The consultancy Building Self-Esteem was established 28 years ago. As a pre-school teacher and principal for 37 years, it rapidly became evident to Celia Coburn that a holistic approach would be needed to develop strong, positive self-esteem in all South Africans. As a pioneer in this field in South Africa, she has had the opportunity to be involved with many exciting and creative challenges.

 

Celia has developed her own Self-Esteem Model and this has formed the foundation of her approach to helping individuals, couples, families, and groups acquire the practical skills to take responsibility for each individual to build and maintain their own self-esteem. Her methodology has proved to be creative, practical, and accessible to all age groups, and she has grown a large practice in South Africa.

 

Celia has been invited to present workshops to both educators and learners at all levels at schools. She has lectured at GIBS, Wits Business School, Nestle, Tiger Brands, and JCE – Wits University Education Campus. She was a guest on Sam Cowan’s television show and also did a ‘phone-in’ programme for 702 Radio.

 

Celia, and her trained colleagues have been working at the Johannesburg Correctional Centre for the past 18 years. Over the years, participants have given personal testimonies of how the programme has made a difference to their perspective of themselves and will inevitably contribute to their ability to re-adapt to life on their release.

 

The Speech and Audio Clinic at Baragwanath Hospital has incorporated a workshop to assist parents who have children with audio and speech challenges. They have seen the imperative need to boost their own self-esteem and the self-esteem of those in their care.

 

Celia has established a Training Academy that now offers a 2-year programme. Graduates are then able to facilitate those whose lives have been devastated by the lack of healthy self-esteem. Several of the graduates have now established their own practices and are making a difference to the everyday lives of many.

 

Celia has two children who have established their own successful enterprises. She has one grandchild who provides her with rich blessings!