Ellen Busch is a resilient survivor, author, and advocate who has defied expectations and rewritten her own narrative. Diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age, she faced academic discrimination and workplace challenges, yet refused to let those limitations define her. She found strength in sports, adventure, and perseverance, earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree despite the odds.

After escaping an abusive marriage and enduring the sudden loss of her parents, Ellen embarked on a journey of self-discovery and emotional recovery. Through therapy, coaching, and elite-level training alongside Navy SEALs, she reclaimed her confidence, resilience, and purpose.

Her book, (dis)Empowered, details her inspiring story of survival, healing, and transformation, serving as a beacon of hope for those struggling to break free from societal limitations and personal trauma. Now living in Colorado, Ellen continues to challenge herself, embracing adventure and personal growth with fearless determination.

In this compelling episode of the Healing Through Love Podcast, we sit down with Ellen Busch, a domestic abuse survivor, neurodivergent advocate, and author of (dis)Empowered). Ellen’s story is one of resilience, empowerment, and healing, proving that no matter the obstacles, transformation is always possible.

Ellen shares how being diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age led to academic discrimination and self-doubt, but she refused to be limited by the labels imposed on her. Her parents nurtured her resilience, teaching her independence through adventure, sports, and perseverance.

Despite her achievements, Ellen struggled with self-worth and toxic environments, leading to an abusive marriage and the painful loss of her parents. She bravely chose to confront her trauma, seeking therapy, coaching, and intensive training alongside Navy SEALs to reclaim her strength and rewrite her story.

This episode is a powerful conversation on:

✅ Overcoming adversity and reclaiming power after domestic abuse and discrimination.

✅ Healing and self-discovery through therapy, coaching, and resilience-building techniques.

✅ Empowering neurodivergent individuals to defy societal limitations and thrive.

(dis)Empowered is more than just a memoir—it’s a movement. Ellen sheds light on the challenges faced by neurodivergent individuals and abuse survivors, inspiring others to speak their truth, pursue their full potential, and break free from limiting beliefs.

If you’ve ever felt trapped by trauma, self-doubt, or societal expectations, this episode will give you the courage and tools to take your power back and thrive.

Key Points from the Interview:

1. Overcoming adversity & reclaiming power—how Ellen defied the odds despite childhood trauma and an abusive marriage. 

2. Healing & transformation—why emotional recovery is essential for self-growth and empowerment. 

3. Inspiring a movement—raising awareness for neurodivergent success and survivor empowerment. 

Listen Now: Join us as Ellen Busch shares her powerful journey of resilience, healing, and transformation. 💜✨

Introduction and Background of Ellen Bush

• Ellen Bush was diagnosed with dyslexia at an early age and initially dismissed by the education system.
• Her parents refused to let her be defined by limitations, nurturing her learning outside the classroom through activities like ocean navigation, sports, and adventure.
• Ellen earned a scuba certificate at 17, became an expert skier and instructor, and defied expectations by earning both a bachelor’s and master’s degree.
• Despite these achievements, Ellen struggled with low self-esteem, underemployment, and toxic environments.
• They escaped an abusive marriage and endured the sudden loss of their parents, who were their strongest advocates.
• Through therapy, coaching, and training alongside Navy SEALs, Ellen reclaimed their power and rewrote their narrative.
• Their debut book, ‘Disempowered,’ published in May 2023, shares their journey through adversity, healing, and transformation.
• Ellen now lives in Colorado, where they continue to embrace adventure through activities like carving ski slopes and telemark skiing. 

Ellen’s Experience with Narcissistic Abuse

• Ellen’s low self-esteem made them a target for bullies, predators, and narcissists.
• They ended up married to a narcissistic person, not fully understanding the manipulation and control they were experiencing.
• The relationship escalated to violence, requiring police intervention.
• Ellen initially tried to work things out, finding themselves in a situation they previously couldn’t understand – staying in an abusive marriage.
• They eventually realized the danger they were in after speaking with an attorney.
• Ellen planned and executed a covert escape over the course of a month, taking their dogs with them.
• They emphasize the importance of not announcing plans to leave, as 70% of women murdered by spouses are killed when trying to leave. 

Overcoming Adversity and Reclaiming Power

• After escaping, Ellen was severely traumatized and could barely function, driving through stop signs and red lights.
• They made a promise to themselves never to go through such an experience again.
• Ellen sought help through therapists, coaches, and alternative practices like breathwork, yoga, and somatic movement.
• They worked with an EMDR trauma specialist and continued to improve gradually.
• Ellen describes a subtle shift from survivor healing to thriving, likening it to therapy transitioning from a healing process to a self-discovery process.
• They emphasize that healing is a slow, step-by-step transition that happens on multiple levels – mind, heart, cells, and energy structure.
• Ellen experienced an unexpected grieving process as they let go of an imposed, inauthentic identity. 

Strategies for Healing and Empowerment

• Ellen recommends trying various healing modalities with credentialed practitioners, including acupuncture, massage, and Reiki.
• They encourage people to revisit techniques that may not have worked initially, as timing can be a factor in effectiveness.
• Finding a supportive community of like-minded people is crucial for healing and moving forward.
• Ellen found support through CrossFit, skiing, and Commander Mark Devine’s Unbeatable Mind program.
• They emphasize the importance of breaking down big goals (BHAGs – Big Hairy Audacious Goals) into daily activities and micro-goals.
• The concept of aiming for 1% improvement every day is highlighted as an effective approach to progress.
• Consistent breath practice, such as box breathing (4-4-4-4 pattern), is recommended for calming the nervous system and improving problem-solving abilities. 

Advice for Survivors and Those in Abusive Situations

• Ellen stresses that survival, healing, and thriving are possible, but one must not give up on oneself.
• They emphasize that survivors are not alone and that there are people who want to help and support them.
• The importance of careful planning when leaving an abusive situation is highlighted, including gathering important documents and considering safety.
• Ellen encourages survivors to believe in their ability to not just survive and heal, but to thrive and completely rebuild their lives.
• They recommend seeking external support and ‘hand-holding’ through the difficult parts of the healing journey. 

Ellen’s Book and Resources

• Ellen’s book ‘Disempowered’ is available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble, in both written and audio formats.
• Their website, EllenBush.com, contains links to the book, audiobook, and more in-depth information about their story, including personal and family photos.
• Ellen offers coaching based on the Unbeatable Mind program and is a certified coach available for those interested in working with them.

• Introduction of podcast format and discussion topic about surviving, healing and learning to thrive after trauma
• Ellen shares about her book “Disempowered” and her journey from low self-esteem to empowerment
• Ellen describes her escape plan from an abusive marriage and the importance of leaving covertly for safety
• Discussion of healing process through therapy, coaching, and various healing modalities like EMDR, Reiki, and breathwork
• Importance of finding supportive communities and taking small steps (1% better daily) toward goals
• Ellen shares practical advice about planning an exit strategy and the importance of breath work for clarity
• Final message about survival, healing, and the possibility of thriving after trauma