Libby Shively McAvoy

Meet your Relationship & Trauma Coach

Hi, I’m Libby. I became an AFPA Certified Life Coach the same year I asked my husband for a divorce, knowing I needed to create a plan for my financial stability and independence. Before coaching, I spent years teaching yoga and writing blogs. Today, I still draw deeply from both my spiritual knowledge of yoga and my personal experiences with psychological and physical abuse to support my clients.

I would never wish abuse of any kind on anyone. But because I have lived through it, I can truly empathize with my clients. I understand the paralyzing fear, the symptoms of complex post-traumatic stress, and how overwhelming the healing journey can feel. And I also know this: it does not have to last forever. We can rise from the ashes. We can rebuild our lives. And often, we can create something even better than before.

That experience is why I now dedicate my work to helping others.

As a relationship and trauma coach, I specialize in using emotional intelligence to create lasting change. It helps clients heal from past abuse, rediscover their worth, and break toxic patterns. But it can also breathe new life into existing relationships — offering hope for those ready to strengthen a marriage — or provide the skills to build healthier connections in future relationships. These tools don’t just improve relationships, they transform them.

Working with me means you won’t have to face these challenges alone. Together, we’ll uncover the patterns holding you back, strengthen your confidence, and build practical tools to help you move from survival to thriving.

I’m also a two-time published author, with a third book currently in the works. My books — Narcissistic Abuse: Everything You Need to Know, A Roadmap to Healing and Thriving, and Courage to Let Go — are available worldwide in most bookstores. These books also serve as practical healing guides for anyone navigating narcissistic abuse, or contemplating, going through, or healing after the end of a marriage.

While my work is deeply meaningful to me, my greatest joy has always been my family. I’m the proud mom of two responsible, thriving adult children. My daughter is a marine biologist, and my son works in the food industry — both doing work they love. Though we now live in different cities, we treasure every visit and time spent together.

And of course, no introduction would be complete without mentioning Aspen, my Bernese Mountain Dog. She’s my third Berner — a sweet, empathetic companion who often makes surprise appearances on Zoom calls. She usually lies at my feet while I coach, listening in with her gentle curiosity.

When I’m not coaching (or being shadowed by Aspen), you can usually find me outdoors. Moving to Arizona two years ago was one of the boldest decisions I’ve ever made, and it has brought me more happiness than I could have imagined. I also enjoy cooking and entertaining, traveling, reading, researching, practicing yoga, meditating, and collecting crystals — both because they are beautiful and because I’m fascinated by their healing properties.

At the core of my personal philosophy are awareness, acceptance, and forgiveness. These three pillars inspire, empower, and awaken us to live our best lives. Awareness is the catalyst for change, and my greatest desire is to help you cultivate that awareness — so you can create the life you’ve always wanted.

You’ve read my story — now it’s time to start yours. What are you waiting for? Let’s take the first step together.

Love and healing,

Libby