CLIENTS
My Journey
In 2008, I had it all: I was young, educated, enjoying a successful management career at a Fortune 500 company, married to a great guy, and the proud mother of amazing twins. I owned a beautiful home, a luxury SUV, and a fluffy Maltese named Jasmine. My financial portfolio was well-rounded, with savings, a retirement plan, company stock, and a college fund for my twins. However, just two years later, my world collapsed. In 2010, I got divorced, remarried, suffered abuse during pregnancy, got arrested, lost custody of my newborn baby girl, was separated from my twins, lost my job, and was facing a 20-year prison sentence. True story. Look it up.
Over the next seven years, I was incarcerated or on home detention. My health and relationships deteriorated. Depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts were unrelenting, leading to the development of numerous unhealthy ways to cope. I became angry, jaded, defensive, and bitter, and was in denial about all of it. My identity was shaken, and I questioned my abilities and self-worth. I was ashamed and profoundly disappointed in myself and my circumstances.
As I navigated false-start relationships, dead-end jobs, and recurring bouts with depression, I would reach a breaking point, somehow recover but couldn’t seem to get a breakthrough. My coach asked me what I wanted. Annoyed, I sarcastically replied, "I want my life back? I worked hard for it!" Her response was simple but eye-opening: "Mmhm. You set yourself up for that success. You're still Marissa Alexander" Her words landed awkwardly so I let them sit for a moment. Then, I realized that I had created the life I wanted once, but now, I was feeling overwhelmed and burdened. My passion, confidence, and ambition had been replaced by resentment, anger, and fear. I wanted IT to change.
I didn’t have a plan or a guide. I didn't know where to start but I made a decision to change things instead of waiting for them to change. Through trial and error, prayer, my village, and therapy, I pushed through, sometimes day to day, sometimes moment to moment. Sure, I tripped and tumbled, ended up with some scrapes and bruises, but guess what? It was better than sitting around waiting for something to change.
I chronicled every step of my journey - the good, the bad, the ugly, the unfair, and the unjust. While compiling entries for my memoire, I discovered that I'd actually created a blueprint, a roadmap for overcoming setbacks and restoring confidence under the most challenging circumstances. I emerged on the other side, stronger and wiser - my relationships, finances, career, and health have been restored and I am happier and living a more fulfilling life than I could ever have imagined.
Now, I am eager to help you achieve your goals and dreams by applying the same process and principles to your life. Remember, you're not alone on this path. I believe in you - you have the power to transform your life, too.
Let's conquer this journey together.
MY PHILOSOPHY
I believe that authentic conversations are necessary to promote unity and equality, and address social, health, and economic issues affecting our families and communities.
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Topics
Family and Relationships
Domestic and Intimate Partner Violence
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
Social Justice
LIFE OR DEATH, FREEDOM OR PRISON: THE TRUTHS AND CONSEQUENCES OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
As a former survivor-defendant, I understand the dilemma domestic violence victims face: tolerate the abuse and risk our lives or defend ourselves and risk our freedom. I share my experience with the criminal justice system, and insight into post-conviction collateral damage.
IT'S A CRIME TO SURVIVE:Â THE CRIMINALIZATION OFÂ DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SURVIVORS
I examine the polices and practices that lead to survivors of domestic violence becoming defendants. I discuss awareness and prevention strategies, and identify the resources needed to help abused and formerly incarcerated women live a better quality of life.
ESTABLISHING AND MAINTAINING VIOLENCE-FREE RELATIONSHIPS
I invite women and men to join discussions about solving the crisis of the domestic, dating, teen, and gender-based violence, and sexual harassment. IÂ encourage open, no-judgment, dialogue to gain insight, create awareness, and promote violence-free interpersonal relationships.
CO-PARENTING IN THE AFTERMATH OF AN ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIP
I share how IÂ overcame the trauma of an abusive marriage and learned how to become a healthy person and co-parent.
SELF-CARE HABITS FOR PERSONAL AND INTERPERSONAL SUCCESS
Making self-care a priority saved my life, and helped to put me on the path to physical, mental, and emotional wellness.