This mum-of-two has turned her pain into power by becoming a Grief and Trauma Recovery Coach after the sudden loss of both parents and a “devastating” divorce.
Back in 2015, Lucy Cole, now 45, reached a “dark place” in her life as her mum lost her battle with brain cancer and her step-dad suffered from a fatal heart attack a few weeks later.
Whilst dealing with the loss of her parents, Lucy was going through a separation after 14 years of marriage.
The series of traumatic events led her to have bouts of depression and anxiety, Lucy describes this period of her life as an “emotional rollercoaster”.
But now, seven years on, Lucy has turned her life around and is now a qualified Grief and Trauma Recovery Coach with her own clinic based in her hometown Sutton Coldfield.
She said: “During my twenties, I never thought depression or anxiety would happen to me.
“But nothing can prepare you for losing a parent, never mind two.
“I went to some very dark places and almost had a couple of mental breakdowns in 2017.
“It was even more challenging because I was dealing with a lengthy and costly divorce & financial issues at the same time.
Lucy recalls losing two stones as she couldn’t eat and spent weeks in bed.
She said: “In a couple of months, my whole life came crashing down, I lost my whole family unit and lost myself & my identity.
“My life became chaotic; I was all over the place. Some days, I wouldn’t get out of bed, and on others, I would muster up the courage to crack on with normal life and complete simple daily tasks.
“But it would always come crashing down. It was an emotional rollercoaster.”
In 2018, Lucy discovered yoga and meditation. She attributes these practices to her recovery.
Yoga is best known for improving strength, balance, and flexibility but there are many other benefits such as better sleep, managing stress, and brightening your moods.
Lucy states yoga helped her become more grounded and calmer.
In 2020, the coronavirus pandemic hit the UK and the country went into lockdown. Sadly, just weeks before, she also lost her biological father to terminal lung cancer, spending months caring for him.
Lucy said: “All of a sudden, I was at home and spending time on my own. I wasn’t caring for sick parents, arranging funerals, or going through a divorce or multiple court cases.
“I was able to evaluate my life and I realised I wanted to help other people see the light again after dealing with loss & grief.
“I started a life and health coaching diploma during the lockdown and then continued to expand my knowledge and add more credentials to my belt.”
In November 2020, Lucy attended an online Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) course.
NLP is a set of language- and sensory-based interventions and behaviour-modification techniques intended to help improve the client’s self-awareness, confidence, communication skills, and social action.
In May 2021, she qualified as a Grief Recovery Method Specialist.
Months later, in August 2021, she became a Personal Evolutionary Coach, Master NLP, and Hypnosis Practitioner and a trainer in NLP.
“All of my training and coaching has changed my life.
“I am now happily divorced & single, live a balanced & calm life and most importantly I have learned how to forgive and forget.
“I can use my pain and empathy to relate to other people because I know exactly what they are going through.
“I specialise in grief, which covers so much more than bereavement such as divorces, breakups, abuse, financial difficulties which leads to mental health issues, depression, anger, anxiety, and addictions.
Lucy has re-launched her business Love Life Coaching and Events & Love Life Again to celebrate one year at her clinic. Most recently she has
been granted funding for local residents in the Sutton Coldfield area. Helping with the cost & to prevent long waiting times as people can be seen within 48 hours at the clinic.
She said: “I am over the moon with how far I have come.
“I operated from just one room last year and now I have the whole building which is why I have re-launched to inform the community about my new Coaching Programmes, Grief Relief Workshops in my Healing Room & monthly Support Groups.
“I am living proof that there is light at the end of the tunnel.”
Lucy welcomed old and new clients to the re-launch and the Deputy Mayor of Sutton Coldfield Jane Mosson.
She said: “The launch couldn’t have gone better. So many of the local community attended, including previous, present, and future clients. So many people who have been through similar grief and experiences, supporting one another, it was so lovely to witness.
“Everyone was saying how relaxed they felt when they walked in.
“Each room has soft pink, grey and white walls inspired by cherry blossom trees which were my mum’s favourite flowers, and soft lighting for a calming environment.
“My aim is to help as many people as possible who have experienced grief and trauma live a happier, healthier life and to LOVE LIFE AGAIN.”