This is my story

Follow my journey and see that we are not so different, you and me.

My vision

I began to ‘professionally’ change the world one person at a time when I completed a B.A. (Hons) Social Science in 1998. I was offered a position in London as a social worker in a children and families team and I jumped at the opportunity to go. My role was to investigate incidences of abuse and ensure that those who were affected were protected.

During my five years of living in the U.K. I continued to work with abuse, violence and trauma, eventually heading up a complex investigation in the Channel Islands where I uncovered a paedophile ring and played a key role in the conviction of those offenders.

My experience

I came home to South Africa with knowledge and experience for a lifetime. I wanted to create a safe space for people who felt lost and paralysed by their experiences, where everyone could feel accepted and be supported through their journey, and where I could be pivotal in their recovery and help them reclaim the greatest version of themselves.

I began guiding and coaching others through their experiences, beyond the limitations they had created. Having had a similar experience to many of the people I was working with, I discovered a personal connection, and as they began to heal, so did I…

My purpose

I opened my first practice in Johannesburg in 2007 and I began to work with my clients by shifting trauma on a cellular level. The results were astounding and my practice grew by word of mouth. In 2016, I opened my second practice in Ballito, Durban and now have two thriving practices.

I began to speak out and advocate for those who couldn’t and have continued to speak at events and hold workshops internationally. I speak for change… to change you and to change me, so that we may own our true selves and be the best and happiest version of who we were intended to be.

How I work

My approach

Driven by passion, my working style is open, honest and highly intuitive. If you choose to work with me, I expect you to put the bs story you’ve been telling yourself about why you can’t move on and why you can’t be a success, aside. I am results driven, that means that I am invested in YOU and your recovery. I take my commitments seriously. That being said, I, better than anyone, know that we each move at our own pace, so equally I celebrate individuality and tailor the pace and progress of your success to achieve your goals. Where there is gentleness, there is also strength, my working style embodies both. I dig into your depths and help you build a rock-solid foundation of self-belief and confidence. Whatever is out there, is yours for the taking. I guide you in making that your reality. I see you, all of you, even when you are unable to.

My clients

My passion is helping others and I embrace all people from all walks of life, irrespective of age, race, gender or stature. I work with people young and old, male and female, gay or straight…. Trauma, life, challenges, hurt, pain doesn’t discriminate in my books. So, whoever you are, wherever you are from, when we take each step together, we move forward together and we celebrate your victories together. Building our relationship on trust and nurturing you in a safe and protected space can only have a positive impact on your life.

My training

I have many certifications and accreditation, however, I believe my greatest ‘training’ comes directly from my personal experience. Having been exposed to trauma from a young age through to adulthood, experience has given me the capacity to not only empathise with my clients, but honestly sympathise with where they are in life, because I have been there too. My experience has given me compassion and a deep rooted understanding, my B.A. Honors in Social Science along with many other certifications I have worked hard for, have given me the tools to be able to further my true passion…. helping others with their challenges…because you don’t have to be alone

Becoming my client

If you feel ready to make a change or improve parts of yourself, we are a great fit. If you are unsure about committing to change and feel halfheartedly about growing, I would be doing you a disservice by agreeing to work with you. Time and energy are valuable commodities, invest wisely in yourself and who you work with. You deserve nothing less.

On our journey together you'll

TRANSFORM every area of your life into vibrant success.

REVIVE and awaken yourself from the haze of shock and the aftermath of your ordeal.

ACCEPT what has happened to you and take strength from your situation.

UNDERSTAND who you now are because life has changed you.

METHODICALLY move beyond the limitations that you’ve been creating as a way to survive.

ACHIEVE the best version of you by rising above the superficiality of your experience, owning the depth of your wisdom and the freedom that is yours to have.

Book a free introductory call and learn how I can help you transform your life.

On our journey together you'll

TRANSFORM every area of your life into vibrant success. REVIVE and awaken yourself from the haze of shock and the aftermath of your ordeal. ACCEPT what has happened to you and take strength from your situation. UNDERSTAND who you now are because life has changed you. METHODICALLY move beyond the limitations that you’ve been creating as a way to survive. ACHIEVE the best version of you by rising above the superficiality of your experience, owning the depth of your wisdom and the freedom that is yours to have.

Book a free introductory call and learn how I can help you transform your life.

How can I help?

Trauma

So many people get lost in their experiences, especially the challenging ones. You forget what it’s like to feel free from the burden of a shocking incident and without even realizing, you become the experience, every minute of every day. How deeply rooted you are in this cycle can be difficult to see from the inside, because you are in it. It takes someone from the outside to gently guide you out and show you, remind you of what emotional freedom really feels like.

Everyone deserves to feel free. Everyone deserves the opportunity to step into the light. Allow me to guide you to the shining light.

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Life coaching

Life coaching really is an investment in you! It’s a neutral space where you can learn to re-discover and become aware of yourself. Most of what you think you know about yourself is a reaction to your circumstances rather than your true core. This comes as the biggest surprise to my clients. As you unravel what you have ‘become', you start to connect with who you really are.

Coaching supports each person through their unique process and motivates them to keep going instead of procrastinating and self-sabotaging.

If there is any area of your life that you would like to improve and don’t know how, life coaching is for you!

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Online

Life can often get in the way of the things we need to be doing to better ourselves and opportunity for this may be lacking. Don’t put your recovery on hold when you can create the opportunity simply by connecting and reaching out. Online counselling is available around the country and abroad. Book your time slot and benefit from moving yourself forward. If you have a poor internet connection or do not have access to skype, telephonic sessions are available. Please contact us to enquire about how those calls are charged Read more.

Motivational

As an international speaker, I value every platform because I see it as an opportunity to inspire and change lives. I speak for change so that we may own our true selves and be the best version of who we were intended to be. You can find me at speaking events, corporate events, colleges, schools and breakfasts as a guest speaker. In 2016 I had the privilege of sharing a stage with George Ross (bestselling author, celebrity apprentice judge and former right hand man to Donald Trump) JT Foxx (The world’s number 1 wealth coach), Johanna Mukoki, Jorge Ngoko and Michael Mlengan.

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Workshops

Life is too short for you not to be changed. My workshops will do that for you. Intensive and liberating all at the same time, going to deeper levels of yourself and understanding why you are the person you are and how you’d like to be better. Workshops are run throughout the year and have been held in the U.K., Channel Islands, Ireland and South Africa. Stay posted on upcoming dates or sign up to my blog to stay informed.

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What my clients say

"If you feel that your long-held beliefs and deep rooted problems are holding you back in life, then I can recommend this course to you. Over two days, the counseling and encouragement triggered a catalyst for me to begin a journey of self-discovery, all within a safe environment with others who felt the same way."

Sarah (Guernsey, Channel Islands) 2005

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"I feel that the structure of the course would challenge anybody and their boundaries on many levels. I cried a lot during the weekend but maybe that was meant to happen. I didn’t feel sad after we finished the sessions each day, drained yes, but not sad. Optimistic in fact, because you’ve been given some tools to help you cope with stress and problems in your life from now on in. I learned something important too that I deserved to be happy. A lot of the time I don’t think that I do … The Louise Hay workshop has left a lasting imprint on my heart and I will never forget the women I met or what we all learnt about ourselves and from each other with the help of our tutors. Going back to what I said at the start, I am so glad I took part and I would highly recommend this course to anyone."

Alne (Lusty Beg, Belfast)

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"I saw her (chiropractor) this morning and she said it was the first time in four years that she has been able to adjust my lower back its thanks to the wonderful work you helped me with last weekend. All my emotions were ‘stored’ down there and I was holding on to them for dear life! Now that I’ve been able to let go emotionally, my body has been able to let go as well. I am so much better off since meeting you... The work we did has had a wonderful effect on my life! I can now truly see each new day as a gift, without needing to look backwards or forwards. Thanks to the lessons you taught me, my life has a whole new meaning and it is so liberating to be able to leave the old behind… Keep up the wonderful work that you are doing!"

Joanne (Johannesburg) 2008

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"GETTING ALONG MARVELLOUSLY!!! I am really astounded (and believe me when I say this – it takes a lot to move me). I am more positive and getting more so. My outlook has changed completely (more positive thoughts and so forth). The reason for all this is: On Tueday last week got phoned from a hotel group that previously did not approve my application – went for interview last Friday (awaiting positive results) and on Wednesday last week my current employer offered me a higher position and remuneration and so forth (I have wanted this for the last 6 months or more – new job and higher income). Things, (big and small) seem to really fall in place.”

Lucas (Johannesburg) 2008 

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"I attended the ‘love yourself, heal your life’ course this weekend with Gaelene and I can’t even express how awesome it was. I felt as if the content was ‘written’ especially for me and it is going to push me over that last little hurdle after which, I plan to never ever look back on this dark time. I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the life changing course this weekend. I cannot believe how much it has helped me and how much it feels like I have been lifted out of a very deep, dark hole. I am aware that this was not the only thing that has helped me (and gratefully so, because then I would doubt the longevity thereof) but it certainly was pivotal and I will forever be grateful for your time. I would highly recommend this to anyone. Thank you so much."

Theresa (Johannesburg) 2008

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"This workshop has truly transformed my life! While I had read books on the subject the workshop really brought these ideas and principles to life, bettering my understanding of them and their relevance to my life. The exercises in the workshop really helped me see the negative beliefs I had – some I was aware of, and some that I had no idea existed until the workshop. The exercises were facilitated in such a way that I always felt safe, feeling free to discover my beliefs and patterns, but secure in the sense that a loving and experienced facilitator was guiding my journey. The take home materials and CD’s have really allowed me to apply the techniques to my everyday life. The most important element of the workshop for me was that I felt I could truly be and explore who I really am. The environment that Gaelene creates is a warm, loving space where unconditional acceptance and safety are a given. I highly recommend this workshop to everyone, whether you are looking to make changed, or just merely want to improve your quality and understanding of life."

Lara (Johannesburg) 2007

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"On a more profound note, the past week and a bit have been extremely challenging in so far as life throwing everything at me to test the newly leant belief system. It has been harrowing to say the least, but I have survived with a lot more positivity becoming my reality. I also wake up singing ‘I love myself…’ and have been doing so since last week."

Liz ( Johannesburg) 2008

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"Thank you for all the support and encouragement you give so generously! We are blessed to have you!"

Karin (Johannesburg) 2008

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"Just want to say thank you for the course this weekend I thought I was not going to learn something new for a youngster like you but at the end I really got emotional and that’s what I needed just to see every time is a new journey and you (ma) go with the flow with what comes up… Thank you!"

Rene (Johannesburg) 2008

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"Gaelene gave me the tools and wisdom to find my truth, and to finally like the person that I am. She has a quiet, gentle strength which I came to rely on quite a bit in my journey of self discovery."

Coralee (Johannesburg) 2016

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"I indeed entered a new chapter after the wonderful course I did with you three years ago. I am engaged to be married, to my ex husband. Its been a wonderful two years back together (after 5 years of divorce). Our daughters are so happy and still ‘congratulate’ us on a daily basis. Who would have thought?"

Charinne (Johannesburg) 2016

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I’m Gaelene, a qualified social worker with practices in JHB and Durban, I specialise in creating a safe space for people who feel lost and paralysed by their experiences. A space where people feel accepted and supported through their journey whilst reclaiming the greatest version of themselves.

Watch my videos to learn more.

We’re not so different, you and me, join my soul tribe and become more of who you were meant to be.