The global English release of Jacqueline Tournier's psychoeducational book 'YOU and Stress… The Brain Explained' marks a significant expansion of a resource that has already transformed emotional understanding for thousands in the Netherlands and Belgium. This launch comes at a critical time when stress among children has reached unprecedented levels, parents seek effective tools, and educators need practical strategies for classroom emotional regulation.
Tournier, a systemic family therapist and child psychologist with over 15 years of experience at her therapeutic practice FlowinGrow, developed the book to bridge the gap between complex neuroscience and everyday emotional experiences. The newly revised 2025 edition, originally written in Dutch, brings her compassion-centered approach to English-speaking audiences worldwide. As described on her website, her mission is clear: everyone deserves to understand their stress and what happens to their brain and behavior.
The book's core innovation is the three-animal metaphor that simplifies brain function into memorable characters: the Owl Brain (cortex) representing thinking, the Dolphin Brain (limbic system) representing feeling, and the Crocodile Brain (brainstem) representing survival reactions. This visual framework, central to Tournier's international workshops and trainings, provides children and adults with a shared language to explain fight, flight, freeze, or fawn responses and pathways back to emotional safety.
Professional endorsements from European organizations highlight the book's effectiveness. Centrum Onderwijs Mediation called it "a must-read… an eye-opener for parents and children," while autism coach Ellen noted it "gives children words and images for their behavior… and helps parents react with calmness." The resource has been successfully implemented in homes, schools, autism coaching sessions, therapy practices, parenting programs, and youth support centers across Belgium and the Netherlands.
Beyond the book itself, Tournier offers parent workshops, school programs, therapist training sessions, and professional development for educators through her practice. The book includes practical tools such as calming breathing exercises, movement and grounding techniques, step-by-step stress-relief strategies, and a free downloadable workbook. These resources address the growing need for evidence-based explanations that therapists can use with clients of all ages and that families can apply immediately in daily life.
The global availability through Amazon and major international book distributors makes this tool accessible precisely when it's needed most. As stress continues to impact children, families, and professionals worldwide, this book represents more than just a publication—it serves as a communication tool, therapeutic resource, classroom aid, and parenting guide that turns emotional chaos into clarity. Tournier's message that "stress is not the enemy, disconnection is" underscores the book's ultimate goal: helping the Owl, Dolphin, and Crocodile brains speak the same language to strengthen relationships and transform emotional lives across cultures.
