I’ve always been drawn to the complexities of human nature—especially the darker aspects. Currently pursuing my psychology degree (with the goal of becoming a forensic psychologist), I’m fascinated by what we often label as “evil.” My curiosity drives me to explore why people act the way they do, but there’s also a practical side to this.
Understanding the roots of harmful behaviour allows me to help others protect themselves, not just physically, but emotionally and mentally as well.
I spent years training in Muay Thai and Krav Maga, both pivotal in shaping my approach to life and coaching.
My Krav Maga instructor often said, “Laila, you have a beautiful technique. You’ve mastered this from Muay Thai. But remember, Krav Maga isn’t beautiful—Krav Maga is dirty. Your goal is to survive.”
That lesson still stays with me.
In martial arts, and in life, survival sometimes means unlearning what we think is “right” or “proper.” In real life, as in Krav Maga, we must shed habits like extreme politeness, people-pleasing, and hesitation—they no longer serve us. Instead, we need to prioritise our own well-being, set boundaries, and protect our inner strength.
I understand the difficulty of setting boundaries because I’ve lived it. Like many women, I used to shy away when I should’ve stood firm. But through my experiences in the ring, and thanks to psychology, I’ve learned to defend not just my physical space, but my emotional space. Today, I’m passionate about helping other women develop the same resilience, strength, and clarity—whether it’s through building mental toughness or reclaiming personal power.
One of my clients, for example, struggled with saying no. She often felt guilty, afraid of disappointing others, and found herself constantly compromising her own needs. Together, we worked on role-playing different scenarios, teaching her how to assert herself in everyday situations. After just two sessions, she called me, beaming with pride. She finally said no to her boyfriend—a word that had always felt impossible to say. His initial reaction was shock, then amusement, but ultimately, he encouraged her to assert herself more often, becoming a true supporter in her growth journey. It was a breakthrough, not just for her relationship, but for how she viewed herself.
I firmly believe that boundaries are the cornerstone of personal empowerment. They’re about defining your worth and commanding respect. When we allow ourselves to establish firm boundaries, we begin to live in alignment with who we truly are, rather than bending to the expectations of others. My work focuses on guiding women through this process, helping them understand that protecting their own needs isn’t selfish—it’s essential.
Through my combination of psychology studies and my background in combat sports (and other sports), I bring a perspective of physical, emotional, and spiritual empowerment into coaching. I know firsthand how difficult it can be to break free from the old rules we’ve been conditioned to follow. But I also know how liberating it is to stand firm, to claim your space, and to live life on your own terms.
Whether you’re learning to say “no” for the first time or looking to assert yourself in deeper, more meaningful ways, I’m here to support you in that journey. Together, we’ll uncover the tools you need to step into your confidence, set clear boundaries, and navigate life with purpose and strength.
