Self-Relationship Coaching for Overcoming Trauma and Addiction – Interview with Louise Grant
- Brainz Magazine
- Oct 9
- 5 min read
Louise Grant is a compassionate Self-Relationship Therapist and Coach who helps clients break free from codependency, perfectionism, and people-pleasing. Drawing on both professional training and lived experience of addiction and recovery, she offers a safe space for healing and transformation. Her work blends spiritual and holistic practices to guide clients toward authentic relationships, inner peace, and lasting freedom.
Louise Grant, Self-Relationship Coach
Who is Louise Grant?
Today, I am many things. I am the best mother I can be, a partner who is blending a family, but at my core, my values are kindness, love, and joy. I make all efforts (recognizing that I fail at times) to live a life based on spirituality.
All of my experiences in life, both positive and negative, have taken me to this point and to the journey to love. Today, I am a self-relationship coach. My passion is helping people recover from childhood dysfunction, difficult relationships, co-dependency, divorce, and addiction, and to start a new way of living. I also hold Mind-Body-Spirit events because I believe the body needs to recover as much as the mind. I also work in the dance music industry. Music and dance, for me, are imperative for my physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It’s both community and meditative! I am able to incorporate this into my holistic events as well.
My hobbies include dance, swimming, music, cold-water therapy, time in nature, sea swimming, and trawling vintage shops.
My favorites are belly laughing, eating delicious food, vintage couture, meaningful conversations, helping others, the arts, and travel.
At home, I love to be calm and quiet, but I also love to entertain my family and friends.
I am an Alchemist. In my dance business, I love to create and deliver experiences that make people happy. As a coach, I love to help people heal, connect, and find their true, authentic self. This all heals my soul.
I have traveled all over the world from a very young age, living in different countries and experiencing different cultures.
What inspired you to start The Journey to Love?
At the core of the decision was a passion to help others. I believe that part of my journey is to work with others, using the knowledge and experience I have to help them heal on their own journey.
When my partner, Matt, and I met, we shared this common goal. We connected on a level I had not experienced before. We both came from difficult backgrounds and had spent a long time healing. In some areas, we had done very similar work. We knew our combined work was not only healing each other, but it could help others, too.
We had worked on ourselves spiritually and were on the healing journey of adult children. We were experiencing how this very work was an incredible foundation for a strong and beautiful relationship. We realized that we could heal from the past and have healthy relationships in all areas of our lives. We know many people are struggling, and we could help them.
Can you describe what “Adult Child Work” means in the context of your approach?
An adult child is an adult in appearance who still carries the emotional wounds, fears, and coping mechanisms, often unconsciously, from childhood.
We look at the roles they played in the family structure and how this impacted their life. We also look at their reactions to situations, which often come from their inner child, teenager, or critical parent. Many people don’t understand why they are triggered and why their reactions feel out of proportion. "When it's hysterical, it's usually historical."
I begin with one-on-one talking therapy. Building a relationship with the client and offering a safe space is essential. If I believe it will be beneficial, I also self-disclose my own journey along the way.
My approach is to help the client identify their wounds, heal, and move into their true, authentic self. This inner work is essential for them to have a better understanding of themselves. Through this, they can make more conscious choices and decisions for themselves and their lives.
I will also include them in our group work or one-on-one with our incredible breathwork facilitators when necessary, as releasing trauma from the body is also an essential part of their healing. I also work with other incredible therapists and will refer the client if and when necessary.
What do you see as the biggest challenge people face when trying to move beyond addiction or past trauma?
The root cause is not the addiction, that is the symptom, and many people focus on this. I understand the importance of getting down to the underlying causes and conditions. I also believe co-dependency is the main root of addiction and is essential to address for the longevity of recovery.
The bravery to accept that you have a problem and the willingness to change are crucial.
I see the biggest challenge as being able to sit with feelings/pain, especially when activated. Being able to sit in silence with nothing to distract you while figuring out whatever feelings have come up for you is essential. This has to be mastered with healthy coping mechanisms, or people can move from one addiction to another. Depending on the trauma and how that may impact the person’s life, we may also refer them for EMDR therapy, as my own experience has shown how beneficial this has been for my PTSD.
How do your workshops and retreats differ from your one-on-one coaching?
While I understand the importance of talking therapy, my retreats bring together a broader group with other physical and spiritual practices.
The retreats are special in their own way, as I believe magic can happen in group work. It’s a safe space for people on their journey to share a healing experience collectively, empowering each other. I bring together some amazing therapists for my retreats. I have taken time over the years to experience different holistic healing practices and really understand how they have healed me physically, mentally, and spiritually.
I am always very careful not to help where I don’t have the expertise.
What’s one breakthrough or success story from a client that stands out to you, and why?
There are many, but one of my favorite success stories is my client Matthew, a wonderful father. He came to me recovering from and still in a difficult, toxic relationship with his ex while trying to co-parent his two younger children. He was also estranged from his older son from a previous marriage. All of this had led him into some really dark times trying to cope. He was so willing to begin his journey of inner work and “let go.” He was then able to reclaim his power from his narcissistic ex in a kind and compassionate way and co-parent more effectively. He reconnected with his faith, and for him, the miracle happened. His estranged son returned, and he is now building a new relationship with him. This has really touched my heart.
What are some misconceptions people have about healing from past trauma or addiction?
The biggest misconception for me is that you reach an arrival point! I believe this is a “journey.”
The trauma will always be part of our tapestry. The healing work will ensure it doesn’t impact us or have the power over us in the same way as it used to. However, it will always be part of us.
What are your goals or plans for The Journey to Love over the next few years?
My goals for JTL over the next few years are to grow the beautiful community that is already coming together, with incredible, courageous clients working with me and my colleagues.
I am enjoying my own evolution on this journey, forever experiencing, studying, and learning how to heal myself and help others.
I am writing my book, working on our app, and creating more wonderful workshops and retreats.
I hope to continue to meet people on this healing journey and touch the hearts of many.
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