Local author shares powerful story of healing and hope in debut book

Tameside-based counsellor and healer Theresa Grayson has released her debut book “What About Me? I Matter Too” a raw, moving and ultimately uplifting memoir that charts her journey from childhood trauma to self-healing and empowerment.

At 57, Theresa has lived a life that many would find unimaginable. Her early years were marked by horrific abuse, neglect, and violence. Growing up in constant fear, she carried that pain into adulthood, struggling with addiction, anger, and self-destructive behaviours.

But rather than being defined by her past, Theresa chose to use her story to inspire others, particularly the people she works with at Greystones, a residential service supporting homeless men with complex mental health and addiction issues.

“I’ve always wanted to write a book,” Theresa explained. “When I started working at Greystones, the men often said their lives were hopeless - that they could never change because of what they’d been through. I told them, ‘You can.’ They didn’t believe me at first, but I knew exactly what I was talking about.”

Determined to show that healing is possible, Theresa began writing her book during her night shifts, with the full support of her manager. Over two and a half years, she poured decades of pain, recovery, and spiritual growth into What About Me? I Matter Too.

The book, now available on Amazon and Kindle, has already received glowing reviews, boasting a 4.6 out of 5-star rating. Its cover features a childhood photo of Theresa at just two years old, a poignant reminder of where her story began.

Far from a simple memoir, the book doubles as a self-help guide. Each chapter shares a deeply personal experience, followed by reflections on the psychological and emotional impact of trauma plus practical methods for healing. Readers are given tasks and self-reflective exercises to help them recognise, process, and move beyond their own pain.

“There’s 30 years of my healing in this book,” Theresa said. “I unpick the trauma, explain how it affected me and those around me, and show what I did to find peace. My hope is that readers can reinvent themselves and be free from the past.”

Theresa, who has been clean for 27 years, is a qualified counsellor, Reiki Master, and accredited healer with over two decades of experience in energy therapy. Alongside her work at Greystones, she volunteers as a healer at a local healing centre in Manchester, offering energy healing to those in need.

Outside of her professional and spiritual work, Theresa is a mother of five and grandmother of five.

“Some of the men at work have already read the book,” she said. “They’ve told me it’s eye-opening and that’s exactly why I wrote it. To show people that no matter what you’ve been through, you can heal. You can change. You can build a life you love.”

What About Me? I Matter Too is available now on Amazon and Kindle: https://amzn.eu/d/aoc16BG