Are sessions online or in person?

I facilitate a global virtual practice. While I am based in Southeast Asia (ICT), my schedule accommodates clients across Australia (AEST/AWST), GMT/BST (Ireland and UK), CET (Europe), and EST (North America).

Standard session rate is $100 USD. Payment made by PayPal, Wise or bank transfer in Ireland and Vietnam. Equity centered pricing is available. For Hanoi based clients, sessions are offered at 1,000,000 VND for a limited number of local clients. For clients in other locations experiencing financial constraint, a number of reduced rate sessions are available. Multi session packages with discounted bundles can be discussed after the first session.

How do I book a session?

Use the contact form on the Contact page, or reach out via WhatsApp or email. Please include options for your availability and time zone. Sessions are confirmed after payment in advance.

What is the difference between coaching and therapy?

Coaching supports goal directed change, identity reconstruction, and nervous system regulation. It is a structured, forward moving process focused on awareness, choice, and sustainable behavioral change. Therapy is clinical treatment for diagnosable mental health conditions and may include trauma processing or psychiatric care. Coaching is not a substitute for medical, psychiatric, or legal treatment.

What is a discovery call?

A discovery call is a complimentary 20 minute conversation where we discuss your goals, I answer your questions, and we determine if we are a good fit to work together. There is no pressure or obligation. To book a discovery call, use the contact page or send a WhatsApp message.

What happens in the first session?

In the first session we clarify your goals, map nervous system patterns, and identify recurring adaptive strategies that may no longer serve you. We begin outlining a focused direction for the work. You bring the material. I guide inquiry, reflect patterns and create a structured container.

Where can I learn more about coaching?

Read the articles on the Writing and Resources page at ritualalchemy.org, starting with What is Coaching, What Happens in a Session, and The Coaching Tool Kit. You can also try the Seven Questions for Reflection, a guided somatic self-inquiry.

How many sessions will I need?

This depends on the depth of transition you are navigating. Short term work may involve 3 to 6 sessions focused on a defined shift or decision. Longer arcs involving sobriety, identity reconstruction, or intergenerational pattern work may extend over several months. Progress is reviewed regularly and adjusted as needed.

How should I prepare for a session?

Use the Pre Session Goal Setting worksheet available on the Writing and Resources page. Make sure you are in a quiet, private space where you will not be interrupted. Avoid scheduling anything demanding immediately after, especially if the session is likely to be emotional or activating. Time in nature, movement, or quiet reflection afterward supports integration.

What is the cancellation policy?

Twenty four hours notice is required to reschedule a session. Sessions rescheduled with less than twenty four hours notice will be forfeited, as that time has been reserved exclusively for you. Exceptions may be made for unforeseen circumstances beyond your control.

What is the privacy policy?

Information collected through the contact form is used solely to respond to inquiries, schedule coaching sessions, and communicate about services. Information is not shared or sold to third parties. You have the right to request access to your data, request deletion, and opt out of communications at any time.

What are the terms of service?

Coaching is not therapy, medical treatment, or crisis intervention. Coaching is designed for individuals seeking personal growth, not in severe crisis. Clients agree to attend sessions on time, provide 24 hours notice for cancellations, pay for sessions in advance, and take responsibility for implementing insights and strategies.

Is coaching confidential?

Everything shared in sessions is confidential. Except where disclosure is required by law, including risk of harm to self or others, child abuse, or court order.

What is the limitation of liability?

Coaching is not a substitute for psychiatric mental health treatment, medical care, or legal advice. The coach is not liable for any decisions made or actions taken based on coaching sessions.

Ritual Alchemy | Trauma-Informed Coaching for Shadow Work, Addiction Recovery & Nervous System Repair

Trauma Informed Transformation Coaching

for those crossing thresholds

Therapy focuses on how the past creates the present.

Coaching focuses on how the present creates the future.

navigating a life transition, sobriety or breaking ancestral patterns? I help integrate shadow, challenging what is holding you back

Evidence based coaching rooted in polyvagal theory, parts work & somatic practices. working on nervous system regulation, to build sustainable change - without spiritual bypassing.

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Seven Archetypes of Transformation Quiz

Grounded in Neuroscience: This polyvagal theory based assessment maps your nervous system state & identifies your transformation archetype

Take the quiz to Receive the Seven Archetypes Handbook

Receive the Somatic Winter Integration Handbook

if you book a session before Spring

Strategic, embodied transformation.

No shadow too dark,

no dream too big

writing & resources

seven questions for reflection

discover your archetype

My work is deeply informed by my own initiation through grief, addiction, & recovery. I provide a structured, psychology rooted process to rewire unconscious programs & co-create with you rituals to sustain authentic change..

Qualifications

MA Community Development

International Coaching Federation Accredited Executive, Business & Personal Coach

Toxicology & Detoxification Science (CPD)

MSc Psychology (completing)

A black and white close-up photo of a woman with shoulder-length wavy dark hair, wearing hoop earrings and a buttoned shirt, looking directly at the camera with a subtle smile.

Gillian Barden M.A.

Learn More about me

read about coaching

What my clients have achieved:

Clarity That Leads to Choice (Career Transformation)

"Gillian guided me through a crucial process of self reflection and structured thought that created a breakthrough in my career. In just three sessions, I developed the clarity and confidence I needed, received several job offers to choose from, and moved into one of my favorite companies."
— H., Vietnam

Finding Light Behind the Storm (Sustained Direction)

"Gillian appeared at the right time in a very trying period. I struggled for a long time to find someone who could both listen without judgment and understand where I was.
She was able to help me see the sun behind the storm, seeding positive ideals and gently nudging me a step into a more positive, sustained direction."
— P., Ireland

Courage and Vision

"Gillian is a supportive coach who really made me feel heard and helped give me the courage to believe in my own vision."
— C., UK

Ready to Begin?

To book a session or a 20 minute complimentary discovery call to discuss your goals & determine if we're a good fit to work together, reach out.

Appointments booked before Spring - receive your complimentary - Winter Integration Handbook

take the Seven Archetypes Quiz to receive your personalized transformation handbook

More info on booking & rates in the FAQ.