Lockington hypnotherapist Neil Sunley releases anti-bullying book for children

Neil Sunley, from East Yorkshire, has written a book for children.

By Grace Hammond

Published 23rd Mar 2023, 11:45 BST

Snuffleump: Trouble at School is about a “lovable character” who experiences a challenging time at school, offering anti-bullying advice in a “fun bedtime adventure story”.

It shows how Snuffleump experiences many self-doubting thoughts but, as the story progresses, finds new skills as well as learning about the need for resilience.

As a hypnotherapist and life coach Neil, who lives in Lockington, East Yorkshire, says he has witnessed first-hand the changes that an anti-bullying mindset can have on children.

Neil says: “I have a psychotherapy and life-coaching practice, where I help all age groups overcome anxieties and self-defeating mindsets.

"Through my research and practical experience I have attempted to create an important, early years story, that will give children practical, resilience building ideas and arm parents with a bedtime story that will give their child hope.”

Neil qualified as an hypnotherapist in 2001, and since then has helped clients overcome many issues including stress, anxiety and depression.

Using his experience he turned to writing children’s literature in the hope of making a "positive and empowering impression on developing young minds”.

The author professionally taught martial arts for more than 20 years.

Snuffleump: Trouble at School is a follow up to his previous work, Snuffleump: Lost in the Forest, from 2021.

The new book explains to young children how to keep a journal in which they can write troubling thoughts and feelings.

It explores the importance of telling a teacher or parent about bullying.

And it also shows how to react to bullies by learning how to “act cool” in the face of adversity.

The book, which is illustrated by Sarah Marsh, also deals with ways to control the environment a child is in and how, sometimes, it can be healthy to use humour and laugh at a mistake.

The lessons in the book are based on techniques that the author believes will positively change to a child’s mindset should they ever experience anti-social behaviour.

On his website, the author is offering signed copies of the book with a special message included.

Snuffleump: Trouble at School is being released by Matador, the self-publishing imprint of the Market Harborough-based Troubador Publishing group, which has been has been offering the service since 1999.

The book is out now for £6.99. ISBN: 9781803135373.

For more information, visit www.neilsunley.com