Surviving Christmas after loss or bereavment

Woman with brown longh

Surviving Christmas after loss or bereavment

Have you had a bleak year, beset with tough times, bereavement, separation? And now, as Santa packs his sleigh, you’re wondering how you’re going to survive Christmas after loss? If yuletide joy feels a reach too far, then please rest assured you’re not alone. There are many of us out there at the moment wishing … Read more

Not Just Mum with its bright pink cover and bold white font is placed on a cafe table, next to a Belgium waffle, complete with cream and fruit on a white plate, and a frothy cappuccino in a white cup.

Book Review: Not Just Mum by Claire Antill

Not Just Mum is the book you need if you’re planning to launch your own business. But still intending to parent a small person too. Because the author Claire Antill, has done just that, and with great success. She’s a mother of three, marketing agency owner and expert in growing small businesses. And now she’s … Read more

Woman with brown curly hair and a striped t-shirt stands against a wall and smokes a cigarette looking sad. This is a stereotypical image of depression and low self-esteem. But actually a perfect faced and high achievements can be just as usual.

Depression and low self esteem

The twin topics of depression and low self-esteem, give most people the shudders. Depression is bad enough alone. But so often it wants to pair up with another funky feeling and double its impact. Depression leaves us bleak inside, and then low self esteem tells us we don’t deserve to feel better. In fact, who … Read more

Asian woman with long black hair, wearing a white sleeveless blouse, touches her ear while listening intently to her friend.

Building self esteem by speaking out

Research has found you can improve your self-esteem by speaking out. Getting comfortable with voicing your opinion, can have a range of wellbeing benefits – from more authentic relationships to lower blood pressure. But although it sounds simple, we all know fearlessly speaking your mind can be far from easy. Especially in a group, where … Read more

Counsellor Celia Jarvis sits on a pink sofa and has long blonde hair. She is wearing a blue jumper, black trousers and an empathic expression.

What to expect from your first counselling session with me

You’ve dug deep and decided to start counselling. Wonderful. But as the day draws near, you realise you have no idea about what therapy actually entails. What happens at your first counseling session? And is there a way to feel better prepared for it all? Well worry no more. I’m going to put your mind … Read more

A cup of coffee on a white saucer. The decorative foam on the coffee is in the shape of a ghost.

Haunted by bad memories? Here’s how to move on

Haunted by bad memories, spooked by ghosts from the past, screaming in terror at the mistakes of your younger self? Then fear no more. I’ve got the best tips to help you slay those demons, and give you the self-esteem you deserve. 1. Self compassion is your best fiend Self-compassion is simply treating yourself in … Read more

A copy of The Power of Closure, which has an orange front cover and contracting white writing. Standing against a white orchid.

Book review: The power of Closure

The Power of Closure by Gary McClain explores the very human craving for closure. The yearning for freedom and acceptance that only this elusive condition can bring. But then he flips it round and asks, is closure really all its cracked up to be? In fact is it even necessary? There was a time in … Read more

Celia Jarvis, women's self-esteem specialist.

5 things I’ve learnt in 5 years as a women’s self esteem specialist

For the past 5 years, I’ve been specialising in women’s self-esteem. And as you might imagine, it’s really rewarding work. A surprising side effect though, is that as my wonderful clients grow, so too do I. It’s always enlightening on every level. So, to commemorate this anniversary, here are the top 5 things I’ve learnt … Read more

Singer, Paloma Faith, in a white vest top looking sultry and lying on the floor.

Self loss and the path to rediscovery

Singer, Paloma Faith, discusses self loss in her biography MILF, she writes, “I was a mother, carer, domestic goddess and completely self-sacrificing. I stopped reading, learning, being curious and felt I only existed to serve my small children.” Can you relate? Self-loss can happen quickly. Once the dust has settled, after any big life event, … Read more

Self-Esteem Faqs

Self-esteem is a term that’s bandied around so often, in magazines and social media. But actually, really understanding self-esteem can be more complex. So, I’ve put together these self-esteem FAQs. If there’s anything else you’d like to see just let me know. What exactly is self-esteem? The Cambridge Dictionary describes self esteem as: “Belief and … Read more

photograph of Celia Jarvis a counsellor in a session. She has long blonde hair and is wearing a blue jumper, sitting on a pink sofa with a pink orchid on the table in the background

Myths about therapy

There are so many myths about therapy that I’m often surprised any clients make it on to my couch. Half-baked rumours about what to expect can be anxiety provoking, and deter people from getting the support they need. But September is infamous among counsellors for it’s upsurge in inquiries, especially from people who think they’d … Read more

Tall man with brown hair and a moustache and beard looking into the mid-distance as he hugs a shorter woman with dark blonde hair.

Why counselling after a relationship break-up is a great idea

September has a reputation for being the break up month. With dating app, Wingman recording a 34% increase in new users during this month. Personally, I believe there’s never a bad time to get good counselling. If you want it, feel you’d benefit, and can commit – then go for it. But, when it comes … Read more