Testimonials

      I am presently working in primary schools as a counsellor. I am using the Cd "Zoela's Stories" as a      tool to teach children listening skills and I found that the stories were able to hold the attention of the children really well. They were able to paint the stories, remembering every detail.They were also able to do other creative work, while the stories were playing in the background, proving to me that their unconscious mind is always listening.
I would highly recommend this Cd as a valuable resource while working with the young.
Agnes Gavin school counsellor. 2010

"Zoela’s Stories is a useful tool when working with groups of children or at an individual level. Each story has a specific focus that allows the child to listen and reflect. Within a group setting children can discuss and explore their own feelings and behaviours and within their peer group decide to change the things that can cause unhappiness or distress to themselves or others. Each story takes no more than a few minutes to listen to allowing the child to absorb the meaning without becoming bored. I would recommend Zoela’s Stories to any parent, teacher or counsellor as an intervention within a therapeutic setting."
Alex Bradley, Director North West Counselling, 2008.

"My daughter Emily who is seven years old and myself sat together and listen to Zoela’s stories. I expected an experience whereby we would be read short stories by a storyteller, similar to previous audio CD’s I have purchased but it was evident that Zoela's stories offered something unique and magical. Immediately this CD helped both of us relax and the day’s hectic schedule was soon forgot about. A truly enjoyable experience with beautifully cited stories".
Ann Moore, a thankful parent, 2008.

“I loved Zoela’s Stories and thought they were great for my imagination.”
Cara Casey, age 8, 2008.

"When I first played Zoela’s Stories to my children, they sat riveted in the car… the only thing they said was, 'Ssssshh Mummy, we want to hear this!!..' When they had listened to all the stories my daughter said, 'You could learn things from these stories Mummy'."
Siobhan Casey, parent, 2008.

"Very relaxing, beautifully told, soft soothing voice. Brings me back to the wonderful times listening to the original bedtime stories my parents told me. Magical memories. Thanks for providing me with peace and calm at the end of a busy day."
Helen Doherty, parent and therapist, 2008.

"Congratulations on a well structured, well rounded CD it touched me greatly and I could see its usefulness with students particularly touching on subjects such as social development, i.e. drama and English. I could well imagine a teacher particularly dealing with issues such as bullying playing the CD to a class for commentary / discussion, written work and then role play etc. I could also see it as a very useful tool with children on a more intimate / individual way as a way of making them feel their problems are unique to them but they are also experienced by others, it is therefore useful for opening discussion on subjects that are at times hard to address and this is were the strength of this piece of work sits comfortably. I wish you luck and success with this excellent achievement."
Patricia Glackin, Educational Welfare Officer, 2008.

"I thought that the CD was very good and that it would really help younger children in relaxing and getting through their problems that they may come across. Track 3 and 9 were my favourites. And I was asleep by track 9 because the breathing exercises made me very sleepy!

I also think that another cd for another version would be very good. Maybe if it had more common music in it and stories that are more relevant to the teenage age-group that it would be a good seller. Good luck with the cd and well done!"
Mary Clarke, age 14, 2008.

"I listened to Zoela's stories and I found them to be very relaxing. They are told very well and with music and sounds that take you to a different place and you imagine that your part of it.

'These stories will be fantastic when doing group sessions with children about the issues that effect them growing up."
Hugh Doherty, parent, 2008.

"The stories are very interesting; it will help children understand there is always a way or even an object that can be their friend. I think it will help a lot of children around the world. I especially loved the one where the boy gets a shell and how you describe the ocean."
Francesca Bertolina, age 12, 2008.

"I would like to congratulate you and wish you all the best with Zoela's Stories. Every time I listen to them I get more out of each story, it must be my inner child or actually they are just as relevant to adults!
What I really love is their beautiful simplicity , which helps the listener gently imagine and glimpse their own potential. I particularly love the stories " The Cabin in the Woods" and The "Special Garden" which introduces the idea that we can choose to make changes in our lives if we need to."
Best Wishes and God Bless". Theresa Kelly {Cruse Counsellor 2008}

. "I work part-time n a children's home and we havesix children in the house. One child is difficult to settle especially at night because he has foetal alcohol syndrome. I know if I can get him settled the others will also settle. I had bought Zoela’s Stories and thought I would try it as a last resort. To my amazement the child settle fairly quickly and listened to six of the stories which he really enjoyed and he and the others settled down for the night.

I also work in Little Oaks which is a behaviour unit which provides emotional, social and behaviour support for children who find it very difficult to maintain themselves within their main stream schools and their homeenvironment.I also use Zoela’s stories during the children’s relaxation programme.What we have discovered since we introduceZoela’s stories is that the children have become more focused and relaxed during these sessions.One child in particular who has extreme aggression has taken to the programme very well and would actually seek out a lot more relaxation sessions. So thank you very much for introducing Zoela’s stories to me.”  Mary Shiels ( Children's Home carer) 2009.

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