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.

experimenting with sobriety: a love letter

1 Aug

Written By Gillian Barden

sobrietyaddictionalcoholsober coachshadow workalcohol abusenervous system regulationaddiction neurosciencerecovery neurosciencepolyvagal

Gillian Barden https://ritualalchemy.net

experimenting with sobriety: a love letter

A space for those crossing thresholds,

stepping into your next chapter.

experimenting with sobriety: a love letter

The Highest Form of Intelligence: Judgment, Projections, Observation, and Discernment

A space for those crossing thresholds,

stepping into your next chapter.