Books I Love
A Better Way of Dying: How to Make the Best Choices at the End of Life by Jeanne Fitzpatrick & Eileen M. Fitzpatrick A doctor and a lawyer describe the 5-step Compassion Protocol. This protocol goes beyond the advanced directive or living will to ensure comfort and control at the end of life.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk, MD Using patient stories and scientific knowledge, Dr van der Kolk describes how trauma impacts the body and brain. This book is considered THE resource for understanding trauma. Many of the patient stories are quite grim, though, and could be triggering.
It’s Not about Food: End Your Obsession with Food and Weight by Carol Emery Normandi Filled with inspiration, patient stories, and practical advice, this book paves a gentle path for people who want to eat in a way that reflects love for themselves and their bodies.
EMDR Essentials: A Guide for Clients and Therapists by Barb Maiberger What is this EMDR stuff? This book will tell you. It’s written by the person who trained me so you’ll get a good sense of how I use this method.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain Do you need alone time to recharge? … feel overwhelmed in group discussions? … hate small talk? .. judge yourself for this? Read this book! Introverts are half of the population, but our culture values extroversion. These quiet thinkers among us bring value, depth, and peace… if we can only stop to appreciate them and ourselves.
Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why by Laurence Gonzales Our bodies and brains respond to threats by activating the sympathetic nervous system. When this is activated at the wrong time, we have a panic attack and then wonder why we’re built this way. This book describes the sympathetic nervous system response by describing what happens when the sympathetic nervous system is activated in a real life-and-death situation.
This Naked Mind by Annie Grace Written for folks who are reassessing the role of alcohol in their lives, Annie Grace brings an insightful and liberating perspective. She explores how alcohol and drinking reinforces societal messages that we are not good enough as we are. This is a great one for people who are interested in challenging damaging societal norms and living in a free and authentic life.
Relaxation
The Meditation Podcast — This site offers free 30 minute secular guided meditations. Many of the themes are relevant for people who have medical concerns. They use biaural beats technology (playing different tones in each ear), so you’ll need to listen with headphones to get the full benefit. I love their content.
Bilateral Music Playlist — Great for folks who are incorporating EMDR “feel good” exercises into their daily wellness routine. Listen with headphones.
Bilateral Nature Sounds Playlist — EMDR-style relaxation with nature sounds. Listen with headphones.
Bilateral Tones Playlist — EMDR-style relaxation with nothing fancy– just the tones. Headphones needed.