Carolina Mountford lived with an eating disorder and the many challenges that accompanied it for 15 years, including a mind that never seemed to switch off, depression and, at times, feeling as though she had hit rock bottom.
Today, she has been free from the grip of her eating disorder for over 25 years - something she feels incredibly grateful for. Having experienced both the torment of an eating disorder and the freedom of life beyond it, she is passionate about sharing a message of hope with those who are struggling, as well as the families and loved ones supporting them: complete freedom is possible and joy really can become part of everyday life again.
Carolina travels the UK delivering talks and workshops, raising awareness of mental health and challenging the stigma that so often surrounds mental illness.
She studied psychology at Exeter University, has undertaken several counselling courses and has helped lead various eating disorder recovery programmes. For several years, Carolina has been an Expert By Experience with Beat, the UK’s leading eating disorder charity. She is also regularly invited to deliver teaching sessions on eating disorders at medical schools, supporting both medical students studying psychiatry and PhD students.
Alongisde her lived experience and professional work, Carolina is also a Mental Health First Aider, has completed ASIST Suicide Prevention and a signatory of the Mental Health Media Charter. She is committed to continually developing her knowledge and understanding through extensive research and regular Continued Professional Development (CPD). She has an enhanced up-to-date DBS check.
OUTSIDE OF WORK
Having been brought up and worked in Europe and Latin America, Carolina now lives in London with her husband and two sons. She is an active member of her church and enjoys reading, knitting, running and eating (but not necessarily cooking!).