Ella Hicks

Do you recall that pivotal moment when you made the decision to transform your life? You envisioned reclaiming control and pursuing your dreams toward a brighter future. Yet, despite your best efforts, progress seemed elusive, and taking those initial steps felt daunting, if not impossible. While commitment to change is the first crucial step, sometimes we all need an extra push to navigate the journey. That’s where coaching can make a significant difference.

For years, I sought therapy in hopes of finding someone who could understand and address my needs. Yet, each encounter left me feeling misunderstood and unsupported. It wasn’t until I realized the importance of trauma-informed care that I understood why past attempts fell short. Therapy, while invaluable for processing the past, lacked the personalized guidance and practical tools I needed to chart a path forward. That’s when I discovered the transformative power of coaching—an approach that combines empathy with actionable strategies to help individuals thrive.

In my late twenties, I found myself trapped in an abusive marriage, the veil of love obscured all of the warning signs to me, not that I would have recognized them anyway. What began as a whirlwind romance soon descended into a nightmare of abuse and manipulation. The honeymoon phase imploded, leaving me terrified and uncertain of what lay ahead.

Over the years of our marriage, the abuse ebbed and flowed, a relentless cycle of hope and despair. Despite the red flags and the escalating danger, I clung to the belief that love could conquer all. It wasn’t until the arrival of my children that the gravity of the situation became undeniable. The pressures of parenthood only fueled the volatility, and I knew I had to break free.

Leaving behind everything I knew, I made a literal leap of faith—one cold, dark night, with two small childen and nothing but the clothes on our backs. It was a moment of profound uncertainty, stepping into the unknown without a roadmap or safety net. Home, career, friends, colleagues, finances, identities—all left behind in pursuit of safety and freedom.

As I started out on this journey of survival, I faced unimaginable challenges and moments of deep despair. Isolation and fear were present every day. The road to healing was long and arduous, but through sheer determination and the unwavering love for my children, I found the strength to rebuild my life from the ground up.

Rebel Thriver emerged from the depths of my own struggle—a beacon of hope for survivors like me, seeking solace and solidarity in the face of adversity. It all started as a humble blog, a space for me to connect to other survivors for support. I reached my hand into the darkness, and I still can’t believe how many hands reached back to me!

Today, Rebel Thriver stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit—a community of survivors united in our commitment to healing and empowerment. Our mission is clear: to provide holistic support to survivors of domestic violence, offering a lifeline in their darkest hours. Healing comes to us more fruitfully when we are in community with women of similar life experiences. It is in the shared stories of struggles and triumphs that humanity takes root, and healing can begin.

I am an global life coach for women, certified in trauma and mindfulness. I work with women in transition after a major life change (divorce, domestic violence, career change), and with women who are wanting to heal and move on from a life of abuse. I provide the empathy and knowledge needed to guide you towards a thriving life.

If you are feeling lost right now, please know that new beginnings are possible! As a coach, I can guide you as you let go of the past in order to reclaim your life, and thrive in the present. I am familiar with rock bottom, and I have succeeded in getting back up, starting over, and building not only a wonderful life but also a thriving community. Together we can create a roadmap forward that will help you find your way back to yourself and a healthy, happy, and balanced life.