Books

View Books

How to Grow a Grown Up


For parents or anyone who works with young people.

(Vermilion/ PenguinRandomHouse)
Literary Agent – Graham Maw Christie
Finalist -Non Fiction- People’s Book Prize 2020

Parenting in the 21st century means navigating a very different world to the one in which we grew up. Our children are under 24/7 pressure to be ‘always on’ and their ‘best self’ and they are often less prepared for a challenging world. I wrote this book with my colleague, senior university tutor Fabienne Vailes, to reveal exactly what we need to do to help our children develop the skills they need to thrive in this new world – and what to do if you are currently facing challenging issues. It includes:

  • Why young people are increasingly anxious or stressed
  • What exactly parents can do to help navigate the many obstacles such as social media, peer pressure, drugs and alcohol
  • How to recognise the signs of mental distress and what to do about it

Whether you are supporting a young person struggling with academic pressure, school or university life, or you are curious about what lies ahead for your younger child, How to Grow a Grown Up will help you to build your child’s confidence and resilience – so they can become a strong, happy and independent adult.

As featured in The Times

Purchase BookReview Book

Student Wellbeing Series


For young people aged 16 – 25.

(Trigger Hub)
For bulk orders (universities/ colleges/ schools) please contact gemma@triggerhub.org

University can be a challenging time for many people, as well as full of fun and new opportunities. I was really excited to write this unique book series to enable students to be as prepared for their new lives as possible, with top tips from my 20 years as a GP at the front line of student wellbeing. The books are packed with practical advice and useful exercises, as well as sharing what to watch out for and when to seek help with emotional difficulties, anxiety or depression should they arise. They outline what to expect through your first year at uni (Staying Well), as well as how to manage if things get tricky (Resourcefulness). Stay Balanced discusses our unhealthy coping strategies, such as alcohol, drugs, self harm or gambling, and suggests more helpful ways to cope with stress. Students will love having these short, but relevant and useful guides to dip into! The Anxiety book has been described as a ‘little book of magic’ by Instagram user _mylittlebookshelf

Purchase BookReview Book

How to Build a Family


For stepfamilies and blended families

I was delighted to be invited to contribute as one of the ‘experts’ for Kate’s book on building successful step and blended families. As a stepmum myself, and with an interest in young people’s wellbeing, I very much hope this book will be practical and supportive for many newly created ‘instant’ families everywhere.

Some key areas we look at are:

  • Dealing with grief and divorce
  • Helping the kids to accept you
  • Moving into the family home and how to make changes
  • Managing comparisons to previous partners
  • Building positive relationships with the wider family
Purchase BookReview Book

Student mental health and wellbeing


For all university staff.

(Sage Publishing)

I wrote the chapter on Mental Health for this book for university staff. Good mental health is essential for students to manage the challenges that university life presents. This book offers pragmatic guidance to support academic and student services staff in engaging with this critical issue, both in terms of being proactive within their role to promote a positive approach to wellbeing, and understanding how to care appropriately for students who may not be flourishing in the university environment.

Purchase BookReview Book

Practical General Practice 7Ed


For GPs.

(Elsevier)

I contributed to and edited the chapter on Psychiatric Disorders in this classic text for GPs. Practical General Practice is a highly practical manual, specifically designed for use during the consultation process. Containing over 1000 conditions, the unique underlying structure of the book allows the GP to see immediately what treatment is recommended and why.

Purchase BookReview Book

Want to find out more?

If you would like to find out more about our services, please get in touch today via our contact page.