Austin psychologist launches debut children’s book on resilience and belonging

By AI, Created 5:12 PM UTC, May 18, 2026, /AGP/ – Dr. Nahal Delpassand, an Austin-based psychologist, has released her first children’s book, The Seasons of Little Tree, a picture book inspired by her own experience with disability and identity. The book aims to help young readers feel seen during seasons of change and is now available online.

Why it matters: - The Seasons of Little Tree is aimed at children who feel different, behind, or out of step with peers. - The book connects mental health, disability visibility, and identity in a format designed for young readers. - Dr. Nahal Delpassand is using personal experience and clinical work to shape a message about resilience and self-trust.

What happened: - Dr. Nahal Delpassand, PsyD, announced the release of her debut children’s book, The Seasons of Little Tree, on May 14, 2026. - The self-published picture book follows a small tree through changing seasons as it learns to find its place. - The book is now available at littletreestories.com.

The details: - Delpassand is a licensed psychologist, speaker and writer based in Austin, Texas. - She has spent nearly a decade in private practice working with people navigating life transitions, chronic illness, infertility and identity disruption. - Delpassand grew up with congenital cerebral palsy, and the book’s themes come directly from that experience. - She wrote the book for children who have ever felt different, slower or out of step with others. - Delpassand said she wrote the book as a legacy piece meant to outlive her and move through generations. - She said the message for young readers is that their shape, pace and path are their own, and that growth shows they kept going. - Illustrator Aram Amini said the artwork was designed to reflect not only what each season looks like, but what it feels like for children. - Delpassand is the creator of Rooted in Self, a values-based philosophy that guides her clinical work, public speaking and writing. - As a PSYPACT provider, Delpassand can practice telehealth across 40 states. - Her work has been featured with Austin Woman Magazine, Soho House Austin, Tribeza and the Young Women’s Alliance of Austin. - Delpassand earned advanced training at Emory University and delivered a TEDx talk through TEDxJesterCirED in downtown Austin in March 2026.

Between the lines: - The release taps into a broader shift in children’s media toward stories that normalize disability, difference and emotional language. - The book’s framing suggests Delpassand is positioning her personal story as both a therapeutic tool and a public message. - The emphasis on illustration and seasonal change gives the book a symbolic structure that can support conversations between adults and children.

What’s next: - Delpassand is directing readers to her website for more information about the book and her broader work. - Her publishing debut could expand her public profile beyond clinical practice into children’s literature and speaking.

The bottom line: - The Seasons of Little Tree is a personal, values-driven debut built to help children see growth as something that includes struggle, difference and renewal.