The Body Keeps the Score

Bessel van der Kolk’s bestseller helps its readers comprehend the complex effects of trauma and provides a guide to a wide array of scientifically informed approaches to not only reduce suffering, but to move beyond mere survival—and to thrive.

Childhood Disrupted

This book discusses how “our biography becomes our biology” and how emotional trauma and chronic stress have a lifelong impact on our wellbeing. Read shares stories from people who have recognized and overcome their adverse experiences.

Ghosts from the Nursery

The authors discuss the impact of trauma on human life—especially early in life during chemical and structural formation of the brain—and how fundamental preventative measures are imperative in the fight against violence.

The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog

Psychiatrist, Dr. Bruce Perry, shares stories and research insights from his 30+ years of clinical practice. His stories provide a humbling glimpse into the world of childhood trauma and long-term (mental) health consequences.

The Wisdom of Trauma

In this documentary, Dr. Gabor Maté explores and helps the viewer understand the connection between illness, addiction, trauma and society, and advocates for a more trauma-informed society.

Step Inside the Circle

Step Inside the Circle is a video that calls to recognize the physical, emotional and social impact ACEs have wrought upon society and to stress the importance of care (not punishment) going forward in the prison system.

Almost Anxious

It is only human to worry about problems in our lives—but for some, obsessing for weeks and months, avoiding social events and situations due to feelings of panic can become a regular part of our lives. If any of these describe you or a loved one, then you or they may be almost anxious.

Almost Addicted

Do you think your pot smoking is hindering your relationships? Does it feel as if you’re just a tad too dependent on the pills your doctor prescribed for pain? Almost Addicted will help you assess your or your loved one’s drug use and evaluate its impact on relationships, work, and personal well-being.

Scattered Minds

Dr. Gabor Maté discussed ADD and ADHD and why he believes that it is often rooted in (or aggravated by) childhood trauma.

Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness

This book highlights that while mindfulness practices can help reduce stress, caution should be taken when working with trauma survivors. Dr. David Trevleaven provides five key principles for teaching and practicing trauma-sensitive mindfulness.

The ACEs Recovery Workbook

This workbook offers practical, evidence-based skills to help ACE survivors heal from their trauma. In addition to dealing with the symptoms, survivors will learn to address the root cause of their suffering, change the way their brain responds to stress and the outside world.

The Power of Habit

…

Charles Duhigg explains why habits exist and how they can be changed. According to Duhigg, the key to exercising regularly, losing weight, being more productive, and achieving success is understanding how habits work.

Brief Mindful Breathing Exercise

6 mins

Mindfulness Meditation/ Grounding Exercise

10 mins

Mindfulness Emotions Exercise

5 mins

…

Mental Health In-Network Providers

You may browse your insurance’s network for an in-network mental health provider (for example, at Anthem, Kaiser Permanente, or United Healthcare). Please note that most private practice mental health professionals in the U.S. are out-of-network though and their session fee is usually well above the insurance provider’s maximum reimbursement for out-of-network providers (i.e. individuals generally have to pay the majority of the cost out of pocket). So make sure you confirm with your insurance company prior to your first session what your out-of-pocket expense will be.

More affordable counseling/therapy services

In recent years some more affordable and easily accessible therapy services have entered the market (some of which also accept insurance). You may want to take a look at BetterHelp, TalkSpace, or Cerebral.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Introduction to various mental health treatment approaches