Navigating Childhood Emotions: Leila Perkins on Mental Health and Her Book 'The Pain in My Belly'

In this episode of Label Free, host Deanna Radulescu welcomes Leila Perkins, a dedicated school counselor and author of the book "The Pain in My Belly." Joining us from Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada, Leila shares her passion for supporting children and youth in navigating their mental health challenges. With a focus on the importance of being present and attuned to children's needs, Leila discusses her experiences working with kids who often manifest anxiety and stress through physical ailments. The conversation delves into the concept of play therapy and bibliotherapy, highlighting how these approaches can help children express their emotions and cope with difficult situations. Leila emphasizes the significance of co-regulation between adults and children, illustrating how a calming presence can make a profound difference in a child's emotional well-being. Leila's book, "The Pain in My Belly," aims to provide a relatable resource for children, parents, and educators, helping them understand and normalize feelings of anxiety and stress. The book is available for purchase on Amazon, and Leila encourages anyone interested in supporting children's mental health to explore this valuable tool. For more information about Leila Perkins and her work, you can visit her website and find her book on Amazon by searching for "The Pain in My Belly." As always, don't forget to subscribe, follow, rate, review, and share this episode to help spread awareness about mental health and the resources available for children and families. Thank you for tuning in!