Resources

Websites:

  • If you are a First Responder or the spouse of a First Responder visit Foundation1023. Foundation 1023 is a wonderful nonprofit that fully funds mental health services for First Responders and/or their families. They are now serving the Texas Panhandle!
  • If you are a cancer survivor, regardless of where you are in the treatment or recovery process visit 24survivorship.org for resources and information targeting the unique needs of cancer survivors.
  • Visit the EMDR International Association for more information and resources regarding EMDR therapy
  • The Child Trauma Academy has multiple online resources regarding child development, trauma, and attachment.
  • Empowered to Connect has multiple resources for foster and adoptive parents including online videos and articles.

Books:

  • The Complex PTSD Workbook by Arielle Schwartz
    • This is a wonderful resource for those working through complex trauma. It outlines ways to conceptualize trauma and make sense of your experience. It normalizes the stress response and modes of survival as well as discussing effective treatment options.
  • Burnout by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski speaks to managing ongoing stress, body image, the importance of rest, self-compassion, and the cultural factors that influence these things. The target audience for this book is women but it is relevant to us all. 
  • The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
    • As far as I have read this is the most comprehensive book on trauma currently available. Van der Kolk explains how trauma impacts the brain and body and presents treatment approaches backed by research. There are chapters on EMDR, somatic therapies, and CBT (all of treatments that are provided here).
  • The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene Brown
    • I love the work of Brene Brown.  This book was personally meaningful to me as a recovering perfectionist myself. Brene discusses how to “let go of who you think you are supposed to be and embrace who you are”.
  • Daring Greatly by Brene Brown
    • Another great book by Brene Brown. This book discusses how vulnerability often takes courage and risk but as a result leads to true connection, gratitude, and joy.
  • The Whole Brained Child by Daniel Siegel
    • This is a wonderful resource for every parent (including myself). If you want to understand how to parent in a positive, relational, and brain friendly way this is for you.
  • Trauma Proofing Your Kids by Peter Levine and Maggie Kline
    • Another great resource for parents of all walks. Children, no matter how protected or “healthy” may endure potentially traumatizing events (this could be anything from a scary medical procedure to the divorce of their parents). This book discusses ways to help your child process these events in a healthy way.
  • Mindsight by Daniel Siegel
    • This is a great resource for those who want to learn more about neuroscience and the process of mindfulness. It includes multiple case studies and mindfulness activities. I have used this as a resource for myself as well as my clients.
  • Building Emotional Intelligence by Linda Lantieri and Daniel Goleman
    • Another great parenting resource. This book outlines ways to help your children build mindfulness and emotional intelligence. It include scripted activities and an audio CD.
  • The Connected Child by Karen Purvis
    • A must read for anyone who cares for hurting children. Dr. Purvis discusses real strategies for building a healthy attachment with wounded children.
  • The Boy Raised as a Dog by Bruce Perry
    • This book discusses the how trauma, neglect, and transition impact young brains. Dr. Perry shares case studies to illustrate interventions that heal and reorganize the traumatized brain.

Our Favorite TED Talks:

  • Amy Cuddy Your body language shapes who you are is a great talk about the power of body language.
  • Brene Brown’s The power of vulnerability is one of my favorites. She expresses the importance of vulnerability in wholehearted living and connection.
  • Nora McInery’s talk on grief is phenomenal. Grief is not something you fix, it is something you experience. 
  • Jon Ronson’s talk When online shaming goes too far is a powerful and eye-opening look at how we are vulnerable to jumping on the side of shame in the name of social justice. Accountability is important but so is compassion.