The Body Keeps the Score
Bookby Bessel van der Kolk – the foundational lay-readable book on how trauma lives in the body and how the body can help heal it.
Resources
I keep this page short and curated. These are the books, organizations, and tools I return to – for clients, for myself, and for the people who land on this page when they aren't yet sure if therapy is what they want.
If you are in crisis right now, please scroll to the crisis lines first.
If you need help right now
- 988 Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988. Free, confidential, 24/7, in English and Spanish.
- Crisis Text LineText HOME to 741741. Free, 24/7.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Understanding trauma and the body
Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma
Bookby Peter Levine – the simplest, clearest introduction to the somatic dimension of trauma I know.
Trauma Research Foundation
WebsiteResearch and educational resources from the Bessel van der Kolk team.
EMDR – to learn more
EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
WebsiteThe professional association for EMDR therapists in the U.S. The "About EMDR Therapy" section is a good plain-language starting place.
EMDR Foundation
WebsiteResearch foundation supporting EMDR studies and clinician training.
Internal Family Systems
IFS Institute
WebsiteOfficial home of IFS, with resources for both clinicians and the general public.
No Bad Parts
Bookby Richard Schwartz – IFS for non-clinicians. Reads quickly, lands deep.
For parents and caregivers
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
WebsiteResearch-backed resources for parents whose children have experienced trauma. Even if you came here for your own work, this is worth knowing about.
Latinx mental health
Therapy for Latinx
WebsiteA national directory of Latinx mental-health providers. Bilingual.
Latinx Therapy podcast
Podcastby Adriana Alejandre, LMFT – bilingual, accessible, real.
Broader mental-health support
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
WebsitePeer support, education, advocacy. Free helpline and groups.
This list is not exhaustive and is not a substitute for therapy. If something here lands and you want to talk about what to do next, you're welcome to schedule a free 15-minute consultation.