About Denise Portes

As an Integral Master Coach™ and Family Constellations Facilitator, I have a passion to help my clients to find their authentic voice, to deal with the many challenges life offers them. I know from my own experience how challenging it can be to find who you truly are, as you embark on this journey through life. Growing up in Brazil gave me the freedom of a warm tropical environment, but it also constricted me with the expectations of a male-dominated culture. That caused a lot of self-doubt, questioning if I had the right to pursue my dreams. But I always felt there was something else for me out there, so I had to move away and find another place to restart my life.

Coming to England 19 years ago meant a big change, not in the least because of the weather. But I also came to realise that I could not run away from my past: I carried the beliefs of my upbringing with me. One of these beliefs was that starting a family would bring meaning to my life, would fulfil my dreams. But giving birth to my daughter was a traumatic experience for me and for her. And that was the portal to a different realm, the realm of motherhood.

When I had my son two and half years later, I still had not found my balance. It took me seven years as a mother before I was able to look in the mirror and ask myself: who is this person I am looking at? I could not recognise myself, I had lost my identity.

Since then I have been on a journey to find who I am, beyond my beliefs, my culture, the culture of this country and my role as a mother. Finding the wisdom to choose what is best for me and my family. Finding the strength to deal with the breakup of my marriage, the death of my both beloved parents, and build up my business. Finding the balance to turn my challenges and difficulties into an inspiration to move forward, to come home to myself.

Professionally, I have developed my coaching skills through various trainings and courses:

 
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