We were lucky to catch up with Rhiannon Dubois recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rhiannon, we sincerely appreciate you joining us today and agreeing to talk about some very personal topics. So, to kick things off, let’s talk about a tough one – divorce. Can you talk to us about how you overcame divorce?
Overcoming divorce was one of the hardest and most transformative journeys of my life. I was 29 when my marriage ended abruptly. I was devastated—shocked, ashamed, and utterly unsure of how to rebuild. Despite being a Clinical Psychologist, nothing had prepared me for the personal weight of that heartbreak. It felt like my entire world had been turned upside down, and I was left to piece it back together without knowing how.
The healing process wasn’t linear, but it started with a decision to face my pain head-on. I leaned heavily on the support of family and friends, who reminded me that I didn’t have to go through it alone. I also sought therapy for myself—something I truly believe in for anyone walking through loss. Therapy gave me a safe space to process my emotions, challenge the negative beliefs I held about myself, and slowly rebuild my confidence.
I also threw myself into self-discovery and growth. I read books, journaled, and reflected on who I was outside of my marriage. It wasn’t always pretty, but those moments of vulnerability and honesty were pivotal. One of the most important steps I took was embracing the idea of hope—even if I didn’t fully believe it at the time. I made the conscious decision to trust that healing was possible, even when it felt far away.
Perhaps the most powerful lesson I learned was that healing takes time and grace. It’s not about rushing to “move on” but allowing yourself to feel, grow, and rediscover your strength. That journey ultimately brought me to where I am today—living a life filled with purpose, joy, and love.
My own experience of divorce is why I launched Heartbreaks and Retakes. I wanted to help other women who feel lost or broken after divorce realize that healing is possible and life on the other side of heartbreak can be more beautiful than they ever imagined. Divorce was a defining moment in my story, but it didn’t define me—and that’s the hope I strive to pass on to others.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
In my professional journey, I’ve worn many hats—from a Clinical Psychologist in Australia to a Director of Aftercare for A21 in the U.S., a global anti-human trafficking NGO, and now also as the founder of Heartbreaks & Retakes, a business dedicated to helping women navigate heartbreak and divorce. My path has been shaped by personal and professional experiences that have deepened my conviction to help others heal and rediscover hope in the aftermath of heartbreak and trauma.
I began my career in psychology in 2008 on the beautiful Sunshine Coast of Australia. After completing my studies at The University of Queensland, I spent nearly a decade working in a not-for-profit clinic that provided both clinical services and trauma rehabilitation training for NGOs supporting survivors of war, human trafficking, and natural disasters. That work was fulfilling in so many ways, from meeting clients in their pain and witnessing their growth as they healed to traveling to Africa and Asia to assist in training NGOs supporting survivors of war and human trafficking—experiences that would later prepare me for my role as the Director of Aftercare at A21, an anti-human trafficking NGO.
In 2017, I resigned from my private practice job as a Clinical Psychologist and accepted a position with A21 as Global Director of Aftercare, overseeing the aftercare program for survivors of trafficking across eight locations globally. It was a decision that involved selling everything I owned and moving from Australia to California, and although scary, it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.
In 2020, I relocated to Texas, bought and renovated a home, and later remarried, which was a transformative shift in my life. As I shifted into a new chapter of my life, I began to reflect on my own experience and recognized a need for resources to guide women navigating similar challenges. Despite being a Clinical Psychologist, I had felt so lost going through my divorce, if only there had been dedicated resources and coaching to guide me. That reflection led to Heartbreaks & Retakes, where I now offer coaching, courses, and counseling for women at any stage of heartbreak or divorce. Through Heartbreaks & Retakes, I aim to help women unlock their inner strength, heal, and embrace a future beyond their wildest imagination.
What sets Heartbreaks & Retakes apart is my unique combination of clinical expertise and personal experience. I understand the pain of heartbreak, and I also know that healing, while challenging, is possible. Whether through one-on-one coaching, group sessions, or our carefully designed courses, I guide women through a journey of rediscovery—helping them process their emotions, rebuild their confidence, and cultivate hope for what’s ahead.
I’m most proud of creating a space where women can feel seen and supported through some of their most challenging moments. I want everyone who engages with Heartbreaks & Retakes to know that healing takes time, but with the right support, you can emerge stronger, healthier, and more aligned with your purpose.
This journey is close to my heart, and I believe deeply in the potential for transformation through support, vulnerability, and self-compassion. Heartbreak and divorce may feel like the end of something, but with the right guidance, it can be the beginning of something even better.
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Looking back on my journey, I realize that three qualities and skills that have had the most impact on both my personal and professional growth are resilience, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset. These qualities have shaped my approach to coaching women navigating heartbreak and divorce through Heartbreaks & Retakes, as well as how I managed my role overseeing the aftercare program at A21 and how I saw clients and managed a private psychology practice in Australia.
1. Resilience: Resilience has been critical in overcoming personal and professional setbacks. As a Clinical Psychologist and coach, I often guide clients through their emotional challenges, teaching them how to process pain, recover, and rebuild their lives. This has made me recognize how important it is to bounce back from adversity, no matter how difficult or unexpected. In my various roles, resilience has also been key in navigating the emotional demands of supporting a team while ensuring the success of our programs.
Advice: To build resilience, develop a support system you trust, practice self-compassion, and allow yourself space to grieve setbacks. Understand that resilience isn’t about avoiding hardship—it’s about acknowledging pain, learning from it, and continuing to move forward. Embrace the small wins along the way, and remember that healing is a process, not a destination.
2. Emotional Intelligence (EQ): As a Clinical Psychologist, I’ve seen firsthand how emotional intelligence shapes relationships and helps in effective problem-solving. Whether I’m coaching a client through the emotional complexities of divorce or overseeing aftercare programming at A21, understanding emotions—both mine and others—has been key to building trust, navigating difficult conversations, and managing stress. Emotional intelligence helps foster connection and provides insight into how to approach both individual healing and team dynamics with empathy and clarity.
Advice: Cultivating emotional intelligence starts with self-awareness. Take time each day to check in with how you’re feeling, and learn to identify the emotions behind your reactions. Practice active listening with others, recognizing that everyone’s emotions and perspectives are valid. Understanding your emotional triggers and improving your ability to navigate them will enhance your communication skills, help you manage conflict better, and create deeper connections with clients or colleagues.
3. Growth Mindset: A growth mindset has been vital in my own journey and in my work. Both personally and professionally, challenges are inevitable, but seeing them as opportunities for growth has empowered me to move through tough times with hope and determination. It’s this mindset I encourage my clients to adopt as they move through the complex process of healing. Whether managing emotions through a divorce or leading a team, adopting a mindset that thrives on growth, not perfection, allows you to turn adversity into a catalyst for positive change.
Advice: Developing a growth mindset begins by shifting your focus from what went wrong to what you can learn from every experience. Whether facing personal heartache or professional challenges, embrace the idea that skills and wisdom are gained through persistence and self-reflection. Emphasize effort over results and believe in your ability to adapt, change, and evolve. With time and commitment, you’ll find that even the hardest moments can be transformed into opportunities for growth.
These qualities—resilience, emotional intelligence, and a growth mindset—are essential in both personal healing and professional leadership. For those early in their journey, it’s important to be patient with yourself and to recognize that growth often comes in small steps. The process may not always be linear, but each day brings new opportunities for learning and healing.
How would you describe your ideal client?
My ideal client is a woman navigating heartbreak who feels stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to rebuild her life. She may have experienced divorce, the end of a significant relationship, or another life-altering loss. What sets my ideal client apart isn’t where she is on her healing journey—it’s her willingness to believe, even just a little, that there’s hope on the other side of her pain.
She’s ready to do the work, even though it might feel daunting. She’s open to exploring her emotions, challenging old patterns, and stepping into the possibility of a brighter future. Whether she’s holding on by a thread or already making strides, she has a spark of resilience within her—a spark I love helping to ignite and grow.
At Heartbreaks and Retakes, I work with women who are tired of feeling defined by their heartbreak and are ready to reclaim their narrative. My ideal client wants to feel empowered, find clarity, and create a fulfilling and authentic life. She doesn’t have to have it all figured out—she just has to take that first step and say, “I’m ready for something more.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://heartbreaksandretakes.com
- Instagram: @heartbreaksandretakes
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/heartbreaksandretakes/
Image Credits
Robin Seitz
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