Birgitte Thoelen is the founder of Wellbeing in Hand, a heart-led coaching practice that supports mothers to thrive – not just survive. Drawing from her background as an HCPC-registered Art Psychotherapist and her own transformative journey through motherhood, Birgitte helps women reconnect with their inner wisdom, creativity, and purpose. Her work is rooted in the belief that fulfilment – not keeping up – is the real goal. Through compassionate coaching, group programs, and a supportive community, she empowers mothers to honour their needs, embrace their full identity, and create a life aligned with their values. Here Birgitte talks to The Natural Parent Magazine about the inspiration behind her business, how she balances work and family life, the challenges she has overcome, and her hopes and dreams for the future.
The Passion: What inspired you to set up your business?
Without a doubt, it was becoming a mother myself. The experience fundamentally reshaped my perspective – not just on life, but on work, purpose, identity, and balance. I’ve always seen mothers as incredibly capable, creative, and resilient individuals. But too often, we’re made to believe or believe ourselves that our value is measured by how well we juggle it all – without complaint, without rest, and without help.
Motherhood doesn’t come with a guidebook, and for many of us, the transition can be disorienting. We’re pulled in every direction, emotionally and practically. I vividly remember being in the new parent bubble after my son was born – grateful, in love, and also completely consumed. Somewhere along the way, I began to feel the stirrings of something more. I wanted to reconnect with my creativity, my aspirations, and the parts of me that existed before I became ‘mum’. I realised that desire wasn’t selfish – it was essential.
I created Wellbeing in Hand to offer mothers what I needed myself: a space to be seen, reflect, and grow. I want mothers to have the freedom to choose where their energy flows – not out of obligation, but out of passion and purpose. And I want to help them do that with confidence and joy, without guilt or fear.
The Launch: How did you start out in the beginning?
Before becoming a certified coach, I worked as an HCPC-registered Art Psychotherapist, supporting 1:1 clients and facilitating group sessions. My background in the arts, corporate, education and mental health service gave me a solid foundation – but organically shifting from therapist to coach felt like stepping into a new identity. I started small, supporting women individually while also raising my son and figuring out the business side of things as I went.
My business is still just me – wearing all the hats! I’ve learned that progress comes one small step at a time. I found that the antidote to overwhelm wasn’t pushing harder – it was slowing down. Trusting the process. And most of all, reconnecting with what truly drives me-connection.
The Innovation: What was the biggest breakthrough for you with your business?
The biggest shift came when I realised that I was still operating from outdated beliefs – trying to fit my pre-motherhood self into a life that no longer fit. Becoming a mother changed everything, and yet I was trying to keep parts of my life exactly the same. It wasn’t until I gave myself permission to let go of the old and step fully into this new phase that things began to align.
I had to challenge my inner critic, face my fears about visibility, and reframe what fulfilment meant to me. You get to evolve and write a new story. You get to create a life and career that honours your values now. That realisation was incredibly freeing – and it’s exactly what I help other mothers uncover for themselves.
Yin and Yang: How do you balance work and family?
Some weeks run smoothly, others feel more chaotic [Insert self-kindness and compassion here]. I’ve come to accept that balance isn’t fixed and this is completely normal. I’ve learned to be honest with myself about what season I’m in. Right now, with a two-year-old, my time and energy are precious. I’ve structured my business to work with that reality, not against it. That means working evenings, or in focused blocks while he’s at childcare and adjusting my offers to align with family rhythm.
Instead of trying to control every detail or striving for perfection (which only creates more stress), I focus on what’s essential in each moment and allow myself to be guided by intention rather than pressure. As a mother of a young child and a business owner, I’ve learned to let things be “good (enough)” – and to see the strength in that. It’s not about lowering standards; it’s about letting go of the unrealistic expectation that we need to excel in all areas at all times.
Holding intention and reality side by side. That’s aligned motherhood.
This perspective also informs how I work with my clients. I don’t position myself as “the expert” who holds all the answers. Instead, I see my role as a facilitator and partner – someone who creates the conditions for insight, growth, and transformation. Every mother I work with brings her own wealth of experience, perspective, and inner wisdom. When we come together, we all have something valuable to contribute. We lift each other up, learn from one another, and move forward with greater clarity and confidence.
One of the most powerful shifts I’ve experienced in both business and motherhood is understanding that we’re not meant to do this alone. The support network you surround yourself with – your peers, your community, your mentors – makes a world of difference. It’s not about having all the answers yourself; it’s about asking the right questions and allowing space for collaboration, creativity, and shared insight.
In that spirit, I’ve intentionally shaped my business to be flexible, woman-centred, and responsive to the real rhythms of family life. I honour my energy and trust that consistency, not perfection, is what builds lasting fulfilment.
