Jacqueline Tournier, a systemic family therapist and child psychologist, has released the global English edition of her book YOU and Stress… The Brain Explained, a psychoeducational tool designed to make stress literacy accessible to families, educators, and therapists worldwide. The book, now available through Amazon and major distributors, introduces a three-animal metaphor—the Owl Brain (cortex), Dolphin Brain (limbic system), and Crocodile Brain (brainstem)—to help children and adults understand emotional reactions such as fight, flight, freeze, or fawn, and how to return to emotional safety.
Tournier, who runs the therapeutic practice FlowinGrow, developed the book after 15 years of working with children and families, including her own daughter with Down syndrome. The 4th revised 2025 edition, originally written in Dutch, has already been used in homes, schools, autism coaching, therapy practices, and parenting programs across Belgium and the Netherlands, helping over 4,000 individuals. According to endorsements cited on her website, the book has been described as a “must-read” and an “eye-opener” that gives children words and images for their behavior.
The launch comes at a time when stress among children is at an all-time high, and parents and teachers are seeking effective tools. The book includes full-color illustrations, a calming breathing exercise, movement and grounding tools, step-by-step stress-relief strategies, and a free downloadable workbook. Tournier’s approach bridges neuroscience with everyday life, offering a shared language for families to discuss emotions. Her message emphasizes that “stress is not the enemy, disconnection is,” and the book aims to turn emotional chaos into clarity.
Beyond the book, Tournier provides parent workshops, school programs, therapist training, and one-on-one coaching, all centered on the Owl, Dolphin, and Crocodile metaphor. The global release is expected to extend the impact seen in the Netherlands and Belgium, where professional endorsements from organizations like Centrum Onderwijs Mediation and Groeidynamiek have praised its simplicity and effectiveness. With this launch, Tournier aims to create a global community equipped with simple, science-based tools for emotional awareness and connection.
