Mental Healthcare Professionals

Adair, pediatric psychiatrist

‘Brian Andrew insightfully states, “We all get hurt and wounded. The real issue is what we do with it”. As a child psychiatrist who has worked for over 10 years with children and their families who struggle with mental health problems, I know the value of gratitude, forgiveness, courage and generosity. In I Grow in Grandad's Garden, Brian writes about deep truths in an understandable and child friendly way, which resonates with both children and adults alike. In a world where we are seeing increasing rates of childhood depression and anxiety, it is heartening to uncover a book that not only is delightful to read, but also gives children and their parents a tangible way of managing their feelings.’ 

Dr Steve Stathis FRACP, FRANZCP, DTM&H, MSc. Consultant Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Child and Family Therapy Unit, Royal Children’s Hospital, Brisbane

‘I share ‘I Grow in Grandad’s Garden’ with children and their families as it complements a number of therapeutic frameworks I utilise in a counselling setting. Lessons of sitting courageously with uncomfortable feelings, observing those feelings and allowing space for them, connecting with values and committing to trying different approaches to problems all form part of the discussions and learning that is generated from reading this book. Thanks again for this uniquely Australian book and for creating something that has touched the hearts of many and has assisted me greatly in working with children and their families.’ 

Alex Bryant Psychologist BA (Psychology) (Hons), Assoc MAPS Better Futures Psychology Services

‘I am a child and adolescent psychiatrist and grandparent. I was also a member of Brian and Moira's RiverCity Church in Brisbane where we lived for 10 yrs. I worked and practiced in my field during those years in Brisbane. I have watched I Grow in Grandad's Garden from its beginning as an idea to become a wonderful book as Brian and Moira became grandparents. The book and concept of reading and talking with your grandchild or any child, for that matter, opens so many doors to wonderful places of mutual growth- important and nurturing relationships, non-judgmental conversations and the development of real, living and breathing values for both child and grandparent or reader. Erik Erikson, a famous 20th Century psychoanalyst, added to the life cycle the adult stages of generatively and ego integrity where life offers again the opportunity to grow as the adult enters the last stages of life. In these last two stages of life, the task of passing on to the next generation values and wisdom is presented. I Grow in Grandad's Garden offers every adult - grandparent, teacher, family friend, volunteer- the opportunity and platform to grow in those final stages of life. For the child, I Grow in Grandad's Garden offers the gift to grow in relationship and values while blessing the adult reader.’ 

G Adair Heath, MD Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist Life Fellow, American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Fellow, American Psychiatric Association Fellow, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrist

‘Have you got any idea how much interest there will be for this book? It will be very helpful for my profession’

Cheryl, specialist psychologist

‘I am going to use GDG for my initial assessments’ 

Narelle, pediatric psychotherapist

‘This will be perfect for some of my young clients’ 

Allison, speech therapist

‘This will be your legacy through the generations’