Resources from a Relational Trauma Counselor
This list brings together respected voices in psychology, trauma therapy, and relationship counseling. These resources span several key areas of healing and growth:
Understanding Narcissistic Relationships: For those navigating or recovering from relationships with narcissistic individuals and/or systems, these resources offer education about antagonistic patterns, validation for survivors, and practices for re-establishing a strong sense of self.
Healing from Relational Trauma: These works provide compassionate approaches to understanding and healing from adverse childhood experiences, complex trauma, and other forms of relational trauma, helping you move from survival to thriving.
Building Healthy Attachments: Learn about secure attachment, emotional connection, and building stronger relationships, whether with partners, family members, or yourself.
Embodied Healing Approaches: Discover how to reconnect with your body's wisdom and process trauma through proven therapeutic approaches like EMDR and somatic experiencing.
Each book and resource has been selected for its evidence-based approach and practical applications. You may find some sections more relevant than others, and that's okay – healing is a personal journey, and you're encouraged to explore what resonates with you at your own pace.
Narcissistic Relationship Dynamics
Will I Ever Be Good Enough, Dr. Karyl McBride
Will I Ever Be Free of You, Dr. Karyl McBride
It’s Not You, Dr. Ramani Durvasula
Should I Stay or Should I Go: Surviving a Relationship with a Narcissist, Dr. Ramani Durvasula
Healing from Relational Trauma
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents, Dr. Lindsay Gibson
Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving, Pete Walker
Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma, Peter Levine
No Bad Parts, Richard Schwartz
Believing Me, a memoir by Dr. Ingrid Clayton
Attachment & Relationships
The Power of Attachment, Dr. Diane Poole Heller
Hold Me Tight, Dr. Sue Johnson
Secure Love, Julie Menanno
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, Dr. John Gottman
The ADHD Effect on Marriage: Understand and Rebuild your Relationship in Six Steps, Melissa Orlov
Embodiment & EMDR
The Wisdom of Your Body, Dr. Hilary McBride
Practices for Embodied Living, Dr. Hilary McBride
Getting Past Your Past, Dr. Francine Shapiro
Anchored: How to Befriend your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory, Deb Dana
Remember: Healing isn’t linear. As you explore these resources, be gentle with yourself and take your time. Know that it's okay to take breaks when needed.
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