THERAPY

Well-Being & Mindful Parenting

Mental Well-Being: A Model for Authenticity and Positive Self-Development

As a psychologist working with families and kids over many years, I have been very concerned about the over-diagnosis and medication of kids for a range of mental health issues. Many studies have shown that the prescription of psychiatric drugs to kids and adolescents are on the rise.

A recent study by University of Adelaide researchers, Klau, Bernardo, Gonzalez-Chica, Raven & Juredin (2022)(Australian & New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 56(11), 1477–1490. https://doi.org/10.1177/00048674211067720 found that:

While psychiatric medication has its role in mental health issues I believe that it should only be prescribed as a last resort especially to younger population due to its adverse effects and risks for growing minds and bodies. And I would add, not to young children. Medication usually addresses the symptoms, rather than the causes.

As a psychologist specialising in helping parents learn mindful parenting skills, I have channelled the knowledge I have acquired into the stories contained in my book series—Lunar New Year Animal Adventures for kids, which are inspired by the therapeutic works I do with families and children. With my books, I move from seeing an individual client to seeing a community. Click here for more information on the book series.

“My motivation for the series is conveyed through the protagonist of each Chinese Zodiac animal. By writing about the animals facing similar issues, I provide families with an engaging, accessible medium for kids to talk about their problems, normalise their experiences, so that they feel less alone in dealing with their problems.”

In the book series which integrate the wisdom from Eastern, Western and the Spiritual traditions, I offer a model for families to cultivate authenticity and positive self-development, focusing on the individuals’ strengths, rather than their deficits. This model emphasises developing positive values and learnings, and offers a supportive way of working with kids in contrast to the medical-based model of diagnosis, clinical assessment and medication. These positive stories are designed to help kids develop deepening levels of spiritual and psychological skills essential to their overall development and well- being

The rationale for the model, the positive themes and the efficacy of using the books are summarised in the above Video—“A Model for Authenticity and Positive Self Development.”

My hope, my real dream is that reading such inspiring stories will result in “Children walking in the park, instead of walking to my consultation room in future.”

Acknowledgment from Members of Parliament

I am grateful to my Members of Parliament for acknowledging my work and books in the New South Wales Parliament:

 “I pay tribute to Davidson electorate constituent, psychologist and author Dr Belinda Khong. Belinda's latest book, 'Water Rabbit's Mindful Adventures' …. Belinda writes on the important themes of leadership, cooperation, charity, friendship and harnessing creativity to overcome conflict. These are important for teaching children life lessons, and about Lunar New Year.

 Belinda's first book, published in 2022, was about the Year of the Tiger, and in 2024 Belinda will release her third book about the Year of the Dragon. I am looking forward to seeing Belinda's literary contributions flourish over the zodiac cycle.

 This acknowledgment of the Water Rabbit's Mindful Adventures in the official parliamentary record, Hansard, is important both for history and to demonstrate the work you undertake in our local community to the rest of New South Wales… .I encourage you and Water Rabbit's Mindful Adventures to display this Community Recognition Statement proudly for all of our community to see, read, and acknowledge.”

Mr Matt Cross, MP, Member for Davidson
https://www.belindakhong.com/blog/community-recognition-statement-about-water-rabbit-mindful-adventures

“For many years Dr Belinda Khong has been a dedicated psychologist in Wahroonga. …Recently Belinda ventured into writing children's books that promote positive values and important psychosocial themes for families and children. The series, titled Lunar New Animal Books for Kids, offer tales centred around the Lunar New Year and various Chinese zodiac animals. Her first book was published last year, titled Am I a Tiger? A Mindful Water Tiger Cub’s Journey of Love, Friendship, and Self-Discovery. The book received a glowing endorsement from acclaimed actress Michelle Yeoh, who called it:… “a great book for children, parents, and families who want a heartwarming introduction to the positive values of mindfulness, gratitude, love, and compassion.”

Following the success of that book, Dr Khong wrote her second animal zodiac book, titled Water Rabbit's Mindful Adventures: The Great Race of Animal and Human Friends… . My Chinese zodiac animal is a water rabbit, so I was particularly excited about the launch of that book. It integrates Eastern and Western wisdom, presenting an inspiring narrative filled with illustrations, poems and unique animal characters. It explores themes of resilience, generosity and leadership, which are important lessons to teach our younger generations.

I had the pleasure of attending the launch of the book at Wahroonga Park with my colleagues the member for Davidson, Matt Cross; and the member for Willoughby, Tim James, who formally launched the book. The launch was a beautiful afternoon in the park and a wonderful celebration of the book, with a reading of an excerpt by Lynne, Matthew and Nicholas.

The book presents the story of how Mei-Mei the water rabbit and her animal friends overcome their differences with humans to create a better community. It instils the importance of working together despite our differences, which is an important lesson to teach our children. Although the book's positive messages are aimed at children, there are many excellent life lessons to be taught to adults too. Teamwork, cooperation, open‑mindedness and personal growth are all important characteristics that we can take on board as adults.

I look forward to getting my hands on the third book… Dragon and Friends' Mindful Adventures, which will launch in February of 2024. I commend Dr Belinda Khong on her mission to provide parents with such great guides to facilitate conversations about mental health and mindfulness with their children. I thank Belinda for her great contribution to our local community over so many years.”

Mr Alister Henskens, SC, MP, Member for Wahroonga
https://www.belindakhong.com/blog/speech-in-parliament-by-the-hon-alister-henskens-about-my-work-and-books