In this engaging interview, Michael VanZetta speaks with Dr. Saloni Surah, a multifaceted professional who combines her expertise in medicine, therapy, and writing to impact lives meaningfully. Dr. Surah has an impressive career background as a former HIV and sexual health physician, with experience working across the UK, Ireland, and Australia. Alongside her medical career, she is also an EMDR therapist and coach, focusing on trauma treatment and mental health, which she discusses in depth, sharing her journey with PTSD and the transformative power of EMDR therapy. Her unique career blend also includes authoring children's books that aim to challenge stereotypes, promote empowerment, and instill resilience in young readers.
Throughout the interview, Dr. Surah highlights the importance of creating relatable, strong female role models in children’s literature. She introduces her latest book, Flora Investigates the Case of the Missing Gold Eggs, a detective mystery aimed at young readers. This book, infused with themes of independence and empowerment, reflects her mission to provide healthy, realistic role models. VanZetta and Dr. Surah explore how her stories convey messages of resilience, hope, and acceptance, especially for those who have experienced trauma or hardship. This conversation offers valuable insights into the intersection of healing, storytelling, and the power of representation in literature for children.
