Leah Bond - Northern Ireland

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I was suffering with bad headaches for about 6 years. I had gone to the doctor many times and tried different medication but nothing seemed to help. I would get headaches about 80% of the month so it would make my daily routine very challenging and I lost a lot of joy in life. Headaches also progressed into anxiety for the last couple of years. I would panic especially at nighttime because I felt so overwhelmed with worry about getting through the next day, thinking I would be in pain with another headache. This anxiety also caused many sleepless nights so I was completely exhausted. But at the same time as all of this was going on, I was still trying to put on a brave face in front of everyone which only added to the pressure I was feeling.

I had tried medication, CBT and changing my diet in the past and nothing seemed to give me the long lasting help I needed so when I was recommended to try MBR through a good friend, I was open to trying something different. I was a little bit nervous at first but Amy instantly put me at ease and by the time I finished my first consultation, I had a really good feeling about MBR. I was a little worried about getting my hopes up because of previous failed attempts at getting better but because I felt like I was at my lowest point, I knew it couldn’t hurt to try. I was desperate to feel better.

Since working with Amy, I feel like I have become more confident and feel worthy of caring for myself. Ever since I can remember, I’ve always been a people pleaser but now I have more confidence to meet my needs first  and say no to others if I need to, which has definitely helped me to recover. I also now daily replace negative thoughts about myself with 3 things I like about myself. This took some getting used to but it has helped me so much. In the past I felt like I didn’t deserve to have fun or do nice things for myself whereas now I look for opportunities to do something enjoyable no matter how small it is. This has helped me appreciate life so much more and I am much happier.

My life has been completely transformed. I no longer worry about the next day but I look forward to it. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, I enjoy each moment. I’m having fun and enjoying life like I used to before I developed symptoms. I feel like myself again. I am much more compassionate with myself and treat myself more kindly than ever before. My daily routine is no longer a burden and I no longer wonder how I will make it through each day. My mindset and wellbeing is much more positive and happy.

I was amazed to experience how just simple, small actions could have such a powerful effect on my symptoms. Feeling better didn’t require me to make drastic changes in my life, it just required me to be compassionate with myself and make small adjustments to care for my needs. Amy has equipped me with helpful tools that have helped me become more in tune with my emotions which has enabled me to take appropriate actions to care for myself. I wish everyone had these useful tools, they are a game changer and they have definitely become a vital part of my life.

I would highly recommend MBR because it can transform anyone’s life for the better if they are willing to give it a try. The skills and tools acquired throughout the course are timeless and incredibly valuable. And I would especially recommend Amy as a therapist because of her beautiful compassionate nature. She clearly has a wonderful passion for helping people. And she is a brilliant teacher, so patient, kind, caring and very good at explaining everything in a simple, understandable way.

I’m truly grateful to say that my experience has been life-changing. It’s been fascinating and empowering learning about how my mind and body work. The tools I’ve learnt are invaluable, have helped me to recover and have helped me regain my joy for life.