Today, Marie helps women rediscover their sexual agency and pleasure. Her journey to this point has been anything but linear, but it was quitting alcohol that catalysed her transformation. Now post-menopause and living a life full of clarity and energy, Marie is a walking testament to the power of change.

“There’s a Life Energy in Me That I’ve Never Had”

Marie’s relationship with alcohol was intense. As she puts it:

“It was part of my celebrations and my commiserations. Let’s have a drink—no matter what.”

Over the years, however, her body began reacting less and less well to alcohol, something that became especially apparent as she went through hormonal changes during menopause. Despite several attempts to take breaks from drinking, she always found herself returning to it.

But a heavy night a year and a half ago was the turning point.

“I woke up and thought, I can’t do this anymore. I can’t keep waking up knowing I’ll feel hungover in two or three days. My life was being wasted.”

For Marie, it wasn’t about hitting rock bottom but rather a constellation of factors—the end of a long-term relationship, a desire to invest in her work helping women, and a need to prioritise her health and energy.

Giving up alcohol wasn’t easy, but the rewards have been profound.

“There’s a life energy in me that I’ve never had, or maybe that I had but was tamed by alcohol, – I have a clarity now that I didn’t know I was missing. It’s incredible.”

Reclaiming Pleasure and Agency

Marie’s journey away from alcohol coincided with her decision to retrain as a coach. Originally inspired by friends and family who praised her listening skills, she realised her true passion lay in helping others on a deeply personal level. While her early coaching clients brought a range of issues to her, many women came to her seeking guidance on their sexuality. That’s when Marie decided to specialise as a sex coach and clinical sexologist.

“Our relationship to pleasure is so important. For many women, it’s fraught with guilt, whether that’s related to drinking or societal expectations. The first thing I work on with my clients is understanding their relationship to pleasure—not just sexual pleasure, but pleasure in life.”

Marie believes that for women, especially those in midlife, this work is vital.

“As we go through menopause, there’s a natural reevaluation of who we are and what we want. It’s a chance to reconnect with our bodies and desires.”

And she’s quick to emphasise that pleasure is a skill that can be relearned.

“It’s about creating new pathways to joy. What gives you pleasure? It could be anything, from a quiet moment of doing nothing to an incredible orgasm. The point is to explore.”

“Sex Is Messy and Complicated—But It’s Worth It”

One of Marie’s key messages is that sex, like life, is never perfect.

“Sex is messy and complicated, but it’s also an incredible way to connect with yourself and others.”

For those who have relied on alcohol to navigate intimacy, sober sex can feel daunting. But Marie reassures her clients that it’s worth the effort.

“Sober sex is different, but it can be more powerful, more emotional, and more connected. It just takes practice.”

Marie also encourages women to start with themselves.

“Spend time getting to know your body. Pleasure yourself and see what works for you. It’s about giving yourself permission to enjoy pleasure without judgment.”

A Life Aligned with Values

For Marie, quitting alcohol wasn’t just about improving her health—it was about aligning her life with her values.

“When you’re drinking, it’s hard to live your values,” she says. “You say yes to the wrong things and no to the right ones. Quitting gave me the clarity to focus on what matters.”

Today, Marie splits her time between her work as a sexologist and her ongoing advocacy for climate and sexual health. Whether she’s coaching a client on rediscovering their desires or working with the UN on sexual rights, her mission is the same: to help others reclaim their agency and live lives full of purpose and pleasure.

“When you remove alcohol, you’re giving yourself the best chance to figure out what truly brings you joy and energy. And that’s a gift worth giving.”

Find Marie here on Instagram.