I was soon reassured when I started the course, as although we learnt a lot over the first few weekends the atmosphere was very calm and supportive, which mean that it took a LOT less energy than being at work, or even spending time around friends. The tutors were obviously very used to creating a learning environment which is suitable for people still recovering from ME, and it was considered entirely normal to have a nap at lunch time. I found it invaluable learning more about the processes which the psychology department use with patients, as it allowed me to understand much more fully how to work with my own mental and emotional state to give myself the best chance to recover physically. Being surrounded by others who were also learning this material, and many of whom were also working on their own recovery, was also a very supportive experience, which helped me to stay positive when I was finding things difficult.

The material I learnt from the course helped me not only to recover physically, but also to view the experience of being ill as something from which I had learnt a lot, and also to integrate those insights into the new life which I started building as my health returned.

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