Free Resources and Book Recommendations

There is SO much information out there about nervous system health, trauma healing, and relationships. This is great and can also contribute to overwhelm.

Below is a curated list of people and books that I trust and have learned from. Someday, I predict, we will all learn about nervous system health and healing in school, until then, share widely! And also consume slowly... see what calls to you, there is time to learn what you need to know, and Divine timing for that knowledge. Consider setting a time limit for videos and podcasts to not go too deep down the rabbit holes!

Because I can't work in depth with everyone who would benefit from this information and healing, know that I also offer FREE 20-minute "Discovery Calls". You can learn more about my services and/or these can be informative Q&A sessions to guide you on what resources or simple techniques might be helpful for you (one free call per month, starting Jan. 15, 2026). Both types of calls include zero pressure to sign up for a program, I just truly want this important information out in the world!

Nervous System Education

Dr. Aimie Apigian - her free podcasts are loaded with great information
Irene Lyon - her YouTube channel will keep you busy! Pace yourself...

Parenting and Helping Kids

What I love about these books is they first show you how to calm yourself as a parent or caregiver before trying to help children. Our own healing is the BEST way to help our kids!

"The Tapping Solution for Parents, Children and Teenagers" by Nick Ortner
"Trauma-proofing Your Kids" by Peter A. Levine and Maggie Kline
"Brainstorm: The power and purpose of the teenage brain" by Daniel J. Siegel, MD - a book written for both teenagers and parents to help understand this exciting time and debunks myths about teenagers

Befriending the Body

"The Body is Not an Apology: The power of radical self-love" by Sonya Renee Taylor - most of us were not taught that our Body is beautiful or that it is actually our very best friend, this book is an antidote to those messages

Healing and Nature

"Ravenwood, The Healing Forest: Indigenous wisdom, life threatening illness & awakening the heart" by Corinna Stevenson - powerful invitations to nurture your connection with Nature which in turn deepens your relationship with yourself

Trauma Healing

There is a lot out there, but Peter A. Levine is the father of somatic practices. Anything by him is a good bet. Some books that talk about trauma have examples in them that are traumatizing in and of themselves, but Peter Levine's books are gentle on the system.

Intimate Relationships

"Fight Right" by Julie Schwartz Gottman, PhD and John Gottman, PhD - most of us never learned how to "fight" in a way that increases connection and understanding, this book shows the way
In fact, read anything by the Gottmans! As long as there is not abuse or addiction involved, their books are the gold standard.
"Coming Home to Passion: Restoring Loving Sexuality in Couples with Histories of Childhood Trauma and Neglect" by Ruth Cohn - excellent book with amazing descriptions of how trauma and neglect affects relationships and what to do about it, reads like having coffee with a wise, and funny, matriarch

Other Helpful Stuff...

"Atlas of the Heart: Mapping meaningful connection and the language of human experience" by Brene Brown - a beautiful deep dive into the whole gamut of human emotions
"The Assertiveness Workbook: How to express your ideas & stand up for yourself at work & in relationships" by Randy J. Paterson, PhD - you might think a workbook sounds boring, but this is actually an entertaining book and super useful!
"Life's Journeys According to Mister Rogers: Things to remember along the way" by Fred Rogers - a book of short quotes, because who is more calming to the nervous system than Mr. Rogers? And remember, he likes us just the way we are!