Speaker Testimonials
“One of the most engaging, motivational, and valuable 20 minutes of my life.”
“A captivating opening and powerful pitch on changing attitudes to mental health.”
“Tana’s honesty and powerful message really made us reflect on ourselves.”
“Her passionate, no-holds-barred storytelling builds instant trust with audiences.”
“Tana speaks with purpose, passion and a level of authenticity that’s rare.”
“Her session was moving, eye-opening, and left the whole room inspired.”
School, University & Education Testimonials
“Tana’s personal stories resonated with our students and her approach combined storytelling and practical advice that our students felt reassured hearing.”
University of East London
“Tana is an exceptionally gifted communicator. Pupils, parents, and colleagues are able to identify with her very quickly and she engages powerfully with young people.”
J Kazi, Undermaster, Westminster School
“Tana is an inspirational woman who has used her profound life experiences to empower others through the use of mental resilience strategies.”
Headmaster, St Hilda’s Prep
“Tana captivated the students, and you could see the golden nuggets forming as she gave them strategies to change and improve their mindset.”
Shelly Hacker, Head of Psychology, Camden School for Girls
Parent Testimonials
“I found the talk completely riveting — I could have listened for hours.”
“Your honesty helped me reflect on my own journey and mental health.”
“I was moved to tears — your words were so relatable and powerful.”
“The session helped me decide to finally pursue a career in counselling.”
“Thank you for putting into words what so many of us quietly feel.”
“As a parent, I felt deeply seen, heard, and motivated to act.”
Pupil Testimonials
“I walked in expecting a lecture, but left feeling changed for life.”
“Tana’s talk was the most inspiring I’ve ever heard at school.”
“You made me realise that people can look fine but still be hurting.”
“Thank you for opening my eyes and giving me the courage to speak up.”
“I was in the back row and didn’t expect much, but you amazed me.”
“I’ve heard many talks, but yours made the biggest impact by far.”
“There’s a Monkey on Your Shoulder”
“There’s a Monkey on Your Shoulder”
There’s a Monkey on Your Shoulder is Tana’s powerful new book helping readers understand, befriend, and quiet their inner critic — with heart, humour, and a little monkey magic.
Verified Great read, teaches about kindness An excellent book for teens and adults, with a storyline that draws you in and teaches you about the importance of being kind to yourself and each other to create fundamental transformation.Verified A must read for everyone but especially parents. A must read for parents as well as teenagers. Could not put it down as written like fiction but based on reality, along with research of course. Anything we can do to help both ourselves and other generations live their lives happy, thanks Tana.Verified What's the name of your monkey? Wow, it's been awhile since I finished a book in two sittings. This was one of those books.The messaging is critically important right now and I think Tana addressed some BIG issues in a well-thought out and easy to read book.I loved the character development. I became vested in everyone's story and was rooting for all of them.This is a kid's book and adult's book. It is a must read for anyone struggling with taming their monkeys and seeking some exercises and actions they can take to calm the monkey.Oh, and my monkey's name is Grim.Verified Game changer! This book is truly a game-changer. It opened my eyes to the pressing mental health challenges faced by teenagers and young adults in today’s fast-paced world. Tana does an incredible job of exploring the emotional struggles many face, making it impossible to ignore the importance of being mindful of both our own mental health and the well-being of those around us.What really struck me was how this book doesn't just highlight the problems but also encourages personal reflection. It made me stop and think about my own behaviors, the pressures I’ve experienced, and how I can be more compassionate with others. The writing is engaging and thought-provoking, leaving a lasting impact long after you finish reading.Whether you're a teen, a young adult, or someone wanting to better understand the mental health landscape of this generation, this book is a powerful resource. It’s a poignant reminder that everyone is fighting their own battles, and a little empathy can go a long way. Highly recommend!Verified Buy it now! This is a book I would recommend to anyone from teen upwards. I throughouly enjoyed the story which was faced past and full of interesting characters. As a mother to a young child I feel this story could help with any future mental health issues we both face. Others who have read it as parents to older children have said it was also very helpful in understanding behaviours of themselves and their children .Furthermore, anyone who has ever been exposed to or experienced mental health issues can relate to this book and I cant wait for more from Tana.I had the pleasure of meeting her at our local book club ; she has had an interesting and inspiring life and has so much to offer regarding this subject. High praise indeed! Don't hesitate and buy this book.Verified Enlightening, riveting, informative. A must read for all ages I was not sure what to expect to gain reading this book as it seemed to be aimed at teenagers with mental health issues, and I am way on from that age group, so how could i relate to it?Relate I did big time, and this simply marvellous book by Tana Macpherson-Smith moved me so much, and made me think about what issues I have had throughout my life, and still harbour, so I now understand that I too have had a monkey on my shoulder all my life, and can now aim to follow the many suggestions made in the book, to make the necessary changes to my life I am so keen to doThe style of the book makes an exciting, fast paced and insightful story so easy for anyone to understand, as it blends personal stories with broader reflections on the stigma of mental health, offering insight into teenagers struggles. By offering a creative framework for them to explore their self doubt and realsing they have enough inner strength to face their own challengesI also think this book, once shared, will help the young talk openly to each other as the 8 terrific children did on their adventure on the island which is scary at times, sad and funny and most importantly relatable.The weight of mental illness is so cleverly depicted with a totally different monkey for every child sitting on their shoulders whispering and enforcing the messages the child currently believes, due to their environment. If parents also read this book they too could possibly relate to their chidren in a clearer and kinder way.I can honestly imagine the huge difference There's a Monkey on My Shoulder could make if a child or young adult reads this book, identified with the premis of living with said monkey on their shoulders, allowing them to become more self aware and fulfill more in their lives they ever thought possibleNot any easy road to follow with many ups and downs, and with time and energy this book could have a profound effect on so many children and adultsI think this is a must read and should be available in every place of learning, especially schoolsVerified Wow! A Must read. Exciting and excellent. I could not put this book down, needing to see what happened to the characters and if they pulled through. By telling the story, Tana pulls you deep into the lives of everyone concerned. One finds oneself identifying with the different backgrounds of the young people in the story and wanting to know how it is fixed with the characters and if it is fixable in oneself. It is an indirect fictional way of helping to solve some of the mental issues that are prevalent in today's society. It is funny. it is sad. It is honest and it deals with every possible issue that we possibly try to keep hidden under blankets, not to be talked about. Its kind. non judgmental and as the story unfolds, it leaves one with relief and peace and happiness. I stongly recommend that adults men & women and children, boys and girls alike, read this book.Verified A brilliant unpatronising book for troubled teens and all who love and work with them Clinicians have a dilemma over how to help their patients best. Here, a distinguished professional has found a novel way of helping ( literally and symbolically) by writing a powerful novel that works and subtly educates at the same time. Troubled children from all backgrounds win a residential adventure prize which transforms them but not in any sentimental way. The author illustrates ways of understanding and dealing with trauma through the narrative and the techniques used by the adults. She evokes the deepest levels of self sabotage, the monkey on your shoulder, with its critical commentary, in a way that will aid troubled teenagers to find a way through shame and pain. Troubled parents are helped too and their problems are not dismissed but it is the children’s pain which is at the forefront. This book could change lives . Loss through suicide is at the heart of it.Dr Valerie Sinason PhD , retired child psychotherapist and adult psychoanalyst. President, Institute of Psychotherapy and disability