THE POST (28 AUGUST 2023 ISSUE) BY ETHAN JONES
Integrating cultural learning into not just our schools, but our communities as a whole will see the growth in understanding each other’s own unique experiences. As well as exploring valuable lessons and resources, seeking out knowledge from a range of sources can be greatly influential to the improvement of an individual’s mental health and wellbeing.
Dr. Belinda Khong is an experienced local psychologist, who with over 2 decades of experience, has leaned into another chapter of her life, a chapter that continues to help inspire the minds of young people. She established the publication company, Phoenix Tiger Press, which pays homage and respect to the journey and experiences of her mother and father.
Utilising her knowledge and experience of both Eastern and Western approaches to psychotherapy, Belinda set her mind to curating a collection of positive stories that teach children a range of psychosocial and spiritual skills, with the help of a few zodiac friends.
“I wanted to give, through my books, a very accessible way for kids to talk about their problems”, Khong explained, “also to normalise their experiences”.
Belinda released the first book of her Lunar New Year Animal Books for Kids series last year, titled ‘Am I a Tiger..? Mindful Water Tiger Cub’s Journey of Love, Friendship and Mindfulness’ to an amazing reception. This tells an inspiring tale of acceptance, belonging, and gaining confidence and comfortability with self- identity issues. “It’s very heartening that people say to me, that their children tell them, Mommy I feel like Water Tiger Cub today”.
Belinda’s journey into authorship was not always just about writing stories, in fact it was another avenue to keep providing assistance to those who may feel unsure in themselves. “I didn’t start doing books, I started thinking how can I give the families I work with a way for them to explore their feelings without a sense of inadequacy”, Khong explained.
Her newest release, Water Rabbit’s Mindful Adventures, will be officially launched on September 9 at Wahroonga Park at 2 pm by the Hon. Tim James, MP, Member for Willoughby, followed by a Book Signing at Berkelouw Bookshop, at Westfield Hornsby on September 23. The book promises to be another affectionate tale promoting the importance of positive values, mental health and building comfortable relationships with ourselves, and with others.
For more information on Belinda Khong’s Book Launch and Signing events, go
to https://www.belindakhong.com
TO READ THE WHOLE ARTICLE, GO TO https://www.hkpost.com.au/arts--culture/local-psychologist-leaving-her-mark-on-childrens-literature
