Ellen Theresa is recognized when it comes to her work around Social Justice, Healing, Awakening, Religious Deconstruction and Religious Trauma. Her candid story of freedom has inspired others to rise into their own power by dismantling systems of oppression and control. Ellen gives permission to people everywhere to live from their own truth by walking their own path and by saying yes to what stirs their souls. She is the CEO of Advocate of Soul, an online coaching business, the author of AS IS, Books 1 & 2, and the host of Real Talk @Advocate of Soul on YouTube.
Ellen Mennell, Spiritual/Empowerment Coach
Please tell us about you and your life, so we can get to know you better.
My name is Ellen Mennell. I was adopted at two and raised in a strict religious home. My upbringing revolved around teachings and traditions of the church. As I got older my religious practices strengthened, and while attending university I volunteered at a convent with the hope of becoming a nun. I was heavily involved for years in church ministry. Though I didn’t become a nun, I did use my teaching degrees working with troubled youth in various capacities, guiding them through behavioral issues and education.
My work shifted to living internationally in 25+ nations doing humanitarian service. For two decades I worked in the areas of Social Justice listed below.
LGBTQ+ advocacy
Child soldiers
Human Trafficking
Poverty
Starvation
Victims of War
Refugees
It was here I had a profound awakening which led to deconstructing my faith and coming to terms with my sexual orientation as a lesbian. The religious beliefs from my upbringing conflicted with my soul’s evolution. This unraveling was an incredible time of self-growth and was the inspiration behind my coaching business, Advocate of Soul.
Tell us about a pivotal moment in your life that brought you to where you are today?
What comes to mind is shadow work. My childhood was far from perfect, and as an adult, I decided to get support to overcome various traumatic events. I went through a form of therapy called Inner Healing. During this process, repressed memories would surface so I could confront them, feel into them, and release them. The unearthing of pent-up emotions was exhausting but worth it. It was so validating. I found solace in the gentle embrace of self-love as I was seen, known, and heard for the first time in my life. This journey profoundly impacted my life in the here and now. The reconciliation and peace within my inner world is a miracle.
Religious trauma support is a specialized service offered by your coaching business. How do you approach helping individuals heal from religious trauma, and what resources or strategies do you find most effective in this process?
I think it’s important to define Religious Trauma. Religious Trauma occurs when a person’s religious experience is:
Degrading
Dangerous
Abusive
Damaging
Controlling
Stressful
I created a 1-1 coaching program called Religious Release. This method of coaching offers a safe space for reflection, growth, and transformation. As I work from empathy, clients confront religious struggles patiently and compassionately, which softens the harshness and fear that come from adhering to problematic religious beliefs. I also encourage clients to explore diverse interfaith and deconstruction resources, so they don’t feel isolated in their journey.
What is a 1-1 Religious Release coaching session and what methods or techniques do you use to help clients in their personal growth journey?
My Sessions focus on verbal expression which can be stifled by rigid religious beliefs. During the sessions, I address what’s listed below;
Limiting subconscious beliefs that come from dogma.
Soul/spirit hurts
Nervous system regulation
Generational Patterns
I use creative methods like role-playing, painting, sound baths, breath work, singing, meditations, etc. Clients reclaim their voice and sovereignty as they rewrite the story. The healing is very tangible and lasting.
In what ways does Advocate of Soul provide humanitarian support, and can you share some examples of the impact your business has had on communities in need?
Advocate of Soul (AOS) focuses on humanitarian support and local empowerment, drawing from years of international experience. AOS prioritizes aiding smaller communities often overlooked by larger organizations. Currently, AOS is assisting the Ugeynan community in Kenya by funding the construction of a new house for a widow. Phase 1 of the project, including new brickwork, flooring, and roofing, is underway, with plans for a second fundraiser to complete the house. AOS remains committed to supporting underserved communities and will visit the project upon its completion.
If you could change one thing about your industry, what would it be and why?
I have an opinion about coaching, especially when I look at it through the lens of social media. Social media focuses on outward appearances – how you sound and look – but I believe it doesn't truly reflect the heart behind coaching. So many prioritize money, wealth, and self-promotion. While these things are not inherently wrong, I think the focus needs to shift towards what coaches do for their clients and how they can help them transform.
Personally, I wish the emphasis on glamour and “look at me” would diminish. The current trend of bragging and self-centeredness in coaching is concerning. Service industries like coaching should approach healing and transformation with integrity, emphasizing not how great the coach is, but how great their clients can become.
Can you share a success story or testimonial from a client who has benefited from your coaching services, or support programs at Advocate of Soul?
One woman came to me who was trapped in her family because of their religious stance on so many issues. Her identity suffered and she was in a codependent relationship with her religious community. She suffered from tremendous guilt, fear, and feelings of unworthiness. She was quite confused in her role as a woman and how that fit with sovereignty. Church teachings told her being a career woman wasn’t right, and in the end, these beliefs limited her vision for the future.
She came to me and after a few sessions of verbal release, she was able to take hold again of her desires that differed from her family. Since she was a musician, I used music as a bridge to open her heart. This created confidence and an ability to say no when religious guilting was thrust upon her. To this day, she travels the world, living freely and doing what she loves. She no longer lives under judgment and the fear that crippled her. She utilizes her voice in healing and empowering others to step out into all they can be.
As a coach and advocate, how do you see the future of Advocate of Soul evolving to better serve and support individuals in need of guidance, empowerment, and healing?
Collaboration is at the core of my approach and belief system. I see it as the key to unlocking endless possibilities in different sectors. While many businesses and coaches tend to stay within their respective niches, I’m one for breaking down barriers and fostering partnerships across different fields, with people who complement each other. I don’t need to be the jack of all trades and yet a master of none. I envision Advocate of Soul as a versatile entity that, in the future, will bridge mental health, education, law enforcement, government, youth, and family services, etc.
Living in alignment by knowing who you are will enable you to manifest your desired potential. It’s about your personal soul’s evolution. Thriving is your birthright.
