Hi, I’m Debra Roy—a counselor, children’s book author, and firm believer that emotions are not problems to fix, but invitations to understand.
For over two decades, I’ve worked with children and families as a Licensed Professional Counselor. Again and again, I’ve witnessed the power of kindness, language, and connection in helping kids make sense of big emotions. But I also saw a gap: so many children needed gentle tools they could truly relate to—ones that spoke to their hearts in moments of struggle.
That’s how Feelings Are Friends™ was born.
What began as a story about a hedgehog named Henry grew into a whole world of comfort animals, heartfelt messages, and supportive resources to help kids—and the grown-ups who love them—explore emotions with confidence and care.
Our stories, printables, and plush companions are designed to be simple, relatable, and rooted in real therapeutic wisdom. They’re inspired by the kids I’ve worked with, the animals in my office (like Gus-Gus the hedgehog), and my own journey through grief, growth, and healing.
Whether you’re a parent, teacher, therapist, or simply someone who believes feelings deserve kindness—you are welcome here.
Thank you for being part of the Feelings Are Friends™ community.
Debra with Bella, one of the real-life inspirations behind the Feelings Are Friends™ series.
🦔 Inspired by Gus-Gus - The Real-Life Henry
Gus-Gus isn’t your typical cuddly therapy animal. He’s a little grumpy, a little huffy, and very much his own hedgehog. When he’s startled or overwhelmed, he makes a loud “huff” and curls into a sharp “prickle ball.”
That’s where the idea for Anger Is a Hedgehog began.
In my therapy office, Gus-Gus helps children understand that anger is often a protective feeling. Like Gus-Gus huffing or popping when he feels unsafe, anger shows up to guard something soft and important underneath. And just like Gus-Gus, anger doesn’t make you bad—it means something needs care.
Gus-Gus helps me teach kids that even our prickliest moments deserve kindness and curiosity. And now, his spirit lives on in Henry.