These carefully selected resources can deepen your understanding of trauma, grief, and healing. Whether you're currently in therapy or exploring on your own, these materials offer valuable insights into the recovery process.
Recommended Books
Brainspotting: The Revolutionary New Therapy for Rapid and Effective Change
by David Grand, PhD
A deep dive into the neuroscience-based therapy that forms the foundation of my approach to trauma treatment. Dr. Grand, the founder of Brainspotting, explains how this method accesses the brain's natural ability to heal from trauma, anxiety, and emotional pain.
Best for: Anyone interested in understanding how Brainspotting works and why it's so effective for trauma that talk therapy cannot reach.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
by Bessel van der Kolk, MD
A groundbreaking exploration of how traumatic stress impacts the brain and body through the most recent scientific advances. Dr. van der Kolk draws on decades of clinical experience to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain.
Best for: Understanding the physiological impact of trauma and why body-based therapies like Brainspotting are essential for healing.
The Grief Recovery Handbook: The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses
by John W. James and Russell Friedman
The foundational book outlining the Grief Recovery Method® that I use with clients. This practical, action-oriented guide provides step-by-step tools to complete the unfinished emotions related to any type of loss.
Best for: Anyone dealing with grief from death, divorce, infertility, or other significant losses who wants concrete actions to take for healing.
It Didn't Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are
by Mark Wolynn
An exploration of how trauma can be passed down through generations and how to break these inherited patterns. Combines science with practical exercises for healing intergenerational trauma.
Best for: Those interested in family patterns, attachment wounds, and understanding how your family's history impacts your present.
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be
by Brené Brown
A guide to cultivating courage, compassion, and connection while embracing vulnerability and authenticity. Essential reading for highly sensitive people and empaths.
Best for: Anyone struggling with shame, perfectionism, or the feeling of not being "enough."
Recommended Podcasts & Talks
Brené with Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce D. Perry on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing
Unlocking Us with Brené Brown
A powerful conversation that helps you understand the differences between capital "T" Trauma and little "t" trauma, and why both are equally detrimental to the brain and body. An accessible, neuroscience-based discussion about how trauma impacts us and how we heal.
Key topics: Types of trauma, developmental trauma, regulation, and relational healing
Dr. Gabor Maté ON: Understanding Your Trauma & How to Heal Emotional Wounds
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
Dr. Maté discusses the link between childhood trauma and adult illness, the importance of authenticity, and how to begin healing emotional wounds from the past.
Key topics: Trauma and disease, emotional authenticity, compassionate inquiry, and healing childhood wounds
Understanding Traumatic Stress
Trauma isn't just about major catastrophic events. Many of the symptoms below can result from "small-t" traumas like chronic stress, emotional neglect, or ongoing relationship difficulties.
Symptoms of Undischarged Traumatic Stress
Physical Symptoms
- Hypervigilance / hyperarousal
- Panic attacks
- Chronic pain or tension
- Sleep disturbances
- Digestive issues
- Fatigue or low energy
- Headaches or migraines
Emotional Symptoms
- Overwhelming anxiety
- Depression or numbness
- Irritability or rage
- Shame or guilt
- Difficulty feeling joy
- Emotional flooding
- Dissociation or "checking out"
Cognitive Symptoms
- Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory problems
- Negative self-talk
- Catastrophic thinking
- Hypervigilance to threat
Behavioral Symptoms
- Avoidance of reminders
- Social withdrawal
- Difficulty in relationships
- Substance use to cope
- Self-destructive behaviors
- Difficulty trusting others
If you recognize several of these symptoms, Brainspotting or trauma-focused therapy may help you heal.
Additional Resources
Brainspotting International
Official organization for Brainspotting, with research, therapist directory, and educational materials.
Visit brainspotting.com →The Grief Recovery Institute
Official site for the Grief Recovery Method®, offering resources, support groups, and information about the program.
Visit griefrecoverymethod.com →National Center for PTSD
Comprehensive information about trauma, PTSD, and evidence-based treatments from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Visit ptsd.va.gov →Ready to Begin Your Healing Journey?
These resources are a great start, but nothing replaces the support of therapy tailored to your needs.
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