Search Results for: Memoir and Biography

‘If we had a keen vision and feeling of all ordinary human life, it would be like hearing the grass grow and the squirrel’s heart beat, and we should die of that roar which lies on the other side of silence.’
George Eliot, Middlemarch
 Having spent her life trying to patch up the souls of others, psychiatrist Linda Gask came to realise that being an expert in depression didn’t confer any immunity from it – she had to learn take care of herself, too. Artfully crafted and told with warmth and honesty, this is the story of Linda’s journey, interwoven with insights into her patients’ diverse experiences of depression -inextricably linked with problems in the past and the present such as vulnerability, fear, loss, loneliness, dependence and grief.  She sets out to convey, in a new and original way, how it truly feels to experience this devastating illness, what psychotherapy is about, and the role of medication- and provides hope for those who suffer from depression and their loved ones whilst busting the stigma of mental illness.
 
 

Life doesn’t need to be a struggle. Letting go is the strongest thing I’ve ever done…

‘A practical and heartfelt guide to healing for anyone who has suffered from low self-esteem, a lack of confidence, or disordered eating. Woolf writes with intelligence, wisdom and compassion for a generation of women battling an enduring media onslaught of perfectionism. The fightback continues.’
Rhiannon Lucy Cosslett, The Vagenda

‘Psychology, philosophy and personal growth marvellously rolled into one, Letting Go is a must-read. This book shows us how to develop inner confidence, open new doors, and rediscover joy and meaning in our lives.’
Deanne Jade, psychologist and founder of the National Centre For Eating Disorders

‘Letting Go is not about giving up, but about letting freedom in. This brave and personal account shows us that the path to true liberation is through embracing our true selves, however flawed we fear they might be.’
Sally Brampton, author of Shoot the Damn Dog and columnist for Top Santé and Psychologies

‘A timely reminder that though we may take ourselves for granted at times, self-care is a divine responsibility. In Woolf’s intimately personal yet relatable voice, Letting Go empowers us to accept both the role of wounded and healer.’
Caroline Kent, Telegraph journalist

‘Gutsy and engaging, Letting Go combines research and real-life advice on fulfilling your inner potential and building self-belief… Woolf’s latest book is highly recommended.’
Tim Weeks, Olympic trainer

‘Emma Woolf is the voice of friendly sanity; she is the warm, assured hand that reaches out and grasps yours. A wonderfully helpful book.’
Kate Long, author of The Bad Mother’s Handbook

Exploring the issues of love, loss, healing and happiness, this manifesto for freedom from one of feminism’s liveliest voices will guide you on the path to feeling newly, truly confident.

I haven’t tasted chocolate for over ten years and now I’m walking down the street unwrapping a Kit Kat. Remember when Kate Moss said, ‘Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels’? She’s wrong: chocolate does.

At the age of 32, after ten years of hiding from the truth, Emma Woolf finally decided it was time to face the biggest challenge of her life. Addicted to hunger, exercise and control, she was juggling a full-blown eating disorder with a successful career, functioning on an apple a day.

Having met the man of her dreams (and wanting a future and a baby together), she embarked on the hardest struggle of all: to beat anorexia. It was time to start eating again, to regain her fertility and her curves, to throw out the size-zero clothes and face her food fears. And, as if that wasn’t enough pressure, Emma took the decision to write about her progress in a weekly column for The Times.

Honest, hard hitting and yet romantic, An Apple a Day is a manifesto for the modern generation to stop starving and start living.

This compelling, life-affirming true story is essential reading for anyone affected by eating disorders (whether as a sufferer or carer), anyone interested in health and social issues – and for medical and health professionals.

Sleepwalk into the world of dreams, explore your vivid imagination, interpret strange symbols and unlock the meaning behind your emotions

What are dreams? What are they trying to tell us? Do they offer warnings or are they just a way for our brains to process our emotions? Dreams are said to be an expression of your mind’s hidden memories and thoughts, able to reveal your inner hopes, fears and desires.

While Freud said dreams reveal your repressed wishes and hidden conflicts, Jung believed dreams connect to a “collective unconscious” – but science claims dreams are nothing more than the brain’s way of processing difficult emotions. Whichever theory you believe in, human beings have been trying to make sense of their colourful and bizarre dreams for centuries.

Inside this book, you will explore:
– The reasons why we dream
– The basics of interpreting different dreams
– An A-Z of dream descriptions and their meanings
– How to understand yourself through your dreams

So, let’s dive into the beautiful dreamscapes that lie beyond our closed eyes and reveal the secrets that sleep shows us.

Discover the disturbing inner workings of the serial killer brain in this gripping compendium of true crime stories, each placing the mind of an infamous murderer under the microscope

For years, criminal psychologists have tried to understand the minds of murderers. The key questions remain the same: Is a serial killer born or made? What leads them down such a dark path? And how can they justify their evil deeds to themselves?

This fascinating exploration of criminal minds seeks to answer these questions by examining some of the most infamous serial murder cases of all time. From mission-oriented minds like the Yorkshire Ripper to hedonistic killers like Ted Bundy, this book recounts the bloodcurdling events of each case before taking a deeper dive into the individual’s twisted psychology, their background and upbringing, and the events that led them to become a cold-hearted killer.

What goes on in the mind of a serial killer? Perhaps we’ll never fully understand, but in this book, we can begin to process the motives, experiences and delusions that drive someone to commit the most heinous crimes imaginable.

Fall asleep effortlessly every night with this little book of sleep meditations that will leave you feeling rested and revitalized

Slipping into slumber isn’t as dreamy as it sounds for the staggering 79 per cent of the population who struggle to switch off at bedtime. For many, it is the reel of worries and an overwhelming to-do list that can hamper a good night’s sleep, not to mention the added threat of our devices lighting up throughout the early hours. It’s no wonder so many of us are scraping by each day with low energy levels.

Thankfully, this book is here to help you change your sleep habits via the power of mindfulness and meditation. Inside its pages you will find:

– Information on why sleep is so important and a breakdown of the sleep cycle
– Advice on sleep hygiene and how to make your bedroom a peaceful environment
– A beginner’s guide to meditation and the benefits it brings
– 5-, 10- and 15-minute meditations that will help you ease your anxious thoughts
– Other meditative exercises to help you relax, including mindful body scanning, visualizations, counting and breathing exercises, and movement-based meditation

Your journey towards better sleep starts now.

Fall asleep effortlessly every night with this little book of sleep meditations that will leave you feeling rested and revitalized

Slipping into slumber isn’t as dreamy as it sounds for the staggering 79 per cent of the population who struggle to switch off at bedtime. For many, it is the reel of worries and an overwhelming to-do list that can hamper a good night’s sleep, not to mention the added threat of our devices lighting up throughout the early hours. It’s no wonder so many of us are scraping by each day with low energy levels.

Thankfully, this book is here to help you change your sleep habits via the power of mindfulness and meditation. Inside its pages you will find:

– Information on why sleep is so important and a breakdown of the sleep cycle
– Advice on sleep hygiene and how to make your bedroom a peaceful environment
– A beginner’s guide to meditation and the benefits it brings
– 5-, 10- and 15-minute meditations that will help you ease your anxious thoughts
– Other meditative exercises to help you relax, including mindful body scanning, visualizations, counting and breathing exercises, and movement-based meditation

Your journey towards better sleep starts now.

Embrace period positivity and take charge of your cycle with this frank and empowering guide to menstrual health

Periods are a completely natural part of life, and yet they are often treated as something to be ashamed of. Because of this stigma, many of us reach adulthood with questions we’re still embarrassed to ask, such as: are heavy periods normal? What is endometriosis? What does it mean if my periods are irregular?

That’s why The Period Positivity Book is here to open up the conversation, break the taboo, and answer the questions you were too afraid to ask. Through tips, advice and invaluable information, you’ll learn everything you need to know about your period and discover how to take charge of your cycle to boost your overall well-being.

Inside you will find:

– Essential information about what happens during menstruation
– An overview of period problems and how to manage them, such as painful and heavy periods, irregular cycles, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome
– Interactive journal pages and menstrual trackers to help you understand your cycle
– Tips and advice for breaking the stigma so that you can have more open conversations and advocate for your needs

And much more! So leave embarrassment at the door and pick up this no-nonsense guide. This book is a reminder that your body is capable of amazing things, and that deserves to be celebrated – period.

Encourage and support your baby’s natural development with this inspiring collection of daily activities that promote safe, fun and effective play

Split into bite-sized chapters with an accessible tone and accompanying illustrations, The Baby Play Guide provides a host of easy and practical ideas to help you make every second with your baby count. Packed with a variety of stimulating, screen-free and age-appropriate activity suggestions for you to try, this book will guide you through your baby’s first year, encouraging you to bond with them through play while supporting and tracking their development.

Whether it’s showing a newborn high-contrast images to help their visual focus, or enjoying creative, messy play with older infants, this informative guide will also explain the context and science behind baby development at key stages, how to “play” the activity, and how each one can help your little one reach motor, sensory, communication and feeding milestones.

Encourage and support your baby’s natural development with this inspiring collection of daily activities that promote safe, fun and effective play

Split into bite-sized chapters with an accessible tone and accompanying illustrations, The Baby Play Guide provides a host of easy and practical ideas to help you make every second with your baby count. Packed with a variety of stimulating, screen-free and age-appropriate activity suggestions for you to try, this book will guide you through your baby’s first year, encouraging you to bond with them through play while supporting and tracking their development.

Whether it’s showing a newborn high-contrast images to help their visual focus, or enjoying creative, messy play with older infants, this informative guide will also explain the context and science behind baby development at key stages, how to “play” the activity, and how each one can help your little one reach motor, sensory, communication and feeding milestones.

Spark steamy discussions and add a dash of spice to any date night with this deck of 52 erotic conversation starters!

Dive into a world of passion and pleasure with these naughty ice breakers, designed to ignite the flames of curiosity and deepen connections. Ranging from playful to provocative, each card unveils a tantalizing question or scenario, encouraging participants to share their most intimate fantasies, desires and experiences, for a truly unforgettable night.

Ideal for couples seeking to enhance their connection or adventurous groups looking to push boundaries, these cards promise to elevate your conversations to new, thrilling heights. From steamy hypotheticals to tempting confessions, the Dirty Date Deck is sure to unleash the passion and set tongues wagging.

Questions include:
– What is the kinkiest thing anyone has asked you to do?
– Have you ever had an erotic dream about someone you shouldn’t have?
– What is one dirty truth about you that no one knows?

Dive in – a world of pleasure awaits you!

Box contains 52 playing cards with kinky questions, plus a 4-page booklet.

Learn how to manage your emotions and improve your people skills with this book, which is bursting with advice on emotional intelligence and how to harness it

Emotional intelligence (or EQ) is the ability to perceive, use, understand, manage and handle emotions – and it is becoming an increasingly valued skill set in our personal and professional lives.

How to Grow Your Emotional Intelligence is a practical guide filled with tips to help you hone your skills in the four key areas of emotional intelligence.

In its pages you will find out how to:

– Develop self-awareness – you will be able to recognize and manage your emotions, objectively evaluate yourself, and understand how others perceive you
– Master self-regulation – you will learn how to control your emotions and channel them appropriately
– Be more socially aware – you will discover how to be more empathetic and a better listener
– Build healthy relationships – you will find out what the building blocks of a strong relationship are, how to manage conflict and why effective communication matters (and how to improve yours)

This is your one-stop shop to unlocking the art of emotional intelligence and becoming a more discerning, resilient individual.

Unlock the secrets of human behaviour and explore the thoughts, motivations and perspectives of the people around you in this beginner’s guide to personality psychology

If you have ever wondered what makes us who we are, then you are not alone. The reasons behind why we think the way we do have captured the minds of philosophers and scientists for hundreds of years, leading to the development of one of the largest branches of psychology: personality psychology.

Personality psychology examines our personalities and considers how they develop and vary from person to person. In this pocket-sized guide, you will discover the forces that influence our personalities, and in turn how our personality influences our actions.

In this accessible introduction, you will learn about:

· Theories and key thinkers who have pioneered the study of personality
· The different personality tests and what they tell us about people’s minds
· Personality disorders and how they can impact our daily lives

From Maslow to Jung, and Freud to Darwin, this fascinating little book is a perfect guide to personality psychology, for both novices and experts alike. Delve in and uncover the secrets of our minds and innermost selves.

An interactive workbook for parents and children from the author of the best-selling titles Don’t Worry, Be Happy: A Child’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety and You’re a Star: A Child’s Guide to Self-Esteem

Does your child struggle to speak up for themselves?
Do they tend to avoid new things and find change hard?
Perhaps they negatively compare themselves to others and put themselves down?

These could all be signs that your child is struggling with their self-esteem.

This practical guide combines cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness methods with simple activities to help your child’s confidence soar. It’s aimed at children aged 7-11 because a lot happens in these years that can impact a child’s self-esteem, not just now but for years to come.

Your child will be guided, with the help of Buzz the monster – a friendly and supportive character they can identify with – through fun and engaging activities which are interspersed with useful tips, inspirational statements and practical information for parents.

Share your sexpertise with this naughty card game for unashamed adults

Sex is fun, and so is this playful card deck designed for your pleasure. Reveal outrageous, titillating and laugh-out-loud trivia as you determine who among you has the filthiest mind.

This deck contains 52 cards with true/false statements and multiple-choice questions, plus a 4-page booklet, to test your knowledge of some of the wildest sex facts. Perfect for party-goers, Filthy Minds will pique your curiosity, challenge your abilities and blow your mind.

– Looking for company? Filthy Minds is fun with friends, lovers, or strangers. You can play in pairs, groups or head-to-head. The more the merrier!
– Gagging for more? With over 200 pieces of sex-related trivia, this deck will be sure to satisfy your cravings.
– Curious to try something new? Play the drinking version to spice up the night.
– Ready for round two? With multiple rounds, this game lasts as long as you do!

Acknowledge your feelings and their origins, heal your wounds and understand who you truly are through the cathartic process of shadow work in this beautifully curated workbook

The idea of the “shadow” was first developed by psychologist Carl Jung in the twentieth century. He described the shadow as the disowned aspects of our personalities that we either subconsciously or intentionally repress.

This book will help you explore your life from all angles and shed light on its darker parts so that you can become your most authentic self. Via guided exercises and easy-to-follow advice you will discover:

– What shadow work is and why you should use it
– What the essential techniques of the therapy are and how you can apply them to your daily life
– How to connect with repressed experiences and difficult emotions, and challenge your inner critic
– How to love yourself unapologetically and move on from negative past experiences

It’s time to illuminate all aspects of yourself, to help you heal from past experiences and live a life that’s full of light.

Just like a valuable antique, your smooth finish may have become a little lined and your legs may creak from time to time. But don’t worry: even if you no longer have all your original parts and nobody can find your instruction manual, it’s great to be vintage!

Whether you’re a silver surfer or a golden oldie, you’ve still got what it takes (it just takes a little longer than it used to). Yes, there’s the memory loss, wrinkles and the receding hairline but you’re worldly-wise and have a lifetime of anecdotes to show for it all. And besides, we’ll all be old-timers one day – but today it’s your turn!

Full of senior sagacity and elderly erudition, this spirited and joyful collection of quotes and musings about our latter years celebrates the lighter side of ageing. Encouraging you to laugh, embrace and love the ride, this book will show you that it really is the life in your years that counts.

A beautifully illustrated, positive picture book exploring ADHD for kids aged 4+

Contains: crazy inventions, stinky socks, a colourful collection of monsters and some super-slimy mud pie!

Pip is a confident little monster who has ADHD. In this book, they enthusiastically share what that means for them and how it has some really brilliant benefits.

Pip also discusses things they can find tricky, and how they are learning to control their impulses and be more mindful and organized so they can spend more time having lots of fun!

My Amazing ADHD Brain is packed with reassuring words, practical advice and skill-building activity ideas, and has a fun, relatable voice.

This book will help your child to:
·Understand what an ADHD diagnosis may mean for them.
·Celebrate the wonderful strengths having ADHD can offer.
·Reframe negative assumptions about ADHD.
·Discover practical ideas and engaging activities.
·Explore the idea of self-regulation and making mindful choices.

A mood-boosting, confidence-building companion to help 7+-year-olds become their happiest selves

Confidence is something many people struggle with throughout their lives. Supporting children as they face this challenge can help them grow into self-assured, happy individuals.

Encourage your child to explore their emotions, overcome their fears and boost their self-confidence with this positive and playful book. Bursting with fun activities, handy tips and simple exercises, Grow Your Confidence is the go-to guide to help children feel good about who they are.

Activities within this book include:
– Making a confidence box to help reduce anxiety
– Drawing emotions to uncover and explore feelings
– Collecting accomplishments for a mood-boosting bravery jar
– Practising power poses to develop assertiveness
… and so many more!

This book combines cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness methods with practical information for parents supporting their child’s mental health journey. The text has been peer reviewed by a psychotherapist.

A worry-busting guide to help 7+-year-olds calm anxious thoughts and fears

Worry is a part of being human, but high levels of stress and anxiety can hold your child back. Equipping children with coping strategies to tackle worries enables them to be their calmest, most content selves.

Encourage your child to listen to their feelings, practise positive thinking and overcome their fears with this sensitive and supportive book. Bursting with fun activities, handy tips and simple exercises, Shrink Your Worries is the self-care companion every stress-prone child needs.

Activities within this book include:
– Practising handprint breathing to feel calmer
– Quick confidence boosters to develop assertiveness
– How to spot the signs of anxiety
– Creating a bravery plan to reduce your worries
… and so many more!

This book combines cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness methods with practical information for parents supporting their child’s mental health journey. The text has been peer reviewed by a psychotherapist.

Belief system or brainwashing? Captivated or captive? Community or cult? Uncover stories of the world’s most infamous cults in this true crime compendium…

Building spacecrafts to transport humans to a new plane of existence, kidnapping children to create a master race that would survive the apocalypse, murdering innocent people to secure a place in the afterlife… these only scratch the surface of the strange, sinister and shocking world of cults.

Throughout history, cult groups have formed across the globe, promising followers freedom, family and fortune. In reality, religious, destructive and doomsday cults capture, coerce and control people. From mass murders to child marriages, polygamy to life insurance policies, blackmail to sex bait, discover the cruelty and curiosities of cults in this illuminating anthology.

Filled with stories of the world’s most notorious cults, this book details their origins, beliefs, leaders, followers and victims, and uncovers the unthinkable horrors hidden by these “utopian” societies.

Whether you’re new to the subject or looking to expand on your knowledge, discover the truth behind the world’s killer and criminal cults in this gripping compendium.

A gripping compendium of some of the world’s most infamous and shocking mass murderers, such as John Wayne Gacy, the Boston Strangler, the Moors murderers and Harold Shipman, as well as some lesser-known figures

Who was the Zodiac Killer?
What drove Jeffrey Dahmer to dismember his 17 victims?
How many women really fell prey to Ted Bundy?

Maybe it’s because our animal instincts draw us to dangerous situations; maybe it’s because reading about predators allows us to learn about their behaviours in a safe setting. Whatever the reason, serial killers and their crimes have fascinated us for centuries.

This true crime compendium not only relates the disturbing events that transpired but also delves into the psychology of the perpetrators. The stories within are shocking and often difficult to comprehend, but with this deep dive into the world of the macabre, readers may gain a greater understanding of the motivations and thought processes of these murderers. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the psychology of crime and the human mind.

An interactive workbook for parents and children from the author of the best-selling titles Don’t Worry, Be Happy: A Child’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety and My Feelings and Me – A Child’s Guide to Understanding Emotions

Does your child get easily upset, angry, or too excited around Christmas?
Perhaps they find it quite difficult to calm down in the lead-up to the big day?
Do they seem out of control of their feelings?

These could all be signs that your child is feeling overwhelmed by big emotions.

This practical guide combines proven cognitive behavioural therapy methods used by child psychologists in schools with simple activities to help your child cope with big feelings around Christmas time. It’s aimed at children aged 7-11 because a lot happens in these years that can impact a child’s emotional well-being, not just now but for years to come.

Your child will be guided, with the help of Dash – a friendly and supportive character they can identify with – through fun and engaging activities which are interspersed with useful tips, inspirational statements and practical information for parents.

An interactive workbook for parents and children from the author of the bestselling titles Don’t Worry, Be Happy: A Child’s Guide to Overcoming Anxiety and You’re a Star: A Child’s Guide to Self-Esteem

Does your child appear worried or stressed?

Do they find it difficult to concentrate for long periods of time?

Do they spend a lot of time on their phone or gadgets?

These could all be signs that your child would benefit from practising mindfulness.

This practical guide combines cognitive behavioural therapy and mindfulness methods with simple activities to help your child improve their focus and be more present. It’s aimed at children aged 7-11 because a lot happens in these years that can impact a child’s emotional well-being, not just now but for years to come.

Your child will be guided, with the help of Buddy – a friendly and supportive character they can identify with – through fun and engaging activities which are interspersed with useful tips, inspirational statements and practical information for parents.