by Ariel Balfour
Ariel Balfour, known as the “Viking Queen” and “Reclamation Warrior,” has lived a remarkable journey, one filled with personal battles and triumphs, which led her to become a guiding force in the world of emotional wellness and trauma healing. Ariel’s path has been anything but conventional, shaped by her own experiences with mental health challenges and a deep desire to help others rise above their struggles.
Ariel's story begins with early struggles that would have broken many. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, ADHD, and body dysmorphia at the age of seven, Ariel faced a turbulent childhood. Her diagnosis came only months before the tragic suicide of her grandmother, who also struggled with bipolar disorder. Ariel was prescribed excessive medication that left her feeling worse rather than better, and she was subjected to years of bullying and being treated like a fragile ticking time bomb.
Despite being in and out of doctors’ offices and therapists’ sessions, Ariel’s mental health continued to spiral. By the time she turned 21, her health took a severe downturn, and doctors told her that her condition would inevitably lead to psychosis, possibly leaving her under permanent care. But Ariel, in a moment of sheer resolve, made a bold decision: "This is not my story, and this will not be my outcome." She chose to reclaim her truth, recognizing her warrior spirit.
That moment marked the beginning of a transformative self-healing journey, and 19 years later, Ariel has proven that it’s possible to live an emotionally free life without relying on medication. In her words, she has died three times and come back more resilient each time, determined to live a life of service and guidance for others. Her journey has been anything but easy, but it has shaped her into the person she is today: a powerful healer and coach, known for her ability to guide others through their own emotional battles.
Ariel’s background in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) has been integral to her personal growth and her approach to trauma healing. For Ariel, MMA was more than just a sport—it was an outlet, a sense of stability, and a path to reclaim her inner strength. MMA helped her transform feelings of vulnerability and unworthiness into personal power. It allowed her to channel her emotional pain into a physical and mental strength that became her foundation.
Through MMA, Ariel learned to protect the more vulnerable aspects of herself and built an unshakable self-trust. This warrior mentality became a core principle of her healing philosophy. It was through this strength, both physical and emotional, that Ariel became the warrior she needed when she was younger. She realized that she could be her own protector, creating an internal fortress of resilience that would help her face any battle—whether in the ring or in life.
After hanging up her MMA gloves, Ariel transitioned into a different role: a paramedic. During her time as a first responder, she encountered many people struggling with addiction, depression, and self-harm—issues that were deeply tied to unresolved trauma. Ariel witnessed firsthand the limitations of the medical system and the lack of effective mental health support available to those in need.
This experience sparked a profound realization in Ariel: she had overcome what many of these individuals felt was impossible. This inspired her to transition from being a fighter in the ring to a "warrior" in the realm of mental health and personal growth. Ariel believes that by healing one person, you can heal an entire family. By healing a family, you heal a community, and from there, you can start a ripple effect that can transform a country, and ultimately, the world.
Ariel specializes in techniques like rRest (Rapid Reprogramming Emotional Stress Technique), a transformative method that combines neuroscience with energetic healing. This approach shifts the focus
from revisiting past traumas to addressing the root cause of emotional patterns that shape those stories. By helping clients release buried emotions and break free from limiting beliefs, Ariel supports them in
building new pathways for personal success and fulfillment.
Through her work, Ariel has guided clients to embrace their inner strength and achieve profound transformations.
Some have quit smoking after a single session, while others have overcome anxiety, left abusive relationships, and launched businesses they once thought impossible. One client, for example, left a toxic marriage and gained full custody of her children, creating a stable and loving home. Ariel’s skillful application of this technique empowers individuals to rise from the ashes of their past, step into their true power, and live authentically.
One of Ariel's core missions is to challenge the misconceptions surrounding trauma healing. She believes that traditional talk therapy and licensed professionals, while helpful, are not the only way to heal. In her experience, talking about past traumas can sometimes bring them to the surface but fail to transmute the pain. Ariel advocates for a holistic approach to healing that goes beyond mere conversation and seeks to address the root causes of emotional distress.
Additionally, Ariel challenges the notion that a diagnosis defines who we are. A diagnosis may offer insight into one's struggles, but it does not need to become one's identity. Ariel emphasizes that people have the power to change their circumstances and create new possibilities for themselves, regardless of past trauma or labels.
One of Ariel’s most impactful teachings is about "burning the bridges holding you back." In her programs, she helps people break free from old patterns of thinking and behavior that no longer serve them. By shifting from a mindset of "this is how it's always been" to "I make my own reality," her clients learn to let go of what doesn’t serve them. This process is about reclaiming one’s authentic self, releasing limiting beliefs, and stepping into a life of empowerment and possibility.
Ariel teaches that moving from chaos to calm is a process that begins with recognizing personal agency. Step one is realizing that we are always in the driver's seat of our own lives. The next steps involve letting go of things we can't control, focusing on what we can control, and reminding ourselves that we are safe and in control of our emotions.
For those starting their healing journey, Ariel advises them to be patient, forgiving, and kind to themselves. Healing is not a linear process, and setbacks are part of the journey. The key is to stay committed to the vision of a better life and never lose sight of the power within.
Looking ahead, Ariel envisions a global revolution in personal growth, where people embrace their true selves and reclaim their power. Through her work, she hopes to create a ripple effect of healing, spreading far beyond individual transformations. Ariel's ultimate goal is to create worldwide retreats and mentoring programs where others can heal and then go on to heal others, creating a global movement of empowerment and personal growth.
Ariel’s vision also includes making her technique accessible to more people through an app, offering affordable and effective support for those who need it most. She is committed to helping as many people as possible break free from the chains of trauma and step into a life of strength, authenticity, and empowerment. Ariel is not just changing lives—she is changing the world.
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