About The Event
Location: The Abbey Centre, Westminster, London
Event: Book launch of There’s a Monkey on Your Shoulder by Tana Macpherson Smith
Audience: Educators, advocates, families, and community leaders
Focus: Child self-awareness, emotional resilience, and the role of trusted adults
About the Book: There’s a Monkey on Your Shoulder
Written by mental health advocate Tana Macpherson-Smith, There’s a Monkey on Your Shoulder is a powerful children’s novel that explores the emotional challenges young people face through the metaphor of a “monkey” representing self-doubt and fear.
Set on a remote Scottish island, the story follows eight teenagers as they confront their inner struggles through a transformative development programme. The book encourages self-awareness, emotional resilience, and compassion, key values that mirror Dr Zee’s trauma-informed approach to child and adolescent mental health.
What Makes Dr Zee a Unique Voice in Children’s Mental Health
Dr Zee is more than a speaker, she’s a former GP with over 20 years’ experience and a trauma expert. Her talks don’t simply inform, they connect, empower, and transform.
Her message at this event focused on:
The emotional challenges faced by young people today
How story-led tools can open safe conversations
The need for trauma-informed support in schools and communities
How early emotional education builds lifelong resilience
Her professional endorsement was proudly featured on the back cover of the book—a testament to her credibility in both clinical and community spaces.
Key Takeaways from the Westminster Event
Dr Zee’s talk helped the audience:
Understand how trauma manifests in children’s behaviours
Recognise the signs of emotional struggle in school-age children
See the role of books, stories, and visual metaphors in early intervention
Learn actionable steps for teachers, parents, and carers to better support emotional safety
The event reaffirmed the importance of cross-sector collaboration between clinicians, educators, and creatives in advancing mental health advocacy for children.
What Sets Dr Zee’s Talks Apart?
Trauma-informed and medically grounded
Emotionally resonant, accessible, and audience-tailored
Delivered by a clinician with lived experience of conflict, displacement, and resilience
Suitable for schools, charities, youth events, and book launches nationwide
Unlike clinical lectures or academic panels, Dr Zee’s sessions are grounded in story, empathy, and action.
FAQs
What is the book “There’s a Monkey on Your Shoulder” about?
It’s a children’s book written by Tana Macpherson Smith designed to help young readers recognise, talk about, and better understand difficult emotions using an illustrated metaphor.
Who should book Dr Zee for an event?
Educational institutions, mental health charities, children’s authors, and youth-focused organisations are looking to deliver high-impact, trauma-informed talks.
Is Dr Zee available for events in London?
Yes. While based in Leicester, Dr Zee delivers talks and training across the UK, including in London and the Westminster area.
Book Zina Alhilali for Your Next Speaking Engagement
If you're searching for a speaker in Leicester or across the UK, who brings honesty, resilience, and cultural depth to the stage, I'd love to hear from you.
Available across the UK.
Telephone:
Leicester: 0116 467 0053
London: 020 3793 8331
Email: info@dr-zee-wellbeing.com
Enquire today to book Dr Zee for your next educational or advocacy event.