In Short
I am a motivational speaker, specializing in topics such as trauma, resilience, and personal power.
Additionally, I am an experienced expert who primarily speaks about overcoming depression, sexual abuse, burn injuries from fireworks, becoming a caregiver at 17, and dealing with chronical depression.
It is my mission to ensure that no one who has experienced trauma feels alone, weak, or abnormal, but rather connected, strong, and proud.
Outside of my professional endeavours, my greatest loves are my husband and daughter, Elizabeth.
I am from Breda, the Netherlands where I spend my spare time in the garden, in the kitchen, making clothes, or going to theme parks.
Pic by Jill Cooiman
Hi i am Iris Blue
I’m Iris Blue, the founder of the Phoenix People Community, a space where trauma survivors can feel strong, seen, and connected, rather than alone or ashamed. My journey has been shaped by profound personal trauma. At the age of four, I suffered a severe burn injury from a fireworks accident, an event that left lasting physical and emotional scars. This early trauma was compounded by the devastating experience of sexual assault, which completely altered the course of my life.
Growing up, I lived in a constant state of survival. My experiences with trauma led me to feel disconnected from others, always on edge, always questioning my worth. Alongside these struggles, I faced chronic depression, the weight of which made it seem impossible to believe in any kind of future. However, over time, I found the courage to face my pain and start my journey of healing. Through therapy, research, and countless moments of self-reflection, I learned that healing is not only possible but transformative. It is through embracing both strength and vulnerability that we can truly rise from our pain—just like the Phoenix.
The loss of my father and the years spent as his caregiver only deepened my understanding of resilience and the complexity of trauma. I had to balance caring for him while struggling with my own emotional battles, which caused me to feel even more isolated from the world around me. But these years of struggle, along with the knowledge I gained from studying trauma and resilience, led me to create a method for healing that I now share with others.
Today, I am deeply passionate about helping others who have faced trauma discover their own resilience. Through my research and speaking engagements, I teach the Phoenix Method: an approach to trauma recovery that focuses on finding strength through both our vulnerabilities and our triumphs. It’s my mission to ensure that no one has to feel as alone or disconnected as I once did.
My work is rooted in the belief that true healing comes from embracing the whole of who we are—our pain, our strength, and our capacity for growth. I am committed to helping others find the power within themselves to heal, to rise again, and to thrive.
Disclaimer: I am not a medical or scientific professional. I speak from lived experience—as a community leader—giving voice to the unheard and bringing trauma into the light. If you need professional help, please consult a qualified specialist.
Pic by Jill Cooiman

I speak about what we can learn from the shared experiences of trauma survivors and what it teaches us about resilience and personal power.
Get in touch.
If you are interested in collaborating with me. For your event, workshop, seminar, organization, panel, interview etc email me, text or call and I would be happy to see what I can mean for you.