Frequently Asked Questions

Coaching and therapy offer different toolkits for transformation. Therapy focuses on how the past creates the present, often addressing clinical diagnoses, processing trauma, and healing wounds. Coaching focuses on how the present creates the future, working with individuals who are stable and ready for growth, goal setting, and forward momentum.

I am not a therapist. I am a trained coach with deep knowledge of trauma, psychology, and nervous system regulation. I work with clients who are not in acute crisis and are ready to build strategies, challenge patterns, and create sustainable change. Coaching is not a substitute for psychiatric mental health treatment, medical care, or legal advice.

If you are in crisis or experiencing severe distress, please reach out to a qualified mental health professional or crisis service in your region.

If you want to learn more about what happens in a coaching session, how the process works, and get a feel for whether it is right for you - visit my Coaching page.

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 form at the bottom of this page or click the "Book a Discovery Call" button at the top.

In our first session, we will clarify what you are working on, what patterns are showing up, and what you want to create. I will ask questions to illuminate your situation clearly. We then create a roadmap for our work together.

You lead. I bring questions, challenge assumptions, and hold space for you to access your own knowing.

For more detail on the coaching process, read What Happens in a Session on my Coaching page.

This is different for everyone. Some clients work with me for a few sessions around a specific challenge. Others work with me ongoing for months or years as they navigate major transitions, sobriety, or deep integration work. It can be regular sessions or with more time in between.

We will discuss your goals and create a plan that works for you.

Make sure you're in a quiet, private space where you won't be interrupted.

Use the bathroom beforehand, turn off notifications, and have water nearby. If you tend to process emotionally, tissues can be helpful.

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.

All sessions are held online via video call.

From personal experience - both as practitioner and client - I have found online sessions to be just as deep, and often more powerful, than in person work.

Why online works:

When you are in your own space, you don't have to navigate the energy of the outside world after a vulnerable moment. No travel, no commute, no re entry shock.

You can take the session from anywhere you feel comfortable and undisturbed - and move directly into whatever you need afterward. Rest, journal, integrate, or take action. You're already home.

This format also allows me to support clients wherever they are in the world, across time zones and schedules, while staying fully present and focused.

Standard Rate: €90 / $100 USD / $150 AUD / ฿3,500 THB per 60 minute session

Equity Centered Pricing

I recognize that income levels and cost of living vary significantly depending on where you live. Financial circumstances should not be a barrier to accessing transformational mental health support.

For Hanoi based clients: I currently offer sessions at 1,000,000 VND for a limited number of local clients. If you are based in Hanoi and would like to work with me at this rate, please mention it when reaching out.

For clients in other locations experiencing financial constraint: A number of reduced rate sessions are available. If cost is a barrier, please mention this when you reach out.

Multi Session Packages: If you know you would like to book multiple sessions, discounted bundles can be discussed after our first session.

You can click on any of the buttons throughout the site to take you to the contact page. You can fill out the form, my email and phone number is also listed on the footer of every page.

Please let me know your availability, including your time zone, and I will get back to you as soon as possible.

Bookings are finalised after payment in advance. Please see the relevant FAQ for further information.

Payment & Booking

Payment must be made in advance to confirm your session.

Accepted methods:

• PayPal

• Local bank transfer (Vietnam or Ireland)

• Revolut / Wise (by request)

Payment details will be sent upon booking - send a message with your availability and when we confirm the time I will send you the transfer details. Your appointment is finalised once it has been received.

24 hours notice is required to reschedule a session. Sessions rescheduled with less than 24 hours notice will be forfeited, as that time has been reserved exclusively for you. Unless there are unforeseen circumstances beyond your control, I will be as flexible as I can.

No. Coaching is not therapy, medical treatment, or crisis intervention. I work with clients who are stable and seeking growth, not those in acute crisis.

If you are in crisis or experiencing severe distress, please reach out to an appropriate mental health professional or crisis service in your region. I am happy to help you locate appropriate support if you need assistance feel free to reach out to me.

Last updated: 01.11.2025

When you use the contact form on this website, I collect your name, email address, and any information you choose to share in your message.

I use your information solely to respond to your inquiry, schedule coaching sessions, and communicate about services. I do not sell, rent, or share your information with third parties.

Your information is stored securely and is only accessible by me. I retain your information for as long as necessary to provide services or as required by law.

You have the right to request access to your data, request deletion of your data, and opt out of communications at any time. To exercise these rights, contact gillianbarden@gmail.com

Last updated: 01.11.2025

By booking a coaching session with me, you agree to the following terms:

Services Provided

Coaching is not therapy, medical treatment, or crisis intervention. Coaching is designed for individuals who are stable and seeking personal growth, not those in acute crisis.

Client Responsibilities

You agree to attend sessions on time, provide 24 hours notice for cancellations or reschedules, pay for sessions in advance, and take responsibility for implementing insights and strategies.

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

Coaching is not a substitute for psychiatric mental health treatment, medical care, or legal advice. I am not liable for any decisions you make or actions you take based on coaching sessions.