Something to Hold Onto: Simple Metaphors, Images, and Practical Tools to Transform Your Life

by Kate Robson

Written with expertise and empathy, Something to Hold Onto is the book to pick up whenever life feels overwhelming, offering warm guidance and practical skills to better your mental and emotional health.

With an introduction by Oscar-winning screenwriter, director, actor, and bestselling author Sarah Polley

Imagine opening a trunk full of family heirlooms and trinkets.
Imagine you’re given an old-school tape recorder that lets you hit pause on life.
Imagine stocking a medicine cabinet with your go-to coping mechanisms.

Collecting the most effective and inspiring exercises from her years working as a psychotherapist and NICU family support specialist, Kate Robson invites our imaginations to play with simple metaphors, out-of-the-box images, and engaging prompts to reframe our thinking. Kate’s expert advice shows us what it can look like to be curious, attentive, and intentional in our lives, equipping us with new creative strategies for navigating discomfort and adversity. Through the accessible, bite-sized entries, we’re able to better recognize the weight we carry through life and the stories and language that restrict our sight lines. Perhaps most importantly, Kate draws out the why behind our actions, bringing foundational values and beliefs up to the surface for us to identify and reevaluate—so we can decide what to let go of and what to hold on to.

In this empowering collection, Kate shows us how listening to our inner voice and small acts of self-care can help us fortify our minds, explore new possibilities, and cultivate a truly fulfilling life.

Genres: Nonfiction

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 6, 2026

Reviews

[Selma · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️

Thank you Simon and Schuster for providing this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is a book teaches you to use specific skills to help you through certain situations. I liked how we were taught in this to picture things as pictures or certain items, it really put a lot of things into perspective.

Was very eas my to read like you’re having a conversation with someone and they are just helping you through something. The whiteboard was my fav short chapter and really put things into perspective.

This books helps with the negative self talk that I had and the expectations I put on myself. If you need to climb out of an aviary filled situation or are overwhelmed by expectations , I would say pick this one up! Easy read self help!

[Elena Enns · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada and the author for the ARC copy of this book.

This book is full of metaphors and different ways of coping with what life throws at us. I’ve definitely heard of some of the techniques in therapy, and some are new that I’ll be trying. I definitely think this is one of those books best read slowly with a piece of paper beside you. Can’t wait to get a physical copy when it comes out!

[hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author is a psychotherapist, and in this book, she focuses on the use of metaphors for emotional healing. Throughout the book, she presents many of the tried and true examples of metaphors that worked well throughout her years in practice. She argues that metaphors often give us a way of discussing our struggles with curiosity and in a nonjudgmental way. I appreciated how the author used metaphors as a springboard to delve more deeply into broader themes such as living in alignment with your values and being true to yourself as well as the importance of rest, moments of joy, self-compassion, and self-care.

Overall, I thought this book was wonderful, and it was a pleasure to read. I particularly enjoyed the metaphors that emphasized hope in difficult times. (My favorite metaphor was a string of lights). By reading this book, I could see why her patients would love her as a therapist, as the tone of the book was understanding and empathetic. I also thought that it was useful that this book includes “try this” exercises where the reader can apply the metaphors to their own lives.

This book is especially good if you are going through a difficult time and want a fresh perspective or new ways of seeing things. I thought her use of metaphors did a good job in presenting a compassionate, constructive, and hopeful point of view.

Thanks to Simon and Schuster Canada for the review copy via Netgalley. I am voluntarily leaving a review. All opinions are mine.

[Alexandra Tower Nunez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book fell into my hands at a much-needed moment in my life, and I am genuinely grateful it did. The warm guidance and bite-sized therapy sessions didn’t just comfort me; they gently challenged the way I think. Each chapter encouraged me to reconsider the patterns I slip into, the stories I tell myself, and the way I view my relationships, my choices, and the beautiful life that continues to hold me even when I forget to appreciate it.

The metaphors throughout were especially moving. They were memorable and clear, reminding me how essential self-love is and how much strength we gain when we listen to our own inner voice instead of pushing it aside. I often found myself pausing simply because the reflections offered exactly the kind of truth that deserves a moment of stillness.

I finished the book in two days, completely drawn in by its warmth and honesty. I already know I will be buying a physical copy once it is released so I can return to these lessons whenever life feels tangled or heavy. This book arrived at the perfect time for me, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for the gifted advanced reader copy!

[Whatithinkaboutthisbook · Rating 4 out of 5]

Something To Hold Onto: Simple Metaphors, Images and Practical Tools to Transform Your Life by Kate Robson

I tend to go through cycles with reading self help books. There are periods when I consume them nonstop, followed by stretches where I don’t pick one up at all. I firmly believe that we are always a work in progress and need continual growth, so returning to books like this helps keep me from slipping back into unhelpful habits or allows me to address whatever challenges I’m currently facing.

This is a lovely, gentle book filled with short chapters, each focused on teaching a specific skill. While I’m not sure the ideas themselves are entirely new, the structure, approach and tools feel unique and helpful.

The writing style and approach makes it feel as though you are sitting across from the author, having a thoughtful conversation. Its down to earth and encourages a calm, gentle, curious approach to self reflection. The techniques offered are valuable and practical and I can definitely see myself using them. The accompanying examples and metaphors are memorable assisting with retention of the ideas.

The book addresses common struggles in an empathetic and compassionate way, offering tools that are easy to understand and implement. In particular, I think this book would be especially helpful for anyone who struggles with negative self talk, or feels overwhelmed by the expectations they place on themselves.

Overall, it’s a relatable and useful read that I think many people would find helpful.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something to Hold Onto by Kate Robson

I think I received this arc in the perfect time in my life where the practices I was reading about were really beneficial. I think books of this genre have to come to you in moments when you need to hear the words written and when you’re open and ready to hear them.
If you struggle with anxiety this could be the book for you!

The visual representation and metaphors were really captivating. The mental exercises kept me involved and made me feel as though I was in a therapy session doing these exercises rather than by myself in my house.
The imagery and visualization exercises were extremely helpful and interactive.

The writing is very easy to follow. The metaphors and analogies Kate used were so basic, anybody would be able to relate to them yet, they were very profound and thought provoking. Kate’s story telling and mental exercises had me challenging the way I think, allowing me to look at my own thoughts in a different way.

I can see myself going back to this book in times I’m struggling.

Thank you Kate Robson, Simon Schuster CA & Netgalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Releases January 2026

[Angie F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something to Hold Onto by Kate Robson is a wonderful personal development book that gave me a new perspective. It is due to be published on January 6, 2026 by Simon & Schuster Canada and I highly recommend it.

Sometimes the right book finds you at the perfect time and this was the case for me with Something to Hold Onto. November has been a much more challenging month than usual and I was able to take several things from this book to help me think about things in a new way. I was drawn to this book initially because of the introduction by Sarah Polley. Having previously read and strongly related to her memoir, I took this recommendation seriously.

What I appreciate most about this book and the way Kate Robson chose to structure it. The author has lived through many of the scenarios that are being described. She is a registered psychotherapist and has also been through some very challenging experiences herself. Each section starts off with "Imagine a"... while giving a tool to help deal with an experience, and ends with a "Try This" providing a practical exercise to try out the concept. This is not a theoretical book. It is also not one size fits all. Robson recognizes that each person's experiences are different and is able to provide a wide variety of tools and metaphors that might resonate. The book invites the reader to try different things to possibly arrive at a toolkit that might work when things get really difficult. She also encourages the reader to work on some of these things when calm, so that we can reach for the tools when necessary. I truly appreciated the directness coupled with the gentle guidance.

I also loved that Robson invited the reader to take what will work and let go of the rest, while reiterating that not everything will be the right fit for everyone. The breadth and variety of examples is what sets this book apart in my opinion. This book made me feel seen in many ways and I look forward to buying a copy of this book when it comes out.

Thank you very much to the author and Simon & Schuster Canada for providing a digital advanced reader copy via NetGalley for potential review. All opinions are my own.

[Krista Hubic · Rating 3 out of 5]

I felt like this was a great book to end 2025 and start 2026 with some fresh perspectives. I loved how the author used visual representations as the way to remember the advice or tool she was writing about. The chapters are short and easy to digest although I did fine there was a lot of technical jargon used throughout.

I found myself highlighting lots of snippets to help both in my personal and professional life.

A couple of my favorite takeaways include the section about the “old trunk” with the takeaway “we can’t be in balance if we depend on someone else’s opinion to be fulfilled”. So true and such a great reminder.

The other stand out section for me was when she was talking about positive thinking- as a society we push only thinking positive and I get it but for those trapped in tough situations that can cause great harm - sometimes we need to be able to speak our fears out loud and deal with them is wise and brave.

Thanks Simon and Schuster Canada for the advance copy of this book. I received a digital version through NetGalley.

[Nicole P · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5

This book is exactly what I needed to read right now. As a chronically anxious person, the analogies from this book really helped me to challenge my anxious thought pattern and gave me tangible strategies to try in different scenarios. I loved the format and how the author blended therapeutic strategies with personal reflection, anecdotes, and advice on how to work through anxiety. I appreciate how each chapter offered new insight and a different take; I felt that this book covered a wide range of anxious thoughts that I personally have experienced, and did in fact give me something to hold onto in the midst of an anxious spiral. I will definitely be going back to this book when I am struggling with anxious thoughts and would 100% recommend giving this a try for anyone else who struggles with anxious thoughts.

Thank you to Simon & Schuster Canada for the eARC!

[Maja (MyawithaJ22) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an excellent book for the start of the year!
Practical skills to better your mental and emotional health. With simple metaphors, images and tools, that anyone can use.

I would recommend using it for journal prompts and really becoming familiar with visualizing, slowing down and assessing your life and priorities. All these different tools helping you alleviate your stress through these helpful ideas.

Surprisingly an easily and digestible self help book!

If you have trouble with negative self talk, or prioritizing different aspects of your life, this might help.

Each chapter is only a few pages and features an exercise to help you along the way.
Overall, it taught me great practices I can bring into my life when I need a minute to sit, rest and readjust. That may look like prioritizing, assessment or taking action in a specific way.

[szreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something to hold onto is a short but valuable book written by a registered psychotherapist in Toronto.

It features an introduction by award winning screenwriter, director, actor, and bestselling author Sarah Polley (Director of Women Talking!!).

I found the book easy to read and comprehend with great metaphors, visualization techniques, and short exercises.

It’s like having a personal therapist in book format! Although it is definitely more suited for those experiencing anxiety, depression, and/or overwhelming feelings and thoughts.

I can see myself coming back to this book and think others will feel the same way.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[AJ Thurlow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Self help books can sometimes feel like adding yet another impossible task to a situation that already feels overwhelming. That is definitely not the case with Kate Robson’s work.

Something to Hold Onto feels like a practical tool kit for everything from self discovery to crisis management. The easy-to-read anecdotes, simple-to-follow imagery, and practical exercises provide a simple yet effective method of understanding thoughts, feelings, and patterns of behaviour. It provides non-judgmental comfort and the warm tone makes you feel like this is a conversation with Kate herself.

Highly recommended reading (and reading again when you need it!).

Thank you to Simon Schuster Canada for this advance copy.

[Darcie · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review

If you’re looking for a unique “toolkit” to compartmentalize your life, this is a great read!

Kate uses imagery and metaphors to help you navigate stress, feelings and core values. She doesn’t just help you figure out WHAT you want, but also WHY. Which I find helps you stay true to yourself when life gets overwhelming.

It’s a short read with simple tasks for you to do for deeper understanding of your goals. I’ve found in the past that I read self-help books and forget most of the information I learned not long after. But the visualization really helps it stick!

I would highly recommend giving it a read, if it’s your thing.

I’m a little late on my post for this one, but a huge thank you to @simonschusterca for this ARC

[Sylvia Barker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something to Hold Onto by Kate Robson is the ultimate guide for anyone wanting to be more introspective and intentional in their lives.

Packed with metaphors and stories that allow us the emotional distance to be more self-reflective, this is the kind of book that is best read slowly. As a reader, one would benefit from having a journal handy, as many of the exercises necessitate quiet reflection.

This is an incredibly useful book to pull out in times of uncertainty, encouraging us to get back in touch with our values and intentions for what we want to put out into the world.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Kristi Kasper · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate Robson is a Canadian psychotherapist who has specific training with NICU families, and so she brings a wealth of experience to this very practical guidebook. This book provides very straightforward and accessible strategies to climb our way out of difficult moments and anxiety-causing situations. Kate offers up very vivid images and metaphors to help anchor us and guide us through these tough times. These scenarios are written with compassion and deep understanding. This is a lovely tool to add to anyone’s mental wellbeing toolbox.

Also, as a bonus - Sarah Polley provides a lovely intro to this book!

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher.

[Shelly Seward · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kate uses imagery and metaphors to help you thought difficult emotional and trying times by asking you to visualize objects in your mind to help you focus and get through anxious times. Each chapter is short and like a mini therapy session. Because the author has lived through, and worked in a field that has had many challenging and stressful times, she is well qualified to speak on the topic of dealing with your mental and emotional health. And because I read an eARC version of this book, I am imagining it as a small book that packs a powerful punch.

Thank you to Simon and Schuster Canada for an eARC.

[Sarah Butland · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the title to the introduction by Sarah Polley, to the size, layout and readability of this book, a therapy session is created, and a friend is made. Something to Hold Onto: Simple Metaphors, Images, and Practical Tools to Transform Your Life is a personal and relatable look at life, struggles and the grief we all endure to come out on top.

Full review to come on The Miramichi Reader, but I loved this book. From the perfectly purse size to the practical tools, I felt better immediately after diving into this read. It felt like I became Robson's friend and became wiser as a result.

Thanks to Simon & Schuster for the gift of an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jessica Tengco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something to Hold Onto is an evidence-based guide for navigating stress especially during this season when anxiety and worry run high. Drawing on proven approaches like EMDR, ACT, and IFS, Kate Robson offers simple, practical metaphors and tools to help us stay grounded, compassionate, and resilient.

As a clinical counsellor, it’s one I want to pick up a copy of for reference. But this collection is very accessible to anyone.

This book is best read over and used many times.