Resources
Helpful Resources
Recommended Reading
Books can help us better understand ourselves, heal old wounds, strengthen our relationships, and live with greater purpose. Several of these great reads below have shaped both my personal journey and my clinical work. Whether you're navigating trauma, anxiety, grief, relationships, or personal growth, we hope you'll find a book or resource that meets you where you are.
Trauma, PTSD & Healing
Bessel van der Kolk – The Body Keeps the Score
The definitive introduction to how trauma affects the brain, body and nervous system, and how healing is possible.
Peter Levine – Waking the Tiger, Healing Trauma, In an Unspoken Voice
Foundational books introducing Somatic Experiencing® and how trauma is stored—and released—through the body.
Gabor Maté – The Myth of Normal, When the Body Says No, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, Scattered Minds
Explores the links between trauma, chronic illness, addiction, ADHD, stress, and emotional health through a compassionate lens.
Janina Fisher – Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors, Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma
Practical and compassionate approaches to healing developmental and complex trauma using parts work.
Judith Herman – Trauma and Recovery
A groundbreaking text that transformed our understanding of psychological trauma and recovery.
Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey – What Happened to You?
An accessible explanation of how early experiences shape our brains, behaviours and relationships.
Pete Walker – Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving
A validating guide for adults recovering from childhood trauma and emotional neglect.
Resmaa Menakem – My Grandmother's Hands
Explores how trauma can be carried individually, culturally and across generations.
Mark Wolynn – It Didn't Start With You
Examines how unresolved family trauma may be passed down through generations.
Nervous System Regulation
Stephen Porges – The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory, Our Polyvagal World
Introduces Polyvagal Theory and explains how our nervous system influences emotions, relationships and healing.
Deb Dana – Anchored, Polyvagal Exercises, The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy
Practical exercises for building nervous system regulation, resilience and a greater sense of safety.
Linda Thai – The Polyvagal Card Deck
Simple daily practices to support emotional regulation and nervous system health.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Parts Work
Richard Schwartz – No Bad Parts, You Are the One You've Been Waiting For
Introduces Internal Family Systems (IFS), helping readers understand and heal the many "parts" within themselves.
Frank Anderson – Transcending Trauma
Combines neuroscience, attachment and IFS to support trauma recovery.
Relationships, Attachment & Couples
Sue Johnson – Hold Me Tight, Love Sense, Attachment Theory in Practice
Explains how secure attachment forms the foundation of healthy, lasting relationships.
John & Julie Gottman – The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, Fight Right, Eight Dates, The Relationship Cure, What Makes Love Last?, Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child
Evidence-based relationship strategies drawn from over four decades of research.
Amir Levine & Rachel Heller – Attached
An excellent introduction to attachment styles in adult relationships.
Harville Hendrix & Helen LaKelly Hunt – Getting the Love You Want
Introduces Imago Relationship Therapy and how childhood experiences shape adult partnerships.
Esther Perel – Mating in Captivity, The State of Affairs
Explores intimacy, desire, infidelity and maintaining connection in long-term relationships.
Stan Tatkin – Wired for Love
Applies attachment science and neuroscience to help couples build secure, lasting relationships.
Dr. Ramani Durvasula – Should I Stay or Should I Go?, Don't You Know Who I Am?, It's Not You
Excellent resources for understanding narcissism, emotional abuse and unhealthy relationship dynamics.
Parenting
Daniel Siegel – Parenting From the Inside Out, The Whole-Brain Child, No-Drama Discipline, The Power of Showing Up
Helps parents understand children's developing brains while increasing connection and emotional resilience.
Gordon Neufeld & Gabor Maté – Hold On to Your Kids
Explores why strong parent-child attachment matters more than peer influence.
Acceptance, Mindfulness & Psychological Flexibility
Russ Harris – The Happiness Trap, ACT Made Simple, The Confidence Gap
Accessible introductions to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), teaching readers how to live well alongside difficult thoughts and emotions.
Steven Hayes – A Liberated Mind, Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life
Foundational ACT books written by one of the therapy's creators.
Eckhart Tolle – The Power of Now, A New Earth
Encourages greater presence, mindfulness and freedom from habitual thinking.
Michael Brown – The Presence Process
A guided emotional healing process rooted in mindfulness and present-moment awareness.
Byron Katie – Loving What Is
Introduces "The Work," a simple inquiry process for examining stressful thoughts.
A.H. Almaas – Diamond Heart
A thoughtful blend of psychology and spiritual inquiry into authentic self-development.
Self-Compassion, Shame & Vulnerability
Kristin Neff – Self-Compassion, Fierce Self-Compassion
Research-based guidance for developing kindness toward yourself during life's challenges.
Brené Brown – The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly, Atlas of the Heart, Rising Strong, Braving the Wilderness
Explores vulnerability, courage, shame resilience and wholehearted living.
Anxiety, Depression & Emotional Well-being
David Burns – Feeling Good
A classic Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) resource for anxiety and depression.
Emily & Amelia Nagoski – Burnout
Explains the science of stress and offers practical strategies for completing the stress cycle.
Rick Hanson – Hardwiring Happiness, Resilient, Neurodharma
Combines neuroscience with practical tools for building resilience and emotional well-being.
Mark Nepo – The Book of Awakening
Daily reflections on living with greater meaning, gratitude and presence.
Boundaries & Healthy Relationships
Henry Cloud & John Townsend – Boundaries, Safe People
Classic guides to creating healthy limits and choosing supportive relationships.
Nedra Glover Tawwab – Set Boundaries, Find Peace, Drama Free
Practical, compassionate guidance for setting boundaries with confidence.
Lindsay Gibson – Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents
A powerful resource for understanding difficult family dynamics and healing from emotionally unavailable parenting.
Harriet Lerner – The Dance of Anger
Helps readers recognize unhealthy relationship patterns and respond with greater clarity and confidence.
Communication
Marshall Rosenberg – Nonviolent Communication
A compassionate framework for expressing needs and resolving conflict with empathy.
Kerry Patterson et al. – Crucial Conversations
Evidence-based communication skills for navigating difficult, high-stakes conversations.
Grief, Loss & Meaning
Viktor Frankl – Man's Search for Meaning
A timeless exploration of finding meaning, hope and purpose through suffering.
David Kessler – Finding Meaning, Finding Meaning Workbook
Offers compassionate guidance for navigating grief while finding hope and purpose after loss.
Megan Devine – It's OK That You're Not OK
Validates grief without trying to "fix" it, offering comfort during profound loss.
Mary-Frances O'Connor – The Grieving Brain
Explains the neuroscience of grief and why loss affects us so deeply.
Addiction & Recovery
Gabor Maté – In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts
Explores addiction through the lens of trauma, compassion and human connection.
Johann Hari – Chasing the Scream, Lost Connections
Challenges traditional understandings of addiction and depression while emphasizing the healing power of connection.
Humanistic, Existential & Jungian Psychology
Irvin Yalom – The Gift of Therapy
Wise reflections and practical insights from one of psychotherapy's most respected clinicians.
Carl Rogers – On Becoming a Person, A Way of Being
The foundational works of person-centred therapy emphasis on empathy, authenticity, and unconditional positive regard.
Carl Jung – Man and His Symbols
An accessible introduction to Jungian psychology, dreams, archetypes and the unconscious.
Habits & Personal Growth
James Clear – Atomic Habits
A practical guide to creating meaningful, lasting behaviour change through small daily improvements.
Recommended Podcasts
Whether you're commuting, exercising, or simply looking to deepen your understanding of mental health, these podcasts offer practical strategies, expert interviews, and compassionate conversations on healing, relationships, resilience, and personal growth.
Trauma, Relationships & Personal Growth
Where Should We Begin? – Esther Perel
Real couples therapy sessions (shared with permission) exploring intimacy, communication, conflict, infidelity, and connection.
The Tim Ferriss Show
Long-form conversations with world-leading psychologists, physicians, neuroscientists, athletes, and resilience experts.
Being Well Podcast – Dr. Rick Hanson & Forrest Hanson
Evidence-based discussions on happiness, resilience, anxiety, trauma, attachment, relationships, and emotional well-being.
Unlocking Us – Brené Brown
Thought-provoking conversations on vulnerability, courage, shame, belonging, leadership, and wholehearted living.
The Mel Robbins Podcast
Practical advice on confidence, boundaries, habits, motivation, relationships, and emotional wellness.
On Purpose – Jay Shetty
Mindfulness, relationships, emotional intelligence, purpose, and personal growth through interviews with leading experts.
Neuroscience & Mental Health
Huberman Lab – Dr. Andrew Huberman
Research-based discussions on stress, sleep, focus, habits, anxiety, motivation, exercise, and brain health.
The Trauma Therapist Podcast – Guy Macpherson
Conversations with leading trauma clinicians covering trauma treatment, nervous system regulation, and healing.
Therapy Chat – Laura Reagan
Interviews with experts in trauma, attachment, mindfulness, EMDR, somatic therapies, and psychotherapy.
Psychology & Therapy
Psychology in Seattle – Dr. Kirk Honda
Thoughtful discussions on relationships, attachment, personality, couples therapy, and mental health.
The Verywell Mind Podcast – Amy Morin
Actionable strategies for building mental strength, resilience, and healthier thinking patterns.
Ten Percent Happier – Dan Harris
Practical conversations about mindfulness, anxiety, emotional resilience, and living with greater presence.
Acceptance & Mindfulness
The Happiness Lab – Dr. Laurie Santos
Evidence-based psychology exploring happiness, habits, well-being, and flourishing.
Sounds True: Insights at the Edge – Tami Simon
Interviews with leading teachers in psychology, mindfulness, trauma, spirituality, and personal development.
Helpful Websites
Crisis Support
- 988 Suicide Crisis Helpline (Canada) — Call or text 988 anytime for immediate emotional support.
- Kids Help Phone — Free, confidential support for children, youth, and young adults.
- Now Matters Now — Free skills and videos for managing suicidal thoughts, emotional pain, and self-harm urges using DBT principles.
Mental Health Education
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)
Excellent educational articles on anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, and mental wellness.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)
Canada's leading mental health teaching hospital with extensive information on mental illness, addiction, and recovery.
Anxiety Canada
Outstanding self-help tools, worksheets, videos, and anxiety management strategies for adults, youth, and parents.
Here to Help BC
British Columbia-based mental health resources covering anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, and wellness.
Trauma & Nervous System Resources
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
Excellent educational resources on childhood trauma, PTSD, attachment, and resilience.
Polyvagal Institute
Educational resources on Polyvagal Theory, nervous system regulation, and trauma recovery.
NICABM (National Institute for the Clinical Application of Behavioral Medicine)
Expert interviews, webinars, and educational resources featuring leading trauma researchers including Bessel van der Kolk, Janina Fisher, Stephen Porges, Pat Ogden, and others.
Mindfulness & Meditation
UCLA Mindful Awareness Research Center
Free guided mindfulness meditations and evidence-based mindfulness education.
Insight Timer
Thousands of free guided meditations, sleep stories, breathing exercises, and relaxation practices.
Relationship Resources
The Gottman Institute
Evidence-based articles, relationship tools, parenting resources, and couples exercises based on over 40 years of research.
The Secure Relationship (Julie Menanno, LCSW)
Excellent attachment-informed articles and social media content focused on building secure relationships.
Recommended Apps
Anxiety & Mental Health
- MindShift CBT (Anxiety Canada) – CBT tools for anxiety, worry, panic, perfectionism, and social anxiety.
- PTSD Coach Canada – Education and coping tools developed for individuals living with PTSD.
- Calm – Meditation, sleep, relaxation, and stress reduction.
- Insight Timer – Free guided meditations and mindfulness practices.
- Balance – Personalized meditation and mindfulness exercises.
- Headspace – Mindfulness, sleep, focus, and emotional well-being.
- Finch – A gentle self-care app that encourages healthy habits through a virtual companion.
Finding a Therapist
If you're looking for additional support, these professional directories can help you find a qualified therapist who fits your needs.
- BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) – Find a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in British Columbia.
- College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)
Find a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario.
- Psychology Today – Search by location, specialty, insurance, and therapeutic approach.
- CounsellingBC is one of British Columbia's largest online directories of mental health professionals.
