Meet Louise Cloutier (she/her/hers)
Louise has been coaching courageous women to speak up since September 1981. She is an optimistic feminist, with an unquenchable belief that true gender justice is possible in this world, whether or not she lives to see the full fruition of that work.
Louise has worked with organizations such as the National Association of Women in Construction, Waltham Battered Women Support Committee and the Boston Area Rape Crisis Center. In 1986, she was part of a protest that removed a judge from the bench, because he'd been insulting domestic abuse survivors in open court, then sending them back to their abusers. Louise has taught several classes on verbal abuse at the YWCA Evanston / North Shore domestic violence training for first responders. Verbal abuse is indeed the thin edge of the wedge in abusive relationships.
So many women's voices have been silenced by systemic sexism, misogyny and racism. These women understand why it's so precious to have a voice. Louise's trauma-informed practice includes recovery from Aftermath Trauma, which occurs when an abuse survivor is not believed or supported. It integrates many modalities such as anti-anxiety breath techniques, and practical strategies of international negotiators.
In the year 2000, Louise was diagnosed with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, which explained her previous twenty years on assistive devices such as canes and braces for almost all of her joints. That year, she produced an album of original songs about that experience, "Scent of a Burnt Rose". She spent the next six years rebuilding her health, and now outdances friends half her age.
When Louise turned 40, she threw a party celebrating women coming into prime time. When she turned 50, the party theme was "the first half century!!". When she turned 60, everybody wore orange at her Tigger dance party. Louise turned 70 in July of 2024, and she looks forward to 80 and 90. She is not done yet —and neither are YOU.
In September of 2021, a loving community celebrated the 40th anniversary of her coaching practice. Women are not done yet! We are celebrating our victories, every single step of the way.
Louise Cloutier offers:
Private Coaching Sessions
Talks and Workshops
…and a new women’s circle!