Warwick counsellor combines therapy with literature to create children's books
A counsellor from Warwick has combined therapy with literature to create new children’s books.
This year, Meg Lloyd-Phillips has self-published two books in her Hettie Heart series and is currently working on a third.
She is also working on another picture book, The Foxes on the Hill, offering “a gentle introduction into mindfulness”.
The 39-year-old has worked therapeutically with children and young people for more than 10 years and created books for her own children, but only recently decided to take the plunge into self-publishing.
She said: “When Covid-19 hit, I began thinking about how I could weave therapeutic skills into bedtime stories to help my children and others navigate difficult emotions and change.
“I have combined my skills as a therapist, along with my passion for storytelling to create heartfelt stories for children that offer meaningful messages.
“As well as writing stories, I’m also starting my private counselling practice and have developed Bright Minds and Tall Tales, a project that focuses on fusing therapy and storytelling to help children develop their confidence and creativity. This is something that I hope to be able to take into schools and nurseries around the local area.”
“After years of writing for my own children, I was inspired by my mum, Jan Lloyd, who at the age of 76 is currently self-publishing her fifth novel.”
Speaking about the books, Meg said: “The Hettie books are really just at the beginning of their journey.
“At the outset, I really didn't know how they would be received and I was cautious not to throw money into something that might not have worked.
“Now that I know they are being enjoyed by both children and parents, I now feel that I want to improve on the production of the books, so I can be confident that the feel and quality of the books reflect the worth of the messages they offer.
“If there is a small publishing house who might be interested in helping me achieve this, then please do get in touch.”
Meg will be attending a book reading and signing at Kenilworth Books on August 15 at 11am.
For more information search brightmindsandtalltales on Instagram.