I Just Want to Be ... Me! Building Resilience in Young People

Today’s children struggle with a range of issues, from depression and anxiety to poor body image and low self-esteem. In fact, research suggests that at any given time around 10 per cent of students will be suffering from a mental health issue that directly impacts on their education and health. These simple but sobering facts motivated Tim and Sandra Bowden to write this book to help build resilience in young people.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been proven to be effective in teaching young people effective, flexible strategies for dealing with the stressors in their life and these principles are now brought to life in this graphic novel.

By following the main character, Holly, through her encounters with monsters (symbolising her inner doubts and unpleasant thoughts), children will learn how to similarly deal with their own issues, develop a more resilient mental attitude and achieve better emotional balance.

About the authors:
Timothy Bowden taught English and History in high schools for fourteen years before retraining as a school counsellor. Since learning about ACT, he now uses its principles when counselling young people in both primary and secondary schools.

Sandra Bowden taught in primary schools for thirteen years before retraining as a school counselor, her vocation for the past nine years. She is also a registered psychologist who has embraced the principles of ACT. Sandra has created the artwork for this book.