Kirsty Bortoft's Testimonial
Lizzie, 40, UK
I had experienced tricky mental health for 25 years. I had my first of several mental breakdowns at 16. By the time I reached my late thirties, I was on very high doses of different medications which kept me barely functioning. I was well-aware of what had caused my mental instability, I just couldn’t find a way to stop the intrusive, negative thought patterns. I had taken part in several different forms of counselling, psychotherapy, CBT, and mindfulness therapies over the years but nothing lasted for long. It just felt like a sticking plaster, holding all the broken bits together. Seemingly by chance, I was offered an opportunity to join a pilot programme run by Kirsty, and I grabbed it. To say it saved my life is not an understatement. Within two months I was reducing my medication and within four months I was completely medication free and I continue to be so - six months on. I am now working part-time, whilst setting up my own business and finally fully loving and embracing my life. For the first time in 25 years, I love the life I live and the people in it. Most importantly, I finally love myself.
Lizzie's daughter also did some work with Kirsty. See below
Amelie, 13, UK
I had struggled with being worried for a long time. When I was at primary school, I always felt anxious and worried and I just wanted to be at home with mummy. I would cry and have panic attacks and when I got to year 7 it got a lot worse. When I started working with Kirsty, she made me feel like I was normal. I had had counselling and worked with Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS), but this was the first time I walked away from a session and didn’t feel like there was something wrong or broken in me. I loved my sessions with Kirsty. She was fun and really understood me. After six weeks I had the tools to use when I am feeling low or anxious. She taught me how to be confident and how to be brave. I now feel a lot more confident in myself. If I have a wobble, I know she is always there if I need her.