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A pathway to healing, through turbulent change, overwhelming grief and devastating loss…
Gillian’s coaching methodology effectively supports individuals navigating a way through significant life transitions, grief and loss. Her approach also addresses critical areas impacting personal and professional effectiveness, including low self-esteem, lack of self-confidence, feelings of overwhelm, non-assertive communication, unresolved emotional trauma, work-life imbalance, chronic stress, strained relationships and difficulty with decision-making. Additionally, Gillian empowers clients to cultivate a clear vision, strengthen their sense of purpose, and enhance overall resilience, self-regulation and self-leadership.
Young adults, 18 to 24 reported symptoms of anxiety
– Forbes Health
Estimated experiences of significant change, grief and loss in a life time
– Gill
Estimated adults and adolescents who have low self-esteem
– Psychology Today
Clients and delegates impacted over the years
Years of experience
Gillian officially established Real Self in 2006 as a personal development company focusing on facilitating the building of self-esteem and life coaching.
Gillian has been coaching, companioning, facilitating and training for over 20 years. She is the author of Free to Be Me, Self-Esteem Creatively and the Creator of an effective Navigating Change: From Fear to Courage Twelve Step Method.
She facilitated male and female groups for the Johannesburg Correctional Services as a part of their rehabilitative programme for 10 years. In addition, she worked with the Learning Channel, SABC Education, scripting and presenting Life Orientation for Grades 10 and 12 learners.
The tragic death of her husband in 2003 was a catalyst for the discovery of her purpose. She graduated cum laude at Pretoria University as an FET Life Orientation Teacher, established Real Self, her self-development company; climbed Kilimanjaro; took her two children sailing on the Indian Ocean for a year and successfully home-schooled them. Gill is a certified Martha Beck life coach and a Journey work graduate; she was divorced post Covid providing another opportunity for growth. She has three children whom she considers pretty cool humans.
Gill has facilitated numerous workshops and one-on-one sessions in the corporate arena namely, addressing organisational change and integration, team cohesion and positive engagement, lack of morale, motivation and personal accountability, lack of productivity, as well as low levels of self-esteem. Gill is actively involved in programmes for women, learners, educators and parents.
Personal development coaching is about making meaningful changes that extend beyond yourself, creating ripples of transformation in every area of your life. Here’s how each area of coaching can support your journey:
Your relationship with yourself shapes every aspect of your life. Low self-esteem can hold you back from opportunities, relationships, and personal fulfilment. Through coaching, you will:
1. Identify and challenge self-limiting beliefs.
2. Develop self-compassion and confidence.
3. Learn to embrace your worth and recognize your strengths.
As your self-esteem grows, so does your ability to take on new challenges, set goals, and live with greater fulfilment.
Grief is a deeply personal journey, and no two experiences are the same. Loss—whether of a loved one, a relationship, a job, or even an identity—can feel overwhelming. Coaching provides a compassionate space to:
1. Process emotions without judgment.
2. Find meaning and purpose beyond loss.
3. Create a path forward while honouring what was.
Healing doesn’t mean forgetting; it means learning how to carry love, memories, and lessons forward in a way that serves you.
Life becomes richer when you step into the unknown with curiosity and courage. Many people stay stuck because of fear—fear of failure, change, or judgment. Coaching in this area helps you:
1. Embrace curiosity as a tool for growth.
2. Develop the courage to take risks and step outside your comfort zone.
3. Find deeper meaning and purpose in your daily life.
When you shift from a mindset of fear to one of exploration, new doors open, leading to transformation and fulfillment.
Living authentically means aligning your actions, words, and relationships with your true self. Many struggle with setting boundaries or expressing themselves assertively. Coaching will guide you to:
1. Recognise and honour your needs without guilt.
2.Set and maintain healthy boundaries in personal and professional relationships.
3. Communicate with confidence, clarity, and respect.
When you live authentically, you not only gain self-respect but also attract relationships and opportunities that truly align with who you are.
True leadership begins from within. Self-leadership is about taking responsibility for your choices, emotions, and mindset, allowing you to navigate life with purpose and confidence. Coaching in self-leadership helps you:
1. Strengthen decision-making skills.
2. Develop emotional intelligence and resilience.
3. Cultivate discipline, motivation, and personal accountability.
When you lead yourself effectively, you inspire and empower those around you, creating a lasting impact in your personal and professional life.
Are You Ready to Create Your Ripple Effect?
Every change starts with a single decision. Whether you want to build self-esteem, heal from loss, embrace courage, set boundaries, or step into leadership, personal development coaching provides the guidance and support you need.
Gill has collaborated with Expressive Artist, Janine Rech to offer creative personal development workshops for both children and adults. Their venture draws on painting, pottery, movement, drawing and music to encourage individuals to access their natural creative selves to build their self-esteem.
Gill and Janine published a children’s book following the facilitation of numerous workshops.
“You are not broken—you are breaking through.”
It provides a safe, warm, non-judgemental space to assist you in dealing with tough emotions, limiting beliefs and inaction. It also assists in clarifying goals, identifying obstacles, and creating actionable plans to move forward.
Coaching mostly focuses on the present and future, aiming to help clients achieve practical goals and maximize their potential, as well as offering support, accountability, and perspective along the way.
Anyone seeking personal growth, needing clarity, or support through life’s transitions—such as loss of a loved one, divorce or other relationship shifts, career changes or major life decisions.
Some clients see shifts within a couple of sessions, while others engage in coaching over several months depending on their goals and depth of transformation desired.
Many clients find coaching to be incredibly worthwhile, as it provides structure, motivation, and insights that lead to meaningful and lasting change.
Send your details and we can schedule a 15 minute call.
082 902 6004
gillian@realself.co.za
381 Rivonia Gate, Health Centre Unit 2, Corner Rivonia Blvd & 12th Avenue