About Michelle
“I’d rather be Raw than wasting time waiting for perfection. I’d rather be Real than protected by a layer of fake varnish. I’d rather be Rebelicious than stuck in a boring life that isn’t mine.”
From the disturbing grip of a Christian cult to a warrioress of love and liberty. People sometimes wonder how these two extremes can meet each other in one lifetime or assume that one has led to another.
Regardless of the limitations the church tried to impose, I always kept a deep desire to think for myself, to be mindful of what I take on as truth, and live life on my own terms.
When I look back on my childhood, I'm very thankful I had the resilience to step up for myself and my values when I was 16 and escaped the Christian dogma.
Yet, as you can imagine, choosing my own path had quite some consequences. I was shunned, shamed and learned that I wasn't safe with the people I had hoped would protect me. That in itself massively influenced my ability to relate to others in my adult life.
The dance between feeling free and feeling safe turned out to be a very layered one.
Genuinely, deeply and vulnerably relating to others did not always come easy; it took (and still takes!) lots of awareness of my trauma and imprints. We're a work in progress, after all! And so am I. I am not here to claim that I know it all. I am no better or worse than you are. I am a fellow traveler on the path of mature relating.
I have learned, though, that my life receives its colors through the relationships I am part of. Romantically and otherwise. As humans, we are wired for connection. When we rid ourselves of the protective layers, we can reconnect again. To ourselves primarily, and therefore to others. That's where freedom lies.
Continue reading below the quote...
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others." – Nelson Mandela
Meet Michelle
Michelle Coops (1982) works as a polyvagal-guided couples therapist, trauma-informed bodyworker and erotic intimacy coach. She’s certified as a practitioner in Relational Life Therapy® and Havening Techniques®, has an MA in communications and has specialized in the nervous system through her work with Deb Dana.
Over the years, she’s become an expert in translating cognitive concepts into somatic experiences, allowing clients to feel how systemic principles unknowingly guide them in order to embody new ways. Her background in tantric & shamanic Temple Arts and shadow work give her a deep understanding of the impact of energetics on the body, nervous system and emotional wellness. But what Michelle is known for most is her ability to create highly safe spaces and bring her heart into her work.
Michelle challenges you to merge your head with your heart, following the wisdom of your body—beyond the stories. Even listening to the whispers of your intuition! She encourages you to relate to all parts of yourself, transporting you into mature sovereignty as a relational foundation so you can live a life in which deep, authentic relationships support you to thrive.
"The work I do is experiential, therapeutic, transformative and goes deep; it supports you in rewiring your system, and creating new imprints, so you can solidify your relationship with yourself and others."
Credentials
- Certified Havening Techniques® Practitioner (2024)*
- Certified Practitioner in Relational Life Therapy ® (2024)
- Polyvagal Theory for Therapists with Deb Dana (2023). Deepening course in 2024/2025.
- Sessions with Esther Perel (learning community for professionals in couples counseling) (2023)
- Senior Dakini of Temple Arts at Beyond Mystic School (2022-2024) and other retreats
- Shadow Tantrika at School of Erotic Mysteries (2021)
- Professional Speaking at Professional Speakers Academy 2017-2020 (multiple awards)
- Tony Robbins UPW (2019)
- Private Mentoring journey at Sparkwise Academy (2018)
- Communication & Information Sciences, Master's (MA) degree at Radboud University (2004-2008)
* Michelle Coops is a certified practitioner of Havening Techniques. Havening Techniques is a registered trademark of Ronald Ruden, 15 East 91st Street, New York. www.havening.org
Themes & Influences
- Love & relationships
- Nervous system & regulation
- Sexuality & (erotic) intimacy
- Self-confidence
- Sovereignty
- Trust & surrendering
- Conscious kink with therapeutic purposes
- Archetypal work
- Communication
- Shadow work
Can I support you on your journey?
Speaker
A Love-Drunk Rebel that Doesn't Fit the Status Quo
If you’re looking for someone fits the status quo, speaks without cussing or shows up looking like she’s just stepped out of a magazine, I can imagine I'm not who you're looking for. However, if you’re looking for a professionally trained speaker who will shake things up lovingly, who will share thought-provoking wisdom and who’s raw but oh so real… then I’m your gal.
Speaking to Serve
My intention is to be in service in everything that I do. When you invite me to speak in front of your audience, I'd be honored to serve them whole-heartedly, sharing wisdom on a professional level, as well as a personal one.
I'm humbled to say I've had the opportunity to speak on various international stages - online and offline - and inspire many souls. All these moments taught me that the thousands of euros I invested in becoming a professional speaker were worth it, but that it all comes down to this in the end: being real.
Connect with me
Is there anything I can support you with? If booking a Discovery Call isn’t the right fit, please send me a virtual note. I’d love to hear from you!
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