class.” - Sree Drusya

“I have taken part in Laura’s yoga sessions both online and in person. Very clear explanations with adaptations for all abilities. Extremely relaxing. Highly recommended. Thank you Laura” - Jane Godfrey

“Swoop delivers just want I want from a yoga session, making it relaxed and professional from my own home. She also provided individual feedback being a personal touch to an online session.” -Jenny Kay

“I have been really enjoying Swoop Coaching Yoga sessions. They are calming and relaxing and I always feel my body has been worked a nice amount. The sequencing flows really well and the instructions are clear so I never really get lost (which has definitely happened in past classes). I always feel simultaneously restored and relaxed and would absolutely recommend them to anyone.” - Emily

“Tom was a fantastic coach and delivered an 8 week mindfulness course with enthusiasm, professionalism and managed to convert me after many years of scepticism. Swoop Training offer a great course which is adapted for all levels of knowledge. As a complete beginner it was pitched as perfect for me as those who had dabbled previously. I looked forward to my Saturday 7.30 am starts which set me up for the day and weekend perfectly. I have introduced some levels of mindfulness to my daily routine but intend to go back over the course to absorb more content. Thanks again Tom this has genuinely changed my life and improved and reduced my stress levels. Many thanks” - Julian Dimauro

“Laura is a wonderful yoga instructor. She is so patient and calm I always feel refreshed and relaxed after each practice. She is always clear in her instructions and gives great details around how each pose benefits the body. Thanks Laura! Highly recommended!” - Fay Billany

“After a very strange, up and down 10 months of spiking anxiety, changing jobs, moving house, breaking my ankle & family issues I was in an absolute muddle. I had too many options to try & choose from, it left me for the first time in my life, completely indecisive. I quite literally didn’t know what to do.

After a recommendation I booked to speak with Tom & I’m so glad I did.

First off he’s just a lovely calm person, and you feel like your talking with your kindest & most wise friend, rather than a coach.

We unravelled all the strands of my situation; talking things through & with Tom’s guidance I worked out a route for right now and some excellent points for use & reflection further along as I carry on.

I still feel more resilient & brave after talking with Tom, not in a brief superficial way but in a quietly fundamental way. I absolutely recommend him.” - Frankie

“I’ve suffered with anxiety disorder for several years; whilst studying for my MSc exam anxiety was particularly bad - I was unable to complete two exams near the start of the course due to severe panic attacks. The night before my third (and final) exam, Tom sat with me for just half an hour, and talked me through some breathing exercises. Having tried these alone in the past I wasn’t convinced that I would get any benefit, but having Tom guide me made it a completely different experience. The morning of the exam I began to employ one of the techniques I had been taught. I managed to calm myself down and regain focus. Not only did I make it to and complete the exam, I also passed!” - Cat

“I have recently worked with Tom to address aspects of my life that were causing me a great deal of conflict and sadness. I was nervous to begin with, especially when feeling so negative about myself. I felt as a mum of two I wasn’t doing the best job and that I had lost all sense of felling happy. I was on and off battling with depression and anxiety. My body felt weighed down and mentally I was fed up with never quite getting over the miserable cloud that followed me. How ever I really didn’t needed to be to nervous at all. Tom made me feel instantly at ease and gave me the compassion and understanding I needed to feel safe and secure. I was able to put forward with real honesty how I felt. Tom guided me through and gave me the tools to allow me to realign the parts of my life that had felt broken for such along time. Tom always allowed me the time and space to understand and unravel these learning. I felt as though they worked on a deeper level as they were for me. I am still holding these teachings with me now, weeks on and I am so grateful for the wonderful changes they have bought me and my family. My husband is thrilled with the difference he sees and feels. It has enhanced our relationship and created a greater understanding for each of us an individuals. Our house feels different and my children are happier. I am even proud to say that we have had the odd test too in the past few weeks. The old me would of found these things almost impossible to tackle or get over. But with these new tools and a greater respect for myself and others around me I have tackled things in a manner I’d never before felt possible. I am being the person that deep down I always desired to be. With out a great coach like Tom to help me through this difficult time I wouldn’t be able to say that. I am so very thankful to Tom for working with me and pushing me hard when I needed it. I cannot put into words what it now feels like to actually feel happiness and joy. To feel it move around you in the most real and special way, for it not just to be words that I said because I knew they fit a situation, yet stood there feeling empty. You’ve helped my find my happy again. Now anything and everything is possible.” - Clare

“Having suffered from situational anxiety attacks for a while a friend suggested I try a couple of sessions of NLP with Tom, I was sceptical and felt it was a problem that couldn't be solved by simple talking and listening, but on my friends insistence I booked a session, and I am so glad I did! The difference I experienced was night and day. The crippling anxiety attacks I had been experiencing stopped the first time I put into practice the strategies Tom gave me to use. Not only that but by having Tom listen carefully to me and do some work in putting things in my mind into perspective and realise the reasons behind the anxiety all allowed me to move forward without the anxiety.

I find it hard to discuss fairly intimate thoughts and feelings, but in our session Tom instantly put me at ease and I felt comfortable enough to open up far more than I though I would, but also he wasn't pushy or prying too much into things I wasn't comfortable talking about. Tom is one of the most genuine people I have found to work with on this, he creates a very safe and trusting environment and I felt it was perfect to allow me to just concentrate on the matter at hand and not worry about anything else.” - Leanne

"I came to Tom on a recommendation of a friend of mine, who got helped by him to get a job she wanted, she said to me that thanks to him she went on job interview boosted with self confidence and that was what I needed too. I didn't know much about NLP back then but I was willing to give it a try. My problem was that I was about to start a course and few days before it I got terrified that I'll have to speak in front of 30 people I have never met before and all I had in my head was the image of me standing in the room full of people, everybody looking at me and my voice is shaking and people can see how nervous I am. Tom was very nice and patient while we were going through different techniques together. In the end of the session I felt absolutely fine about going to the course next morning, I also had few techniques to help myself if needed. And all went well, and when I had to talk about myself I was just fine. So now when I'm nervous about public speaking I know how to calm myself down and that is thanks to Tom." - Katka

I have been in therapy for over 5 years and was recently diagnosed with cyclomthymia, rapid swings in mood from mild mania to depression, and prescribed medication to stabilise my moods. The rapid mood changes really effected my self-employed career but I felt determined to find a way to manage it without medication. Although I had less than a 10 minute hypnosis session with Tom, it had a profound impact on my mindset. I have to be honest, after the first few minutes of the session which I found to be very similar to a guided meditation, I don't actually remember what Tom was saying but I was vaguely aware at some point that he invited me to open my mind and allow some form of message to come. I visualised standing up against a corner of a room feeling trapped and heavy. I started to follow the seam of the wall up to the ceiling and along the corners of the room before realising I had turned around to see a vast, bright open space. It may sound "hippy" but I felt an influx of empowerment. A challenge to work out what the "walls" that were blocking me symbolised in reality and to find a way to turnaround or break them down. I now use the "low moods" as action signals to identify and make a change in some way. I have gone over a month now without hitting lower than a 6 on my 1-10 scale and have a much more positive outlook on life. If you are willing to keep an open-mind, I can’t recommend Tom enough. - Jade

"I cant thank you enough for yesterday, you really helped me open my eyes/put a label on something I guess I already knew (subconsciously) was the root to all my problems.........I am excited to start making these changes everyday and really committing to changing the way i see myself and my life.

You are a star! Thank you again for being the easiest person to talk and leading me to the clarity I have had." - Sarah

I have benefited so much from my coaching sessions with Tom over recent years...not only have I progressed as a climber but I have found the techniques that Tom has helped me with directly transferable into day to day life. Tom is one of those quietly confident, hugely competent people with a great heart who just leaves the world a bit better than he found each day. Tom's awesome....book a session and see what I mean :) - Kit

I booked a climbing coaching session for myself and my daughter with Tom in the Mendips. We both thoroughly enjoyed the experience, Tom was so great at explaining techniques we'd use, and put us both at complete ease with his easy going charming manner. Definitely the best outdoor instructor I've come across. I couldn't recommend him highly enough! - Nick Pollicott

I have my first coaching session with Tom, which I booked as I wanted to get more confidant lead climbing. Tom tailored the session to meet what I wanted to get out of it. He gave me a variety of techniques to use on and off the wall to which I'm looking forward to using moving forward. - Esther Ive

Tom is an excellent coach, he listened to my needs and gave me the tools I needed to move forward with my anxiety. I can not recommend him highly enough. - Emily Rowsell

I went to see Tom about a fear of spiders, thinking.....why not give it a try?

Despite my initial up-front scepticism, Tom did an awesome job! I felt completely at ease throughout the session and have seen massive improvements in my behaviour around spiders since!

Whilst I still don’t like them.... I no longer feel an inner panic when they are around. I am comfortable to get up close to them, can clean up cobwebs and am comfortable walking away from a spider in the house and not giving it a further thought. - Hannah

After suffering with 'vertigo like' issues for a while and overcoming the majority of my problems on my own, I had reached a point where i had simply excepted that there will always be some things which i wont be able to do.

I was referred to Tom and I will admit that i was very skeptical, but willing to give it a shot if it helped me progress.

After a very relaxed and informal meet, he guided me through what i can only describe as a guided visualisation technique. I must stress how skeptical I still was during and after this process, and therefore was excited to put myself to test at the next opportunity.

To my amazement I accomplished things which in the past completely shut me down. I even found new confidence whilst on holiday climbing harder than I ever had before.

Tom is very professional and his approachability and enthusiasm to help sets him apart.

Thank you for your help! - Steve

I've recently had a session with Tom to help me get over a fear of falling I've recently developed. The session was very gentle and involved no falling - which surprised me! Tom is a pleasure to climb with - I was 100% at ease with him, totally trusted his advise and he is in generally a really nice guy to spend a couple of hours with. I've come away with several techniques to help me climb calmer and more positive. The session went by really quickly - I do wish we'd had time to get round to some fall practice, but I guess these things are best tackled with a good foundation in place, which I feel I now have. I hope to have another at some point soon. I would definitely recommend Tom's coaching. - Caroline

Tom has a very collaborative approach and I really enjoyed our sessions. It's so useful to be able to talk about the head game and technical aspects in the same sentence. I found it easy to trust him and what seemed to be small tweaks to my technique have made a big difference to my confidence and ability. -Kieron

Had two climbing sessions with Tom now. He has a great teaching style that pushes you at just the right rate, and allows you to understand how to achieve a particular climbing challenge. I felt I was progressing quickly and received excellent encouragement throughout our sessions. The video of one climb was interesting! I will be heading down to Bristol for a few more sessions for sure. Thanks Tom. - Richard

Your advice last week was very effective. When it got me to the top of that project I'd been working I felt like I still had enough left in me to have kept on climbing if the route had been longer. Many thanks. - Alan

In my climbing lifetime it is a fear of falling which usually holds me back. If there is a climb I cant do it will be the fear of injuring myself or the fear of the unknown fall which will most often be the reason I cant do something rather than strength or technique. I used to find this very frustrating as I thought it was harder to fix than just getting stronger or practicing technique. Tom and I have worked together on a number of occasions to help with this and much to my surprise each time it has helped me push my grade or take on a type of route I was previously unable to do due to fear. Tom has given me anchors to help focus on positive thought and not fixate on the thoughts of falling. He has also given very practical coaching by way of fall practice in a safe environment and even spent a session showing me the best ways to fall off the bouldering wall so as to minimise risk of injury.

The best thing about Tom is his easy and reassuring manner, I instantly feel safe around him, and he creates a very safe and comfortable atmosphere in his sessions. This leads to a very productive session, and every time I have seen him I come away feeling very positive about my climbing and ready to jump on things I would previously have been too scared to try. - Marie

Just a few climbing sessions with Tom taught me some new drills, techniques and a new level of focus that helped me move above a long-standing plateau- I’d definitely recommend. - Simon

Thank you Tom. I had my first outdoor climbing experience yesterday along with my daughter and our climbing partners. Tom had taken the time to plan the perfect session for us, discussing what we wanted from the session and suggesting various options well in advance of the day. Tom’s calm, unhurried and gently encouraging approach made me feel very relaxed and confident as a result I achieved more than I imagined I would. We all had a wonderful time. - Nicky

I was awestruck by both the breadth and depth of the knowledge which Tom displayed, and also by the way he handled some potentially difficult interactions with people participating in the (busy) workshop. In fact ‘wisdom’ is probably more accurate a term than ‘knowledge’ here, and I took to thinking of him as guru-Tom rather than Tom P thereafter. - Emer

I received a fantastic workshop from Tom- he creates a comfortable and engaging environment. I learnt lots and feel better equipped. Thanks Tom! - Kyle

A very engaging workshop that was relaxing, inspiring and thought-provoking. - Phil