Tools for the Journey

Recommended Books

  • Book cover for "Hold Me Tight" by Dr. Sue Johnson, with a teal background and a red and beige rope tied in a knot.

    Hold Me Tight

    Dr. Sue Johnson

    Based on Emotionally Focused Therapy, this book is a powerful guide for couples looking to break free from negative cycles and build a more secure, loving bond. It offers practical conversations and insights to help you and your partner understand each other's deepest needs.

  • Book cover titled "No Bad Parts" by Richard C. Schwartz, PhD, with a foreword by Alanis Morissette. The cover features an abstract line drawing of a face with overlapping colored shapes in yellow, orange, and teal.

    No Bad Parts

    Dr. Richard Schwartz

    A gentle and revolutionary introduction to the Internal Family Systems (IFS) model. This book will help you understand the different "parts" of yourself (like your inner critic or anxious part) with compassion, leading to greater inner harmony and self-leadership.

  • Book cover with a yellow smiley face and a red title that reads 'The Happiness Trap'. Smaller text above says 'Over One Million Copies Sold'. A red circle indicates this is the second edition with over 50% new material. The subtitle states 'How to Stop Struggling and Start Living'. The author's name, Russ Harris, appears at the bottom.

    The Happiness Trap

    Dr. Russ Harris

    If you feel stuck in a battle with anxiety or difficult thoughts, this book is for you. Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), it provides practical mindfulness skills to help you get unhooked from painful feelings and build a life centered on what truly matters to you.

  • Book cover for 'Man's Search for Meaning' by Viktor E. Frankl, featuring an abstract background with lines and a gold circle noting over 16 million copies sold.

    Man's Search for Meaning

    Viktor E. Frankl

    A foundational text on finding meaning in the midst of suffering. Frankl, a psychiatrist who survived the Holocaust, offers profound insights into resilience and the human drive for purpose. It’s a powerful read for anyone navigating difficult life circumstances.

  • Book cover titled 'Leaving the Fold' with a colorful abstract background, a silhouette of a person walking, and text indicating it is a guide for those leaving their religion, authored by Marlene Winell, Ph.D.

    Leaving the Fold

    Dr. Marlene Winell

    A compassionate and validating guide for those recovering from harmful religious experiences. Dr. Winell provides a framework for understanding the effects of religious trauma and offers a path toward rebuilding your identity and finding wholeness.

  • Cover of the book titled "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel Van Der Kolk, featuring a black abstract human figure with yellow starburst shapes around it on a blue background.

    The Body Keeps the Score

    Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

    A seminal work on how trauma physically reshapes both the body and brain. While it can be a dense read, it is profoundly validating for those who have experienced trauma, explaining how somatic-based therapies can help heal the wounds that talk therapy alone sometimes can't reach.

Helpful Podcasts & Apps

  • Letter O above the words 'BEING' on a white background.

    On Being

    Krista Tippett

    A beautiful and expansive podcast that explores the great questions of meaning, faith, and ethics with scientists, theologians, artists, and teachers from a wide variety of backgrounds. A wonderful resource for anyone interested in the spiritual and existential dimensions of life.

  • Text on a textured background reading 'Other People's Problems' with a CBC logo above.

    Other People's Problems

    Hillary McBride

    Eavesdrop on raw, intimate, and anonymous therapy sessions with registered psychologist Hillary McBride. This podcast offers a deeply compassionate look at the therapeutic process and the universal nature of human struggle, revealing our profound capacity for healing and connection.

  • Logo for Allender Center Podcast, featuring a stylized letter 'A' encircled by the words 'Allender Center' and 'Podcast' below.

    The Allendar Center Podcast

    Dan Allender and Linda Royster

    This podcast explores the deep, often hidden impacts of trauma and abuse on the human heart and relationships through a narrative and relational lens. While rooted in a Christian perspective, its psychological insights are valuable for a broad audience.

  • The word 'Calm' written in white cursive on a blue gradient background.

    Calm

    If you feel stuck in a battle with anxiety or difficult thoughts, this book is for you. Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), it provides practical mindfulness skills to help you get unhooked from painful feelings and build a life centered on what truly matters to you.

  • Colorful abstract design with the word 'headspace' and a simple smiling face underneath.

    Headspace

    Focuses on teaching the fundamentals of meditation and mindfulness in a structured, accessible way. Its themed courses and short "minis" are perfect for building a consistent daily practice.

  • A round, empty, brown wooden bowl.

    Insight Timer

    Offers a massive library of free guided meditations from thousands of teachers, covering a wide range of traditions and styles. It's excellent for those who want to explore different types of mindfulness practice. I recommend exploring "body scan" meditations for anxiety and "loving-kindness" meditations for self-criticism.

Crisis & Community Support

If you are in crisis, please seek immediate help. This is not a comprehensive list, but a starting point.

  • National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 anytime in the U.S. Confidential, free, and available 24/7.

  • Tennessee Statewide Crisis Line: Call 855-CRISIS-1 (855-274-7471) for immediate, local support.

  • The Trevor Project: Specialized support for LGBTQ young people. Call 1-866-488-7386 or text START to 678-678.

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788.

  • NAMI Tennessee (National Alliance on Mental Illness): Offers support, education, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness. A great resource for finding local support groups.