Michelle Bull: Break-Up & Divorce Coach
Michelle Bull is an Elite, Triple-Accredited Break-Up & Divorce Coach, and Master Practitioner
I had the pleasure of listening to Michelle give a talk at a Divorce Fair earlier this year, where I was inspired by her dynamic energy and passion for supporting people through their breakups and divorces.
Michelle trained with Sara Davison as an elite, triple-accredited Break-Up & Divorce Coach and Master Practitioner. She works closely with Sara in training future coaches and also coaches the trained coaches. Michelle hosts Sara’s online Heartbreak to Happiness support group, and if this isn’t enough, she has her own private practice.
I don’t believe Michelle sleeps.
No matter where you are—Australia, LA, or elsewhere—Michelle works online across all time zones, making herself available to clients worldwide, especially the most vulnerable.
Michelle is not your average divorce coach
Michelle’s own high-conflict divorce encouraged her to upskill at the age of 45 by attending law school. This not only deepened her understanding of the UK legal system but, blended with her own experience, means she knows what it takes to survive the process of divorce and family court. She arms her clients with skills such as strategy and preparation, and they learn how to remain calm and steady when faced with delays and changing demands.
“The other side hates me. They can’t bully my client.”
Michelle is there to protect you from them and, importantly, from yourself
High-conflict divorces are exhausting, physically and emotionally. They can take their toll, especially if you are underprepared for the conflict. Michelle practices the “put your oxygen mask on first” philosophy. Breathing and self-care enable better decision-making and healthier choices, which inevitably impact the children.
Never assume your ex won’t cross a line; the chances are they will
When sitting in a (virtual) room with someone who was once controlling and abusive, it can be easy to be swayed by their demands, a learned behaviour. To mitigate this, Michelle prepares her clients to clarify what they want and what they are prepared to compromise on in negotiations. Leaving an abusive situation does not mean the abuse and control have ended; it often gets worse, and the controlling party does not change who they are. Michelle is welcomed by mediators and legal teams, and she often supports clients throughout these meetings.
“I remind them, this is not what you wanted. This is not what you agreed on.”
Calling for help is an act of bravery and courage
The controlling, abusive partner has often isolated their spouse and assured them that they are alone and that nobody cares about them. This emotional abuse is convincing and isolating, to the point where the abused partner will question the validity of reaching out for help.
Healthy vs Unhealthy Partners
There is a big difference between divorcing a healthy partner and an unhealthy partner. A healthy partner may argue, hate you for a while and fight over the sofa or the hamster. Whereas an unhealthy partner may want to annihilate you, no matter what the cost, including the children and finances.
They would rather spend everything on lawyers than let you have a penny.
How do you prepare to go up against someone who wants you wiped out? With fairness, integrity and reason. Michelle wants her clients to maintain honesty and decency by understanding what they want, what they need, and where the compromise lies.
Lawyers often say, “I told my client not to do X, and on Monday morning they call me, ashamed, and confess that they did exactly what I advised them against.” When you are in Michelle’s care, she is a call away to help keep her clients centred. This includes not being influenced by loyal friends and family members who are on a witch hunt and encouraging revenge. Michelle will be firm about how not to behave in these high-conflict environments.
How Michelle works
During the first meeting, clients share everything: their story, fears and history. After this deep dive, they never have to revisit this trauma in the same way again. Michelle works on moving her clients forward mentally and emotionally, teaching them to dial down reactions, prepare for the games that could be played, and stay centred and resilient.
“My clients remain true to their values.”
A few of the skills her clients gain:
• Co-parent effectively
• Respond to emails and messages strategically
• Communicate clearly to protect personal space
• Build self-esteem, regain confidence, and find their “sparkle.”
Abuse
If you are in an abusive relationship, or you are here because you care about someone who needs support, leaving an abusive marriage can be dangerous. It requires planning, support and time. You can read this eye-opening interview with a woman who did not realise she was being controlled.
The abuse does not stop when someone leaves; it can intensify.
You do not have to be in a high-conflict, abusive divorce to contact Michelle. Her clients are not always going through a divorce, but quite possibly, a really hard breakup. Or they may be exploring the idea of divorce and want to learn more. When Michelle sees staying together as an option, she works on finding out whether her client truly wants to leave. “They have to come to their own conclusion.”
Michelle does not offer sessions with couples; all work is individual.
Further reading
I have personally witnessed people whose exes wanted to annihilate them, and the games they have played are dangerous, destructive, and quite frankly, should be dealt with severe punishment. If you believe you are in this situation, you need support. These types of divorces can consume you and impact your health.
If you are open to sharing your experience of this kind of divorce, please contact me. Your story remains anonymous.
How can you learn more about working with Michelle? She has very little social media presence, but you can reach out directly:
Email: michellebulllondon@icloud.com
WhatsApp, SMS or phone: +44 7985 535 970