We spoke to internationally acclaimed therapist and author Marisa Peer ahead of her headline speech at Dubai’s Mentl Awards 2024 this November.
World-renowned therapist and best-selling author Marisa Peer is one of the most recognised names in the wellness industry. Over her thirty-year career, she has worked with a client list that includes international superstars, CEOs, and Olympic athletes, using her unique approach, Rapid Transformational Therapy. In 2013, she began the “I Am Enough” movement, which works to boost inner confidence and help people improve their relationships, careers, health, and self-esteem while eliminating blocks to creating wealth and abundance – and has recently launched her new membership program, Grow and Transform. After seeing huge success in her private practice and transforming the lives of thousands of clients, in 2015, Marisa established the RTT School and has helped train over 17,000 therapists, coaches, and practitioners globally. Ahead of her keynote speech at Dubai’s Mentl Awards 2024, we spoke to Peer about her career, inspiration and what she has planned for 2025 and beyond.
You’re headlining this year’s The Mentl Awards 2024 in Dubai with your keynote speech, “You Are Unstoppable.” What are you looking forward to most about the event, and what can the audience expect from your talk?
I was delighted to be asked to judge and speak at The Mentl Awards 2024. Just this morning, I appeared on their podcast, “The Mentl Space”, discussing the importance of well-being in the workplace.I was inspired by the wonderful work that is happening here in the UAE. It is fantastic to see so many committed to removing the stigma and making mental health issues a priority in the region and I am excited to celebrate these incredible people making such strides in mental health. In my talk, “You Are Unstoppable,” I’ll encourage everyone to reflect on what’s truly holding them back from the life they desire and deserve. Together, we’ll explore how to shift their mindset for success, leaving them feeling lighter, empowered, and genuinely excited about what lies ahead. One thing the audience can definitely expect is a powerful reminder of their limitless potential!
With the increasing attention on mental wellness, what role do you think events like The Mentl Awards play in destigmatising mental health discussions in society?
Events like The Mentl Awards play a crucial role in mental health awareness as they take what’s often a private, stigmatized struggle and turn it into an open conversation free of shame that everyone can benefit from. By bringing mental wellness into the spotlight, these events help normalize the issue, highlight the courage it takes to seek help and honour those who are making real, positive changes in the field.
You’ve worked with a diverse range of clients, from celebrities to royalty. What do you think makes your approach resonate with so many different types of people?
What I’ve seen time and time again, whether I’m working with a celebrity, a CEO, or a single parent, is that we all share the same core human needs – to feel loved, accepted, connected, and, perhaps most importantly, that we are enough. It’s often the absence of these feelings that creates so much of the stress, doubt, and self-sabotage that people experience. In my work, I’ve found that lasting transformation can only happen when we address these deep-rooted beliefs.
Many approaches focus on surface-level issues, but the true magic happens when we get to the core of why we feel inadequate or unworthy. My method, Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT), is designed to get straight to that root cause. We look at where those long-held beliefs have come from – and reframe and recode the mind to instil new, empowering beliefs.
What makes this approach resonate universally is that it taps into what we all crave: a powerful sense of worth and belonging. When people feel “enough,” they’re no longer held back by their doubts; they’re free to thrive, love, and reach heights they may have only dreamed of.
How do you personally define success, both in your career and in life?
To me, success is all about impact and authenticity. In my career, it’s incredibly rewarding to see clients and students of mine leave feeling uplifted, resilient, and ready to face life with renewed confidence and clarity. Personally, it’s being present, spending time with my family, and having a life full of love, connection, and purpose. Success, to me, isn’t about titles or accolades; it’s about knowing I’m making a difference and staying true to myself every step of the way.
Rapid Transformational Therapy (RTT) has become widely popular. What sets RTT apart from other forms of therapy?
RTT is different from traditional therapy, as instead of merely treating the symptoms, it works by guiding people to uncover the root cause of their issues, reframe the habits of thought and action that have been holding them back, and rewire and recode their mindset for success. It’s really all about giving them the knowledge and power they need to move forward and transform their lives.
For people who are sceptical about therapy or feel they can’t change, what would you say to them?
I would tell them, “Your mind is your most powerful tool, and it is never too late to harness that power.” I’ve seen people change lifelong patterns and overcome deep-rooted beliefs in just a single session of RTT. You may feel sceptical, but that’s okay – all you need is an openness and desire for change. Transformation is possible for everyone.
You speak a lot about the importance of self-love. Why do you think so many people struggle with it, and how can they begin to overcome that?
Many people struggle with self-love because they often grow up with a critical inner voice that constantly tells them they’re not enough. We live in a world where comparisons are rampant, and unrealistic standards are the norm. This creates a cycle of self-doubt and discouragement, making self-love feel like an impossible goal. To overcome this challenge, I encourage everyone to begin with small, daily affirmations. Each morning, look in the mirror and say to yourself, “I Am Enough.” Write it down, repeat it, and truly embrace it. This simple practice can have a profound effect, helping to rewire your mind and reinforce the belief in your own worth.
It’s also crucial to remember that self-love isn’t about being perfect; it’s about embracing who you are right now, with all your quirks and imperfections. Celebrate your uniqueness! Surround yourself with positivity, and take note of what you love about yourself. When you practice kindness towards yourself and acknowledge your strengths, you create a solid foundation for self-love to flourish. With time and patience, you’ll find that loving yourself is not just achievable – it’s a beautiful journey worth taking.
What role does language play in shaping our self-esteem and mental health, and how can we use it to our advantage?
Language plays a crucial role in shaping our self-esteem and mental health because the most powerful words we hear are often the ones we say to ourselves! Our minds have an incredible ability to accept whatever we tell them – whether it’s a positive affirmation or a negative thought. If we constantly feed ourselves phrases like, “I’m not good enough,” our minds will take that as truth. But, when we embrace empowering language – like “I can do this” or “I am worthy” – we actively reprogram our minds for success. It’s essential to be mindful of our self-talk. By nurturing our inner cheerleader and silencing that critical voice, we can shift our mindset from self-doubt to self-belief. Remember, the words you choose can truly transform your reality, so make it a daily practice to uplift yourself with positivity!
What are some of your daily practices or habits that help you maintain a positive mindset and mental well-being?
Each morning, I start with gratitude for everything I have in my life – it’s such a simple shift, but having what I call an aptitude for gratitude makes life better and everything easier. It really is about having a laser-focused view of all the wonderful things in my life. I also make sure to include a short meditation or a walk outside – there’s something truly refreshing about a few moments of calm in nature. These small practices keep me feeling grounded, recharged, and ready to face whatever comes my way.
With your demanding schedule, how do you prioritize self-care and balance work with your personal life?
I believe self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. For me, it’s about setting boundaries and allowing myself to say “no” when needed. I prioritise time with my loved ones and make sure my schedule allows time for rest and reflection. Balance is key, and I remind myself that my work is strongest when I am well-rested and nourished.
What has been one of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your own life, and how did you overcome it?
One of my biggest challenges was overcoming my own self-doubt and quest for perfectionism. I used to be incredibly hard on myself, but I learned to replace criticism with kindness and to accept that I am enough just as I am. It’s been one of the most liberating experiences of my life.
In today’s fast-paced, digital world, many people feel overwhelmed or burnt out. What advice would you give to those feeling stuck or exhausted?
My advice is to slow down and connect with yourself. Start by setting small boundaries that protect your mental space – like taking a tech break or creating a short daily ritual of quiet time. Remember, you’re not a machine; you’re a human being – not a human doing – and you need rest, joy, and purpose. Reconnect with what fulfils you, and give yourself permission to step back and recharge.
Empowerment is a big theme in your work. How do you define personal empowerment, and what can people do to harness it in their lives?
Personal empowerment is believing in your own ability to create the life you want. It’s knowing that you have everything within you to achieve your dreams. To harness it, start by changing how you speak to yourself. Replace self-doubt with self-belief and focus on what you can do right now to move forward. When you embrace your worth, you step into a powerful mindset that opens doors you may never have thought possible.
What’s next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or initiatives that you’re particularly excited about in 2024/2025?
Imagine a world where people can quickly and effectively overcome mental and emotional challenges – where they’re no longer bound by outdated, limiting beliefs. I’m dedicated to bringing that vision to life. In the coming years, I aim to expand RTT to reach even more people globally, building a community of skilled practitioners to continue this transformational work and change lives. We are also developing programs to expand RTT into workplaces and healthcare systems – because addressing mental health needs to be at the heart of these spaces. Helping children unlock their potential is especially close to my heart, which is why I created the I Can’t to I Can five-day challenge. This program teaches children, ages 6-11, to replace their inner critic with an inner cheerleader and unleash the “I can” mindset. After its success in the UK and US, it’s now reached thousands of schools worldwide, making a real impact on young minds. I’m thrilled that we recently launched this program in Dubai, where it’s evolving into a year-long initiative across the UAE. I can’t wait to see how this will empower children to live confidently and resiliently.
I am also working on two new books, an AI-assisted therapy space, and a number of exciting events. I am also bringing my RTT Live training to Dubai in February, so 2025 is set to be an incredible year – continuing on my mission to empower and uplift people to transform and live their very best lives.
