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What is Low Self Esteem? If you often criticise yourself, look at yourself in a negative way, have low confidence, feel that you do not deserve much in life or accept behaviours from others that make you feel unhappy then then you may have low self-esteem. Low self-esteem can affect how we view ourselves, our interactions with others and how we feel we can manage our everyday interactions. What is self-esteem versus low self-esteem? Self-esteem refers to the way we ju

(and how does that fit in with boundaries?) January has a way of heralding many new promises...not without some pressure too. Be fitter, thinner, stronger...altogether better. Spend less, look better, revamp your relationship, travel more, worry less. It feels exhausting. However, often behind these 'resolutions' there is actually a desire to feel seen, heard, calm and emotionally connected. So what if the New Year is not so much about doing more...but doing less and being m

I decided to call my counselling practice 'Alba Counselling and Psychotherapy' for a few reasons... Alba was my mother's name and has always been a name that I love. My own name, Cinzia, can be a little difficult for people to pronounce sometimes until they know it (Chin- see- ah...think 'CH' like ciao). It's an Italian name but I am British born. Alba also means 'dawn' or 'sunrise' in Italian and I love the way that this translates into counselling...signifying that even aft

Most of us know that some level of anxiety is a normal part of life. But knowing that doesn’t make it feel any less uncomfortable. Millions of people search online or reach out to their GP or a therapist each year, hoping to find ways to ease the symptoms. What is Anxiety? Anxiety is the body’s natural response to stress or danger. It’s often described as a feeling of unease, apprehension, or fear. While it can sometimes be helpful - for example, keeping us alert in risky sit

If you’re living with depression, you’re not alone, and reaching out for support is a brave and important step. Counselling can help you make sense of what you’re going through, find new ways to cope, and move towards a greater sense of balance and wellbeing. Talking therapy, whether online or face to face, makes this support more accessible, offering the chance to talk in a way that fits into your life. What does depression look like? Depression doesn’t always show up in the

Preparing for Your First Counselling Session Starting counselling can feel like a big step, and it’s completely normal to feel a little nervous or unsure about what to expect. Here’s some hints to help you feel more comfortable as you prepare. What to expect in your first session Your first session is a gentle introduction. We’ll talk through what’s brought you to counselling, explore what you’d like to get out of our work together, and go over some practical details such as