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TEESSIDE COUNSELLOR PUBLISHES NEW CHILDREN'S BOOK AND LAUNCHES SCHOOL VISITS
The founder of a Teesside counselling service is launching a new picture book for children which explains in a fun and easy way how to cope with their worries.
It is the second book that Sue Steer, owner of Stockton-based Steer into Counselling, has published, which can be used by parents, carers, teachers, as well as counsellors and other professionals.
'How to Feel Like Sunshine' follows closely on the heels of 'Bea's Busy Brain' published earlier this year, which are both aimed at children aged between two to eight and illustrated by Alice Strange from Ingleton, North Yorkshire.
Sue recently started a series of author visits to local primary schools including sessions at Junction Farm Primary, Eaglescliffe, Berwick Hills Primary and Park End Primary in Middlesbrough and Ings Farm Primary in Redcar. During the visits Sue holds a book reading to spark a conversation around having good mental health.
'How to Feel Like Sunshine' follows the fearless Rae and her faithful companion Blaze who go on a magical adventure and journey of self-discovery as they learn that the sunshine that comes from within is what that counts. Sue's debut publication, 'Bea's Busy Brain' explains in a fun way how to cope with worries and provides children with an easy-to-understand introduction to counselling.
Sue said: "My books come from the heart and include stories I have used to support the children I have worked with over the years. Supporting children with their worries can involve the use of art, storytelling and creative methods to help explore thoughts, feelings and experiences.
"I try to come up with new, creative activities and ways to engage children as they attend counselling sessions for lots of different reasons. My books aim to help children with their worries and muddles, learn emotional regulation and that talking really does help.
"Parents and professionals are becoming increasingly worried about the mental health of children. Current issues are the long-lasting impact of the Covid lockdowns and ongoing risks of social media including concerns around body image, online bullying and self-harm forums. Children also have more universal concerns around friendships, relationships and not feeling they are part of a group. My books offer self-help strategies in a way that younger children will understand."
Sue, whose private practice Steer into Counselling is at the riverside location of Richard House, Stockton, explains that while the vast majority of the practice's clients are adults, many of their issues they face, including anxiety, depression, relationship issues and anger management, stem from experiencing trauma as a child.
She said: "Most people's personalities are shaped by their childhood experiences. However, I have noticed some emerging issues over the past few years. The working from home model is becoming increasingly common - that has its benefits for many people, but some are feeling extremely socially isolated which is affecting their wellbeing. The cost-of-living crisis is also having a mental strain on families."
Sue's books are available for sale on Amazon and also from Drake The Bookshop, Silver Street, Stockton and the Preston Park Museum gift shop, Eaglescliffe.