We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alison Mcgrath. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alison below.
Alison, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
My mission is support as many children suffering from anxiety as possible. I want to help support the stigma around mental health and support mental wellness and wellbeing. So often young people (and adults) suffer in silence. Students are made to feel they aren’t smart, or can’t focus. Children who are feeling anxious or having thoughts take up space in their mind are unable to focus on the reading, writing, math. Social emotional learning is more than just social skills. Its supporting our youngest minds and normalizing support. My goal has been to get Walter and the Worry Test in as many hands of young people as possible and to give parents, educators, and counselors an additional tool to feel more confident in providing supports.
Alison, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Alison McGrath lives in Massachusetts with her husband, three children, and two dogs. Alison is a passionate School Adjustment Counselor who works with students from kindergarten through the fifth grade discussing worry-thoughts, coping strategies, and mindfulness. Alison loves to teach about growth mindset, self compassion, and reframing worry-thoughts. She has found the cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to be especially powerful with individuals who have anxiety. Her personal library of books is large, and she is a huge supporter of bibliotherapy. Alison’s hope is that this book will support educators and parents to help guide children on the journey to be as worry-free as possible!
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Putting my work into the world has made me more vulnerable than imaginable! If people pick up the book and put it down it is hard not to take it personally. Getting told my book is not a fit for a certain store (which has happened!) stings. However, you have to remain focused on what is important and for every “negative” experience there are more positive experiences waiting for you. It is all part of the journey and learning process along the way.
Any advice for growing your clientele? What’s been most effective for you?
Getting behind the work and giving consumers face time. I have been most successful when I am able to talk about the book and engage with others and discuss my experience. Being honest and transparent and allowing people to really see a glimpse of who you are and your passion has been the driving force in sales.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.authoralisonmcgrath.com
- Instagram: @writemindbooks
