Riley is a 7-year-old hippo who lives with his mother and her boyfriend.  Riley's life was great until one day things changed when Riley witnessed his mother being assaulted by her boyfriend. The incident leaves Riley experiencing a wide range of emotions, causing a significant change in Riley's behaviors.   While at school Riley's teacher becomes concerned and recommends that Riley meets with the School Social Worker, Mrs. Brown. Mrs.  Brown provides a safe place for Riley to openly express feelings associated with what he witnessed and engages Riley in multiple interventions to assist with symptoms. The next day, Mrs. Brown meets with Riley and his mother and establishes a safety plan for moving forward.  In this book, Riley realizes that his feelings are important and MATTER.  

Your Feelings Matter! reassures young children that what they are feeling about domestic violence is okay AND important. This book offers a guided questions page to elicit discussion and assess a child's perspective on domestic violence. Your Feelings Matter! is equipped with therapeutic activities to assist with identification of physical sensations and teach relaxation skills.

Your Feelings Matter! 

• Normalizes emotional responses to domestic violence
• Teaches the connection between the mind and body
• Empowers the child by teaching skills to overcome feelings about domestic violence
• Elicits healthy conversation regarding domestic violence and safety

When children are able to talk with caring adults about their feelings regarding domestic violence, it will decrease negative symptoms both short and long-term (including acting out behaviors...etc.)

Amber Holmes, LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for the state of North Carolina. She is also an International Coaching Federation (ICF) Certified Coach.  With a passion for mental health and well-being, Amber has years of professional experience in direct and indirect practice empowering children, families, and individuals. Today, Amber works for her local county government in partnership with the police department, where she responds to incidents involving child victims exposed to traumatic events. Utilizing a combination of modalities, techniques, and inclusive approaches, she has an eclectic toolbox of skills and continues to enhance her knowledge and therapeutic practices with the latest evidence-based findings. Amber enjoys spending time with her husband and son, being a foodie, traveling, and having nature adventures.

Tiffany Sanders LCSW, LISW-CP is a Licensed Social Worker in North Carolina and South Carolina. Her professional life includes a commitment to serving the needs of traumatized children and their families. She is also a lifelong learner and passionate about advocating for change through public speaking, training, and workshops.  Tiffany works full-time as a Clinical Supervisor with her local government in partnership with the local police department. Tiffany is also the owner of Sunflower Therapeutic Solutions PLLC, a private practice in Charlotte, NC where she uses multiple treatment modalities and approaches to help clients “Bloom wherever they are planted in life”. In her free time, Tiffany enjoys reading, escape rooms, photography, traveling, as well as experiencing and learning about different cultures.