JHANILLE Brooks just released her first book, Metamorphosis, sold as a practical guide to mental and emotional transformation. The licensed associate counselling psychologist, with 15 years’ experience in the field, says the book is for anyone who has ever felt stuck in their emotions, unsure of how to move forward.

“Whether you’re dealing with heartbreak, struggling with boundaries, or trying to understand your emotional triggers, Metamorphosis provides the tools to help you gain clarity, build resilience, and take control of your emotional life,“ she tells All Woman.

Brooks says the key message she hopes readers will take from the book is that emotional transformation is possible when you take the time to understand yourself.

“Anger, heartbreak, and anxiety aren’t just things to ‘get over’ — they’re signals guiding you toward deeper self-awareness and growth,” she adds. “I want readers to walk away knowing that they have the power to change their emotional patterns, set healthy boundaries, and make decisions that align with their values.”

She revealed that Metamorphosis contributes to the growing conversation surrounding mental health by breaking down concepts in relatable and practical ways.

“A lot of people still see mental health as something that only applies to clinical diagnoses such a schizophrenia and depression, but the reality is that we all have emotions, struggles, and personal challenges that affect our well-being. This book shows how everyday emotions are part of our mental health, offering practical ways to navigate them.”

She said by focusing on real-life experiences and solutions, Metamorphosis challenges the stigma in a way that feels natural rather than forced. “I hope it encourages more people to take their mental and emotional well-being seriously and to see that growth and self-development are possible,” Brooks added.

The Kingston-born Brooks, a Campion College, University of the West Indies (UWI) and University of South Florida alumna, divulged that she’s an unapologetic mental health advocate.

“My life’s work is fuelled by a passion to normalise conversations about mental well-being, shatter stigma, and advocate for improved care and support systems for those facing mental health challenges,“ she explained.

She says she has always loved writing, and during the pandemic used it as an emotional outlet.

“And then I decided I was going to publish my thoughts and then the process got a little more organised. I also saw a gap in how we talk about emotional and mental well-being even as the conversation about mental health shifted in the pandemic. As a mental health advocate I thought it would be good to contribute something else to the field.”

Brooks revealed that she chose this specific study area when she lost a friend in her final year at The UWI, and it really opened her eyes to how badly we need better access to mental health care.

“I decided to engage in the counselling services that UWI offered. I realised the importance of good mental health. That was the moment I knew for sure that this was the path I wanted to take, so I went on to do my master’s in counselling. While studying in the United States, I couldn’t help but notice how differently people approached mental health compared to Jamaica — there was way less stigma and way more access to support. Seeing how much we were lacking back home, I teamed up with four colleagues in 2013 to start the Jamaica Mental Health Advocacy Network, hoping to push for more awareness and change,“ she explained.

The book should help anyone who feels stuck or is craving growth and change — ” it is the catalyst for change in many areas that you didn’t even know you were struggling in”, she says.

“I matched clinical knowledge with my therapeutic insight and real-life experiences, as I have made my fair share of mistakes along my journey, and impart guidance from my failures and successes,” Brooks shared.

For Brooks, a self-proclaimed “ravas clavas” and foodie with an insatiable love for good music and karaoke, travelling, the beach, and trying new things, personal success is about peace, fulfilment, and staying true to who she is.

“It’s waking up excited about what I do, having deep and meaningful relationships, and knowing that I’m making a difference in people’s lives. It’s also about continuous growth — becoming a better version of myself while still giving myself grace. If I can look back and see that I’ve lived with purpose, stayed authentic, and left a positive impact, then I’d say I’m personally successful,” she affirmed.

Grounded in her Christian faith, she says she channels her energy into changing lives — whether through therapy, writing, or simply sharing her zest for life.

“I have learned to just keep swimming even after failures, setbacks, and disappointments. I have had to learn to sit with my emotions but still not let them consume me. Funnily enough, I learned this ability during my own experience with therapy. My spiritual foundation also keeps me very resilient,“ she said.

She promised that she wants to continue to make a positive impact in the lives of people she knows either personally or professionally, and wants to help make Jamaica a better place however she can.

To support her, she has a circle of a mix of family, close friends who feel like family, and a few trusted colleagues.

“I come from a traditional nuclear family that has always been supportive, and I’m grateful for that foundation. Beyond that, I have a small but solid group of people who keep me grounded, make me laugh, and remind me to actually take my own mental health advice,” she said.