Counsellor Testimonials

I heard about your books when I attended a Social Thinking Conference ... with Michelle Winner Garcia recently. I originally purchased the What if I book and used it with the students I work with. I loved it so much I purchased the rest of the series on your website. GH, Social Worker, USA

We read the book to students to help identify their emotions and how recognizing helps us control them.
The students really enjoy these books and always actively participate because it relates to everyday stresses in their lives. NC, Sudbury, ON

What counsellors are saying ...

Hi! I just ordered your third book, So Then I... The other two are wonderful, and really complement the FRIENDS program that we are using across BC to help kids develop tools for dealing with stress and anxiety. Thanks for your brilliant work. As a former school counsellor, trainer for the FRIENDS program in BC, and Project Lead for a Community Wellness Local Action Team, I can see myself referring to your materials often. Thanks!
C. Hofweber, Smithers, BC

I am HOOKED!! Actually three of our children's therapists are hooked! I just leave my copy in our play therapy room now so it is readily available when one of us needs it. Children really enjoy the pictures, finding the 'weather report', and the easy to try strategies. The two parents I showed it to also thought they could use the strategies [at work]! MM, Counsellor, Lethbridge, AB

What people have said
My daughter (going on 4) is younger than the intended age group but she loves the “I Series”, she calls them her “Happy Face Books”. I love that even though she may not fully understand all of the content, there is a lot that I have been able to relate back to situations where she has been playing with her cousins and with other kids at the playground. The techniques demonstrated in these books have been a great guide for me as a parent to teach my pre-schooler emotional regulation skills and prepare her for future social situations." Ainsley Painchaud Instead I ... and What if I ... and So then I ... and Why Can't I ...

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I highly recommend [Instead I...'s] use in homes as well as in schools, where these concrete skills can be effectively modeled by adults and practiced by children.
W. Dale Heide, MSW,
Clinical Social Worker, AB,

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! “Instead I...” will help children navigate the many challenges of a school day.
Madeline DeLorey,
B.A., B.Ed. Teacher, ON

[Instead I ...] really helped my son with his behaviour in school and at home. He is now in Grade 5 and is making better choices and is a better student. Thanks for the AMAZING book!
Robert Parent Entrepreneur, AB

What If I … teaches skills to calm the worried mind. These skills that are foundational to good mental health in childhood AND adulthood.  What If I … draws the reader into the day-to-day realities of children and young students.
  Van McGeein, MSW, RSW
AB

This book is exceptional in helping quiet worriers build language around their feelings and develop simple strategies to begin to find new patterns.
  Dr. Jennifer Batycky,
Principal, AB

So then I… is a book that children will identify with and that adults will find invaluable in helping kids to ‘have a great week.’ Mary-Catherine ... weaves straightforward and research-based strategies for dealing with ... challenges into the story.
Craig Harper, M.Sc.
Psychologist, AB

So then I… is a great companion to the first two books. My daughter engaged with them immediately.
I know she will love this one too! Heidi Grogan, M.A.
Writer, Instructor, AB

This beautiful little book is a much needed resource for kids and the adults in their lives. ...   Why Can’t I helps every child to understand what they’re feeling, and to take simple, practical steps toward a healthier and happier state of being.
Tam Lundy, Ph.D.,
   Canadian Self-Regulation Initiative

This series is exceptional at giving children and adults the language to describe, and practice, emotional, calming, and social skills. ... Children can discover that they can “grow” important survival skills, that these skills aren’t simply innate or absent.      Liz Spittal, B.Ed., M.Ed.- TESL, English Language Learning