My journey with Personal Medicine began many years ago. I discovered that I had been using Personal Medicine for a long time and now I could give this a name. I have been passionate about recovery from mental illness for many years, and have been searching for a new way of looking at recovery. When I started the training I became very excited about becoming a Certified Personal Medicine Coach. I have been working in the mental health arena for twenty years, first as a Consumer Advocate then moved into peer work. I have worked in a variety of settings from residential to community based outreach services, and I am presently the Volunteer Coordinator for the Cairns and District Warmline.

As a person with lived experience of mental illness, I was told that I would get better if I followed a medication and treatment regime. However, medication only took me so far. It was what I did that I could identify how it helps me. I was really excited and curious, and loved the fact that we have reclaimed the word "medicine" to mean more than pills or injections. I love that it is what we do to stay well, to overcome the many challenges in our daily lives. Personal Medicine has helped me regain a sense of control over my life. I believe that if it is powerful for me that it will be extremely effective for others. For me Personal Medicine is transformative and revolutionary. Once I started the course I reflected back on my life and the Personal Medicine I used to use. I have now reclaimed that Personal Medicine, and when I use it, it is extremely powerful. I realized that I really want to help others discover their own Personal Medicine. What I enjoy and appreciate the most is when people tap into their inner wisdom. All of us have Personal Medicine and no matter how big or small, can really make a difference. I found that it is important to take time with people, getting curious and going deeper. By doing this the person will get the most out of their Personal Medicine. This, in itself, inspires me to do better and spread the word about Personal Medicine.