Tools for the Journey
Recommended Books
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.