Recommended Books, Podcasts & Tools
'The Body Keeps the Score' by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
This groundbreaking book helped to shape my understanding of trauma and its impact on the mind and body. I read it when it was first published, and it not only expanded my awareness of how trauma is held in the nervous system, but also inspired me to pursue specialized training in trauma-focused therapies.
Whether you’re just beginning to explore how trauma may be affecting your life or you’re looking to understand the science behind body-based healing approaches, this book offers valuable insight delivered with compassion and clarity.
Note: Some sections of the book describe traumatic experiences in detail. I encourage you to pace yourself and take breaks as needed while reading.
Purchase or Learn More: The Body Keeps The Score
'The Let Them Theory' by Mel Robbins
This simple yet powerful concept offers a refreshing perspective on boundaries, control, and emotional freedom. Rather than exhausting yourself trying to manage other people’s behaviors or expectations, Mel Robbins encourages us to “let them”—to release what’s out of our control and refocus that energy on our own well-being.
It’s a helpful reminder for anyone working through people-pleasing tendencies, boundary struggles, or relationship patterns that feel draining. Sometimes the most freeing choice we can make is to let them… and keep moving forward with peace.
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'Attached' by Amir Levine, M.D., and Rachel HellerIf you’ve ever wondered why some relationships feel easy and secure while others are filled with anxiety, distance, or confusion, this book offers valuable insight. Attached introduces the concept of attachment styles—patterns formed early in life that shape how we connect with others in adult relationships.
Whether you identify as anxious, avoidant, or secure in your attachment style, this book helps you understand your relationship patterns and offers practical strategies for building healthier, more satisfying connections. It’s a helpful guide for anyone wanting to improve their romantic relationships or gain better self-awareness in how they relate to others.
Purchase or Learn More: Attached
'Anchored' by Deb Dana, LCSW
Anchored offers a gentle, accessible introduction to understanding your nervous system and how it responds to stress and safety. Based on Polyvagal Theory, this book helps you learn why you might feel anxious, shut down, or disconnected at times—and more importantly, how to gently guide yourself back to a place of calm and connection.
Filled with simple exercises and real-life examples, Anchored teaches you how to notice the state of your nervous system and use small, practical tools to feel more grounded and balanced. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to improve emotional regulation and feel more in control of their responses to stress.
Purchase or Learn More: Anchored
'The Complex PTSD Workbook', by Dr. Arielle Schwartz
If you’ve lived through ongoing stress or painful experiences—especially from childhood—this workbook can help you make sense of how that’s affecting you today. Dr. Schwartz offers simple, practical tools to manage overwhelming emotions, calm your nervous system, and feel more in control of your life. This gentle guide supports you in reclaiming a sense of safety, empowerment, and wholeness.
Purchase or Learn More: The Complex PTSD Workbook
Therapy Chat Podcast
Hosted by Laura Reagan, LCSW-C, Therapy Chat explores topics related to trauma, attachment, emotional well-being, and personal growth. With warmth and compassion, Laura interviews leading experts in the mental health field and shares practical insights to help listeners understand themselves better and navigate life’s challenges.
Whether you’re curious about trauma healing, boundaries, self-compassion, or nervous system regulation, this podcast offers thoughtful conversations and accessible tools for creating meaningful change.
🎧 Listen to Therapy Chat Podcast Here
The Mel Robbins Podcast
This is one of my personal favorites and a resource I often recommend to clients. Mel covers a wide array of topics related to health and well-being, often interviewing experts in various fields to share helpful tips and real-life strategies.
🎧 Listen to The Mel Robbins Podcast Here
Journaling & Emotional Awareness Apps 📝
Daylio – Mood and activity tracker with a minimalist, easy-to-use interface. Great for spotting emotional patterns.
Moodnotes – Helps users reflect on their thoughts and feelings through journaling with light CBT guidance.
Stoic – Journaling and reflection prompts grounded in mindfulness and emotional resilience.
Calm With Kyle (YouTube Channel) 📺
This channel offers a variety of calming videos where Kyle gently walks you through grounding and calming tools. His soothing voice and clear explanations make it easy to follow along and find a sense of ease, especially when feeling overwhelmed or anxious.
Visit Calm With Kyle Here
23 ½ Hours (YouTube Video) 📺
This short and impactful video explores one simple lifestyle change that can significantly improve both physical and mental health: moving your body. With humor and clear research-based insights, it highlights how even small amounts of regular movement can lead to big improvements in mood, anxiety, and overall well-being.