Emmy Marie, Trauma Coach
I live an empowered life of joy, alignment, and security after surviving long-term abuse. But it hasn’t always been this way.When I was first recovering from my abusive relationship, I continued to perpetuate the abusive dynamics I was so desperate to leave in the past. With no understanding of my own worth or ability to heal, I was drowning in shame, perpetually thinking “I’m not good enough”.
For a long time, all I wanted was to make the pain go away by any means possible. With no resources or support, I sought a reprieve from the constant pain by abusing substances, entering toxic relationships, and treating my body with disrespect and hatred. After years of struggling with depression, anxiety and a wide range of complex PTSD symptoms, I finally had enough. I knew something had to give.
I started coming home to myself.
I stopped viewing myself as damaged goods.
I started to see the power I held as a survivor.
I stopped forcing myself past my limits.
I started to embody my truth.
And I want to help you do the same.
I began this work in 2013 after surviving an abusive relationship that left me with complex PTSD. Since then, I’ve dedicated my life to finding a way to stop viewing myself with disdain and shame, and start believing in my ability to live a wildly joyful, connected, and empowered life.
Along the way, I’ve studied a plethora of healing techniques that bridge the gap between neuroscience and soulful intuitive knowing. I’m a huge fan of everything from the Polyvagal Theory, to the Enneagram, to the mindfulness practice of Radical Acceptance. In October 2020, I became certified as a trauma-informed coach through the ICF-accredited program offered by Moving the Human Spirit.
I view everything I learn about through the lens of trauma recovery in order to help survivors feel safe as they try out new practices or reach for their goals, adapting what I learn to work for overwhelmed brains that are used to looking for danger everywhere.
My dedication to studying trauma has led me from being full of shame to full of self-love. Now that I can see the ways my body adapted to the overwhelming experiences I survived in the light of acceptance, I can work with my symptoms instead of running away from them. Now that I can see how devastating the effects of trauma were on my brain and body, I can give myself the rest I need to recover without judging myself for my needs. Now that I can see how abuse conditioned me to constantly doubt myself, I can make the radical choice to go after what lights me up and know it’s safe to do so.
Everything I’ve learned and implemented in my own life has led me to where I am today:
a liberated, free, embodied survivor.
How would you describe confidence?
I would describe confidence as the feeling of owning who you are - flaws and all - without shame. It’s knowing that who you are is valuable and good enough, even when you aren’t perfect.
How would you advise young business owners to build their confidence when starting something new?
It’s okay to be a work in progress! You don’t have to have everything perfectly ready in order to start. In fact, being “ready” is a choice. It’s all a process of trial and error, and make sure to be proud of all of your wins along the way!
What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?
By far the most rewarding part of my career as a trauma coach is getting feedback from my clients that their work with me has changed their life. It warms my heart and fuels my mission. Also being interviewed for the United Nations’ Spotlight Initiative was a huge “pinch me” moment!
What is the hardest thing about owning and growing your own platform?
Honestly, for me it’s remembering to rest and NOT work all the time. With social media / online based work it’s easy to blur the lines between work and rest. I have to be really clear with my boundaries and make sure I don’t burn out from working all the time. □
