Shadow Work, WTF?

In this thought-provoking solo episode, Caitlin explores the exhausting cycle of self-improvement that keeps many of us feeling perpetually broken. After a cyclone-delayed recording, she shares powerful insights about why our relentless pursuit of "fixing" ourselves might be the very thing keeping us stuck. If you've ever felt burnt out by endless healing practices or wondered why achieving your goals didn't deliver the feelings you expected, this episode offers the perspective shift you might need.

This episode is for you if:

• You feel caught in an endless cycle of healing, manifesting, and self-improvement
• You've achieved your goals but still don't feel the way you thought you would
• You're exhausted by the constant internal battle of "not enough, not enough, not enough"

What we'll cover:

• The predictable journey through personal development (and where most people get stuck)
• Why achieving your external goals often doesn't change your internal experience
• How to recognise when your healing practices have become another form of sophisticated escapism

Key Points and Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Cyclone Delays & Confessions

• Caitlin admits this episode is late thanks to Queensland's first cyclone in 50 years and shares how it affected the Shadow Alchemy immersion.

04:44:00 - The Personal Development Entry Point

• How we typically stumble into personal development when life feels hard, seeking something to "fix" what we believe is broken.

09:10:00 - The Honeymoon Phase

• The dopamine hit of early manifestations and achievements that convince us "this stuff works!" and hook us into wanting more.

13:35:00 - The Reality Check Moment

• The confronting realisation when you have everything you manifested, but still feel exactly the same inside.

20:00:00 - Diving Deeper: The Somatic Phase

• Moving from mindset work to body-based practices, still subtly using healing as a way to escape the messy human experience.

27:28:00 - The Wall of Defeat (And Why It's Actually Perfect)

• Why hitting rock bottom with your personal development efforts might be the breakthrough you've actually been needing.

36:04:00 - The Mountain Climbing Analogy

• Caitlin's insightful comparison of personal development to climbing mountains, and why we often miss the simpler path that was there all along.

45:05:00 - The Liberating Truth

• The perspective shift that changes everything: what if there was never anything broken to begin with?

50:00:00 - The Party Girl Revelation

• A profound breathwork insight about control versus aliveness, and the judgment we place on different parts of ourselves.

54:05:00 - A Fresh Approach to Shadow Work

• What if shadow work wasn't about fixing or changing parts of yourself, but about accepting all parts without conditions?

Resources Mentioned:

Shadow Alchemy Coaching Academy: @shadowalchemycoachingacademy

Shadow Alchemy Coaching on TikTok: @shadowalchemycoaching

Connect with Us:

Loved this episode? Share it with someone who might need to hear this message. Post it to your stories and tag us - we'd love to know which part resonated most with you.

P.S. If you're ready for a different approach to shadow work, follow Shadow Alchemy Coaching Academy to discover how acceptance rather than "fixing" creates the transformation you've been seeking all along.

In this unfiltered episode of Shadow Work, WTF?, Caitlin and support coach Lurinda dive into the messy truth about self-trust in coaching. What started as a completely unplanned chat becomes the perfect demonstration of their message: true coaching happens when you trust yourself enough to loosen your grip on the rigid roadmap. They explore why so many coaches hide behind over-planning and scripts, and how building genuine self-trust creates the breakthrough moments your clients are actually paying for.

This episode is for you if:

• You panic at the thought of coaching without a bulletproof plan

• You talk over clients because silence feels like you're failing

• You secretly worry your clients will discover you don't have all the answers

  
  

What we'll cover:

• The dead giveaways you're coaching from fear instead of trust

• How your relationship with yourself mirrors your coaching effectiveness

• Why the simplest trust-building practices create the biggest client transformations

  
  

Key Points and Timestamps:

01:19:00 - Trust Under Pressure

Lurinda's real-time anxiety about "getting it right" perfectly illustrates the trust challenges we all face.

05:47:00 - The Planning Paradox

Why obsessive session planning actually blocks your intuition and limits client breakthroughs.

20:00:00 - Self-Trust Red Flags

The telltale signs you've lost trust: fast talking, constant interrupting, and that frantic energy clients can feel.

33:10:00 - Personal Trust Laboratory

Lurinda shares how relationship challenges became her testing ground for deeper self-trust.

40:12:00 - The Magic of Messing Up

Why owning your mistakes actually builds more trust than pretending to be perfect.

48:48:00 - The Liberation of Reality

The relief that comes when you finally stop fighting where you actually are (spoiler: it's the only place transformation happens).

Resources Mentioned:

Shadow Alchemy Certification: shadowalchemycoaching.com

Follow Lurinda: @perspectivebylurinda

Shadow Alchemy Coaching Academy: @shadowalchemycoachingacademy

Connect with Us:

Loved this episode? Slide into our DMs with your biggest takeaway – we're genuinely nosy about what landed for you.

If you're tired of performative coaching certifications that expect you to have your shit together from day one, Shadow Alchemy might be what you’re looking for. We create space for you to be exactly where you are – messy parts included.

In this vulnerable episode of Shadow Work, WTF?, Caitlin shares her recent breakthrough around righteousness – a protective pattern she developed after narcissistic abuse that eventually became a barrier to authentic connection. She walks through her process of recognising, understanding and integrating this shadow without abandoning her core strength of conviction.

This episode is for you if:

• You find yourself getting defensive or combative when others disagree with you
• You've been told you're "always have to be right" in discussions
• You struggle to allow others to have different opinions without it feeling threatening

What we'll cover:

• How righteousness often develops as protection after gaslighting or emotional abuse
• Why both cognitive understanding AND bodily release are essential for integration
• The process of honouring protective parts while transforming how they manifest

If you've ever struggled with black-and-white thinking, found yourself dying on every hill in an argument, or noticed a pattern of righteousness in your interactions, this episode offers a roadmap for understanding the deeper "why" behind these behaviours – and how to begin shifting them without abandoning your core values.

Key Points and Timestamps:

09:10:00 - The Shadow Emerges

• The contradiction between Caitlin’s strength (emotional safety) and weakness (inflexibility with opinions).

18:09:00 - Meeting the Protector

• Connecting with the part that developed righteousness as protection after abusive relationships.

29:26:00 - Resourceful vs Unresourceful Patterns

• How protective mechanisms that once saved us can later create disconnection.

45:22:00 - The Partner Conversation

• The vulnerable conversation that triggered deeper awareness and processing.

54:05:00 - Recap of the Shadow Alchemy Process

• Key components: awareness, body connection, gift recognition, and integration.

Connect with Us:

Loved this episode? Share your takeaways on Instagram and tag me at @shadowalchemycoachingacademy.

In this episode of Shadow Work, WTF?, we’re diving deep into the world of fitness, self-discovery, and transformation with one of our incredible Shadow Alchemy Certification students, Kirraley. If you’ve ever felt like traditional approaches to fitness or mindset coaching don’t quite address the deeper layers of self-sabotage and resistance, this episode is for you.

Kirraley is seamlessly weaving shadow work into her fitness coaching practice, creating profound shifts in her clients’ lives beyond just physical results. She shares her journey from personal training to integrating mindset work and ultimately discovering the transformational power of shadow work.

We talk about:

• The frustrations Kirraley experienced in the fitness industry that led her to seek deeper tools.

• How shadow work has helped her and her clients overcome self-sabotage and resistance.

• The importance of creating safety for clients to explore the deeper "why" behind their patterns.

• The challenges and breakthroughs of bringing shadow work into a fitness context.

• Why shadow work isn’t just about healing—it’s about empowerment and embracing the full human experience.

This episode is raw, inspiring, and packed with insights for anyone curious about how shadow work can revolutionise traditional coaching spaces like fitness. Whether you’re a coach, a fitness enthusiast, or someone who feels stuck in self-sabotaging patterns, you’ll walk away with so much to think about.

Key Points and Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Welcome and Introduction

Caitlin introduces the episode and shares why this student spotlight is so special.

00:03:15 - Meet Kirraley

Kirraley shares her background in fitness, her love of shadow work, and how she’s blending the two worlds.

00:08:45 - Fitness Meets Shadow Work

The disconnect Kiralley noticed in the fitness industry and why surface-level coaching wasn’t enough.

00:15:20 - Overcoming Resistance with Clients

How shadow work helps clients go beyond physical results and create lasting change.

00:21:10 - Breaking Through Self-Sabotage

Kiralley’s personal journey of overcoming self-sabotage and how shadow work shifted her perspective.

00:30:50 - Coaching with Compassion

The importance of meeting clients where they’re at and creating safety for deeper exploration.

00:40:00 - Lessons from Shadow Alchemy Certification

What Kirraley has learned from the certification and how it’s transformed her approach to coaching.

00:47:30 - A Call to Coaches

Caitlin and Kiralley discuss why integrating shadow work can elevate any coaching practice.

Resources Mentioned:

Follow Kirraley on Instagram: @kirraajoy

Learn more about the Shadow Alchemy Certification: shadowalchemycoaching.com

Connect with Us: Loved this episode? Share it and tag us on Instagram at @shadowalchemycoachingacademy

Ps.If you’ve been thinking about bringing shadow work into your coaching practice, now’s the time. Explore the Shadow Alchemy Certification at shadowalchemycoaching.com and start your journey today.

In this solo episode of Shadow Work, WTF?, Caitlin is pulling back the curtain on one of the biggest topics in the coaching industry: shadow work. With the rise of shadow work in recent years, there’s been a flood of coaches incorporating it into their practices—but without the proper tools, training, and responsibility, it can do more harm than good.

Caitlin takes you behind the scenes to explore the real responsibility of working with someone’s shadows—beyond the trendy journaling prompts or quick manifestation hacks. She unpacks how shadow work touches on deep survival patterns, shame, and trauma, and why it requires a whole new level of care and integrity in the coaching space.

This episode is for you if:

What we’ll cover:

If you’re ready to challenge surface-level approaches to shadow work, raise the standard in the coaching space, and create transformational results for your clients, this episode is a must-listen.

Resources Mentioned:

Learn about the Shadow Alchemy Certification

Follow us on Instagram: @shadowalchemycoachingacademy

Connect with Me:

Loved this episode? Please rate, review, and share it! Tag me on Instagram at @shadowalchemycoachingacademy with your takeaways.

What does it take to turn a hot mess life into a coaching empire? In this episode of Shadow Work, WTF?, Caitlin teams up with her powerhouse support coach, Lurinda Vollmer, to pull back the curtain on how the Shadow Alchemy Certification came to life. This isn't just a story about starting a certification—it's a raw, unfiltered journey through rebellion, rock bottoms, breakthroughs, and building a revolution in the coaching world.

Caitlin flips the script and takes the hot seat as Lurinda dives deep into the pivotal moments that shaped her path. From teenage chaos and toxic relationships to the exact moment shadow work changed everything, Caitlin shares the highs, lows, and everything in between. You’ll hear the untold story of how Shadow Alchemy was born—not as another cookie-cutter certification, but as a movement designed to change how coaching is done.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, questioned your path, or wondered how to bring real transformation to your clients, this episode is for you. It’s inspiring, relatable, and packed with insights into the messy magic of turning pain into purpose.

Here’s what you’ll be learning:

Discover Caitlin’s wild ride from rebellious teen to leader of a coaching revolution.

Hear the personal struggles that inspired the creation of Shadow Alchemy Certification.

Learn why most coaching certifications miss the mark—and how SAC is changing the game.

Find out what makes shadow work so powerful (and why it’s been misunderstood in the coaching world).

Get a behind-the-scenes look at the values and vision that make SAC a must for any coach ready to go deeper.

Key Points and Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Welcome to the new series Caitlin introduces Lurinda and shares why this new conversational format is here to take things deeper than ever.

00:03:00 - Lurinda’s transformation through shadow work From chaos to clarity, Lurinda reveals how shadow work changed her life and why she’s passionate about helping other coaches.

00:08:00 - Caitlin’s rock-bottom moment The raw truth about Caitlin’s early years—drugs, toxic relationships, and the wake-up call that started her personal development journey.

00:15:00 - Why mindset wasn’t enough Caitlin talks about how she hit a wall with mindset tools and realized something deeper was missing.

00:25:00 - Shadow work enters the chat How an emotional embodiment course and humbling moments cracked Caitlin open to the transformative power of shadow work.

00:35:00 - From ideas to impact: the birth of SAC The step-by-step journey of creating Shadow Alchemy Certification, from messy beginnings to a world-class program.

00:50:00 - SAC’s values: safety, depth, and no cookie-cutter coaching Caitlin explains why SAC isn’t just about tools—it’s about creating safe, life-changing spaces for clients.

01:05:00 - The why behind SAC How SAC is leading a revolution in the coaching industry by minimizing harm and delivering true transformation.

01:10:00 - What’s next for SAC Learn about the new advanced certification and how SAC is continuing to evolve to support coaches at every level.

Ready to Dive In? Visit Shadow Alchemy Coaching to learn more about the certification, book a call, or apply for the next round. Want to stay in the loop or have a question for Caitlin and Lurinda? Slide into their DMs on Instagram: @shadowalchemycoachingacademy

If you’re done with surface-level coaching and ready to go deep, this is your sign. SAC is for coaches who want to master their craft, change lives, and create safer, more transformative spaces. Don’t wait: doors open soon, and spaces are limited. Let’s revolutionise the coaching world together.

In this episode of Shadow Work, WTF?, Caitlin digs into a question so many coaches face: why aren’t your clients seeing results even after you’ve done all the limiting belief work?

Turns out, there’s more to the story than just reframing thoughts—and Caitlin is unpacking what’s really happening when your clients stay stuck, even though they’ve “done the work.” Curious? You’ll want to tune in for this.

Plus, Caitlin shares a case study that reveals the powerful result of what happens when you move beyond mindset.

Key Points and Timestamps:

00:00:00 - Why limiting belief work isn’t enough

Caitlin shares why mindset-only tools often fall short and introduces the deeper layers coaches need to consider.

00:07:30 - four signs your client is stuck in survival patterns

Learn how to spot when your clients are stuck in something deeper than limiting beliefs—and why they can’t just “think” their way out of it.

00:15:45 - why survival patterns override mindset work

Caitlin explains the sneaky way the body keeps clients stuck, even when their mind is ready to move forward.

00:25:10 - Why the body is the gatekeeper to change

Discover why true transformation doesn’t just happen in the mind—and how the body holds the key to lasting breakthroughs.

00:30:00 - Case study: a client breakthrough you won’t forget

Hear a real-life example of how somatic belief work created profound change for a client, even after years of struggle

Resources Mentioned:

Shadow Alchemy Coaching Academy

Join Beyond Mindset training starting January 13th: https://shadowalchemycoaching.com/beyond-mindset 

DM us on Instagram: @shadowalchemycoachingacademy

Email us at: [email protected]

Connect with Me:Loved this episode? Share your takeaways on Instagram and tag us at @shadowalchemycoachingacademy 

Subscribe, rate, and review the podcast to make sure you don’t miss the deeper coaching strategies coming your way this year.

Coaches. Let’s talk about that moment when your client knows exactly what they need to do but can’t seem to follow through.

Maybe they avoid the hard conversation, backtrack on boundaries, or stay stuck in the same self-sabotaging patterns. You’ve given them all the tools, yet nothing seems to shift. Frustrating, right?

Here’s the truth: it’s not about the tools—it’s about their nervous system.

In this episode of Shadow Work, WTF?, I’m pulling back the curtain on somatic shadow work—the missing link in coaching that transforms your clients’ deepest patterns.

This is for you if…

You’re ready to stand out in the industry by facilitating deeper, lasting client transformations.

We’ll dive into:

This is the key to unlocking the transformations you’ve been trying to facilitate—and helping your clients achieve the lasting breakthroughs they’re craving.

Key Points and Timestamps:

00:00 - Why I’m shifting gears

I share why I’m moving away from business coaching and fully committing to shadow work—and why every coach needs this work in their toolbox.

06:00 - What is somatic shadow work?

How somatic shadow work bridges the gap between mindset and body, helping clients create sustainable, embodied change.

18:00 - How the shadow is formed

How childhood conditioning shapes the shadows driving your clients’ behaviours—and why this matters in coaching.

27:00 - Why your client’s body is hijacking them

Why clients can’t just “do the thing,” no matter how much awareness they have—and how the nervous system holds the key.

39:00 - Spotting shadows in your clients

Practical tips for identifying your clients’ blind spots and understanding the behaviours that keep them stuck.

46:00 - The ripple effect of shadow work

Why mastering somatic shadow work isn’t just transformational for your clients—it’s game-changing for you as a coach.

Resources Mentioned:

Loved this episode? Share it with a fellow coach who’s ready to go deeper with their clients. And don’t forget to follow Shadow Alchemy Coaching Academy for even more education and tools.

In this episode of Shadow Work, WTF?, I’m pulling back the curtain on what really happened after episode 100 left me in a full-on spiral. I thought I had it all together, until old shadows I thought were long gone reared their heads. Chaos, guilt, people-pleasing… they all came flooding back, showing me exactly where I’ve still got work to do.

If you’ve ever felt like your growth journey has stalled or found yourself avoiding parts of your past you’d rather forget, this one’s for you.

I share:

This episode is raw, real, and a reminder that shadow work is never done. It’s a constant journey of meeting yourself, again and again, with honesty and compassion.

Key Points and Timestamps:

00:00:77 - The truth about my avoidance

Why I’ve been MIA since episode 100—and the spiral it triggered.

02:10:089 - Facing my chaotic shadow

How the chaotic “hot mess” version of me showed up and why I couldn’t ignore her anymore.

06:56:847 - Guilt, people-pleasing, and shame

The patterns I couldn’t escape: why guilt drove my people-pleasing and how it still impacts me today.

11:39:483 - Hiding behind safety

How I’ve been watering down my voice out of fear of being seen as unsafe or unkind.

20:48:222 - The messy truth about hurting people

Why it’s okay to hurt people unintentionally—and what I’ve learned about accountability, compassion, and growth.

29:12:971 - The light on the other side

What processing these shadows has taught me and how it’s freeing me to show up more authentically in my business and life.

Resources Mentioned:

Follow Shadow Alchemy Coaching Academy on Instagram: @shadowalchemycoachingacademy

Connect with Me:

If this episode resonated, I’d love to hear from you. Share your takeaways on Instagram and tag me: @complete_bycaitlin so we can keep this conversation going.

Ready to dive deeper into your shadows? Grab the Shadow Spotter Cheat Sheet  and take the first step toward uncovering what’s really driving your patterns.

In this milestone episode of Shadow Work, WTF?, I’m celebrating 100 episodes the only way I know how—bringing in some of my favourite biz besties to share their deepest secrets, play twisted truth-or-dare games, and sip (okay, chug) drinks as we bare it all.

Expect the unexpected in this special, no-holds-barred chat fest. From accidentally lighting someone's hair on fire to the hidden dark arts of the coaching industry, nothing’s off-limits. We’re talking toxic traits, petty reasons for blocking people, and revenge stories that prove self-growth has some twisted turns.

This episode is all about laughs, gasps, and maybe a tiny bit of regret, especially when we bring up past relationships, ex-family members we’re still a little too fond of, and the worst advice we ever gave in our early days. I mean, who hasn't tried to “play it cool” while quietly obsessing over an ex’s new partner, right?

Whether you're here for the drinking games, the questionable advice, or just to feel a little better about your own chaotic past, this episode is for you.

So grab some popcorn (or a strong drink, you’ll need it) and get ready for a shadow work party you didn’t know you needed.

Follow the gang:

Connect with Me:

If you actually enjoyed this hot mess of an episode, share it with someone who needs a laugh (or someone who thrives on secondhand embarrassment). 

Tag us on Instagram with your favourite part, whether it’s a random pet peeve or a new cringe-worthy confession!

Instagram: ⁠@complete_bycaitlin⁠

Here’s to 100 episodes of unfiltered laughs, real talk, and all the shadow work (and chaos) that got us here. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review.