Clinical creative arts therapist Louise Pryde has combined her professional expertise with a passion for storytelling to create a heartwarming children’s book, Wilo’s Wave Worries.

Illustrated by Lisa Hay, the book follows the journey of Wilo, a three-legged dog terrified of the ocean waves, and her companion, Shadow, a labradoodle.

“I have always wanted to write a children’s book, but I wanted to make it applicable to what I do for work,” she said.

Drawing from her experience working with children, teenagers, and adults, Pryde crafted a tale that not only entertains but also offers valuable lessons in managing fears.

“Shadow is an emotional support dog, he comes to work with me, and I wanted to be able to use what I have to create a story that could be about Shadow helping Wilo,” she said.

In the story, Shadow teaches Wilo various techniques, such as breathing exercises, to help her overcome her anxieties and enjoy the water.

Pryde said the lessons Shadow teaches can also be applied to people. The book concludes with practical tips for readers, encouraging them to apply these strategies in their own lives.

Pryde’s approach to therapy integrates creative arts, including art, music, dance, and movement, to help clients express and process their emotions.

“Instead of just talking about things, we might get out the clay, we might draw, we might go for a walk or sit at a cafe. So it is using the arts, dance, music, movement, clay, paints and drawing.”

With her blend of therapeutic insight and creative storytelling, Pryde offers a resource for children and adults alike, promoting emotional resilience and the courage to face one’s fears.

Wilo’s Wave Worries is available for purchase at $25 through Pryde’s website, whakaoratherapy.com, or at Vets4Pets in Whakatāne.