Resources
A few of my favorite things....
Trauma recovery is as much about healing the body as it is the mind. Yet, so often, the focus of healing involves retelling the story of the past without addressing the physiological imbalances that trauma leaves in its wake
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Therapeutic Yoga for Trauma Recovery bridges this path of healing between the psyche and the body by walking you through the sacred practice of yoga so you can release the burdens of trauma from your body and mind.
I use this book with many of my clients in our sessions and as homework.
Trauma is a fact of life. So says Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the world’s foremost experts on trauma, and an OG on the mind-body psychology scene.
In The Body Keeps the Score, he uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising people's capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. Yup. IT' real.
He explores neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga—that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain’s natural neuroplasticity.
I love practical tools that help create real change in a person's ability to stay present, and detach from anxious thoughts, feelings and sensations. Which is why I love Dr. Aprilia West's ACT card deck. It has 54 exercises that will help you do things like:
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Anchor yourself in the power of the present moment
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Sit with uncomfortable or unwanted emotions
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Unhook from unhelpful thoughts and limiting stories
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Clarify what matters most in pivotal moments
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These squishy balls are so soothing and help you vent your anger, anxiety and stress in a healthy and safe way. They change color when you smoosh them and cam also be a great sensory toy for people with ADHD.
If you are looking for a way to teach your kids to self soothe, these toys are also a great resource. My 4 year old loves them!
The slow and rhythmic drops of this liquid bubble timer have a soothing effect and help fight anxiety, boredom and stress. I do NOT use them as a timer. I do use them in my office in between clients as a mental break/reset. These are also great for kids and can help with self soothing and sensory input.