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.

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50%

Young adults, 18 to 24 reported symptoms of anxiety

– Forbes Health

15+

Estimated experiences of significant change, grief and loss in a life time

– Gill

85%

Estimated adults and adolescents who have low self-esteem

– Psychology Today

2000+

Clients and delegates impacted over the years

20+

Years of experience

About Real Self & Gill Beeton

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.

Divergent paths_

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.

What I Offer

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:

Self-Esteem Development

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 and Loss Coaching

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.

Cultivating Curiosity, Courage, and Meaning

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.

Increasing Authenticity, Healthy Boundaries, and Assertive Communication

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.

Self-Leadership Facilitation

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.

The 'Free To Be Me' Book

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.

St Mary's School, Waverley
The Grade 3 girls at St Mary's are always in for a treat when we run the self-esteem programme in the Term II. The integration of the Free to be Me journal is the icing on top! This interactive journal opens the girls up to an exciting six weeks of self-discovery, reflection and a deeper understanding of the big emotions that can sometimes fill their little bodies.
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Client Reviews

“You are not broken—you are breaking through.”

Grant BlandonBoard Member @ Zajac Ranch
Gillian is more than just a personal development coach; she's a catalyst for positive change. Her tailored approach, combined with a genuine passion for helping others, sets her apart. Whether you're seeking clarity, confidence, or direction in life, Gill provides the tools and encouragement you need to thrive. With her insightful guidance and unwavering support, she helps clients break through barriers, set meaningful goals, and achieve lasting personal growth. Trust her to guide you on your journey to self-discovery and success. I thoroughly enjoy my time spent with Gill and highly recommend her.
Sumaiya GokBA degree Industrial Psychology
and HR
Gillian comes with extensive experience and knowledge on life coaching...after the second session there was amazing improvement in my general mental health. she challenges one to go the extra mile. I would definitely recommend her to all
Brad DriverGRC, Data & Analytics Specialist
Gill is extremely gifted as a coach and I am always amazed at her insights. I leave the sessions recharged and ready to take on life’s challenges. She approaches sessions in a non judgmental way but expresses her opinions with truth and kindness. The sessions are the highlight of my month. I highly recommend her.
Rowan McgregorField Strategist
Working with Gillian really has made a remarkable impact in my life. She has helped me remove the chaos in our everyday lives and really pin pointed the crucks and foundation of a better way to live in this modern world we are in today. Through story telling and bringing in dynamic coaching methods and approaches , I am equipped to use the methods throughout all aspects of my life. Gillian has really helped me see simplicity in my success in guiding me to unbelievable self love, self-belief, idendity and tremendous resilience throughout My days going forward. Thank you Gillian for the impact you have in my life.
Jenna-Lee KampsExecutive assistant
Gill is truly exceptional at what she does. Her coaching sessions are always insightful and thought-provoking. She has an incredible ability to ask just the right questions that encourage deep reflection about what you really want. Gill creates a safe and open space during our sessions, allowing us to explore a variety of topics with ease. She’s the voice of reason we all need in our lives. I wholeheartedly recommend her to everyone I know.
Kate La TrobeADHD Works Inhouse Coach
Working with Gill is nothing short of incredible. She has helped me navigate some of the trickiest parts of this journey called life; she's helped me build self-confidence and love when I had nothing left to give myself. She's helped me at the beginning of my entrepreneurial journey to find my voice and confidence, and empowered me to start building a business from the ground up. She works through your deepest fears and ways you are holding yourself back - all in a psychologically safe space with a lot of love and esteem. For anyone considering working with Gill, she is your person, and the work you do together will be transformative. I am forever grateful.
Mark SloaneSystem Administrator
I cannot speak highly enough of Gillian Beeton as a Life Coach and her profound impact her coaching sessions have had on my life. From the very first session, she created a space where I felt seen, heard, and supported. Her empathetic approach, insightful guidance and ability to ask thought-provoking questions helped me gain clarity and direction in ways I never imagined possible. Through Gill’s coaching, I’ve been able to overcome personal challenges, set meaningful goals, and develop a mindset that empowers me to face life and its challenges head on with confidence and purpose. Gill has an extraordinary gift for breaking down complex issues and providing practical, actionable steps and advice to move forward.
Rebecca WarsopIntegral Life Coach
I had the privilege of working with Gill over a number of years now and I can wholeheartedly say that she is an exceptional coach. Insightful, empathetic, and deeply talented, she creates a safe and supportive space where real transformation can happen. Gill has a remarkable ability to ask skillful, thought-provoking questions that challenge you to look deeply at your thoughts and patterns and take meaningful steps toward growth. I am incredibly grateful for the work we’ve done together and would highly recommend Gill as a coach. She truly has a gift for helping people unlock their stuckness and potential and move forward in life with authenticity and purpose.
Kathryn LawlorJunior Interior Designer
I had the privilege of going to Gill during a time in my life when I felt lost and unsure of my direction. Through her guidance, she helped me reconnect with my inner self, embrace self-acceptance, and recognize my true capabilities. At the time, I was also very unsure on what I wanted to study and what career path I wanted to pursue. Her support was instrumental in uncovering my passion for interior design, ultimately shaping my career path. Gill creates a safe, insightful, and empowering space for self-discovery and personal growth. I’m truly grateful for the clarity and confidence she helped me gain. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking personal growth, direction in their life, and a deeper connection with themselves.
Sunaina LakhaSpeech Therapist
I have worked with Gillian, as her coachee for the last 8 years and have time and time again been guided to a space of light in the darkest times of my life. Her coaching has been one of the key contributors to my personal and professional growth. Her beautifully calm, radically accepting yet profoundly insightful nature has truly helped transform my life. I've particularly seen masive shifts in my life following the subconscious journey work we have explored together. Gill truly is a beautiful light in this world. Gill creates a safe, insightful, and empowering space for self-discovery and personal growth. I highly recommend her to anyone seeking personal growth, direction in their life, and a deeper connection with themselves.
Chantal Du ChenneEHOD: Health Management (Vodacom Group)
I’ve had the privilege of working with Gillian for the past seven years. In this time, I have come to know Gillian as a skilled team facilitator and value creator in the truest sense. Gillian’s creative thinking and drive make her a pleasure to work with. She continually goes above and beyond in providing exceptional service and shows genuine integrity and respect as a service provider. She strives to implicitly understand the needs of a team in defining session objectives. I found this to be incredibly valuable as it allows the ability to explore many possible perspectives in positively impacting team dynamics. Her strengths in staying across issues, pro-actively offering solutions and ideas and being adept at all aspects of communication make her a valuable contributor to successful teams. Gillian has consistently delivered great results when facilitating our team sessions. I strongly recommend her for anyone looking to empower and strengthen their teams.

Pricing​

One-on-one Coaching Packages

- 12 coaching sessions & 6 check-in
accountability calls: R12600

Keynote Talks

  • Navigating Change: from Fear to Courage
  • Creating Calm in the Chaos
  • Authentic healing through Grief: The Price We Pay for Love
  • Discovering a Path through Loss: Divorce, Empty Nest, Aging, Ill Health and Job Loss
  • Free to Be Me! Building Self-Esteem in Adolescents
  • Women Weaving Wisdom: Connecting with Purpose and Passion
  • A Silent Strength: Women and the Journey Through Grief
  • Being My Own Best Company: The Radical Act of Self-Compassion  

Group Coaching

- For families, corporate teams, classrooms & organisations

- Facilitates shared learning, collective wisdom, connection & accountability

Places I've Coached​ & Presented

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Frequently Asked Questions

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.

Let's Chat

Send your details and we can schedule a 15 minute call.

Contact Me

Phone

082 902 6004

Email

gillian@realself.co.za

Location

381 Rivonia Gate, Health Centre Unit 2, Corner Rivonia Blvd & 12th Avenue

Work Days

Monday - Friday:

Saturday

Work Hours

8 am - 6 pm

12 pm - 4 pm

Get your first free online consultation

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