Videos for Children & Adults: Emotions & Body's Response
The emotions we feel are connected to our brain's function.
Our body is always looking for danger. It has a fight, flight, and freeze response that works faster than our rational mind.
How does our brain function when we "flip our lid?" Great video for children and adults.
Feelings of anger can take over our body. This video shows anger on the body and how to calm our nervous system.
The brain develops until the age of 25! Learn how the brain develops in the teenage years.
Empathy and sympathy are different. Empathy is perspective taking, staying out of judgment, and recognizing emotion in others.
Charles Schaefer identifies 20 reasons why play is important.
Importance of child's first interactions
This video is a look at the importance of connection between adult and child. The ability to attune to your child is critical to the child's ability to feel secure.
For Parents
Bill of Rights for Children of Divorced Parents by LeAnn DeHoff, PhD, LMHC
A lot of parents get divorced, and children get stuck in the middle, even in the easiest cases. What are the child's rights?
No-Drama Discipline by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson.
Recommended for parents who are looking for gentler ways to redirect and instruct children's behaviors.
Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life: Life-Changing Tools for Healthy Relationships by Marshall B. Rosenberg
Nonviolent communication validates children's emotions and works towards meeting their needs.
Solving Sleep Problems in Children with ASD by Terry Katz, PhD & Beth Ann Malow, MD, MS
A great book for parents who have trouble getting children to sleep. Although the book is catered towards children who have ASD, the tactics are good for all children.
The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children by Ross W. Greene, PhD
Parents can reshape the future of their children who have intense emotions.
The Opposite of Worry: The Playful Parenting Approach to Childhood Anxieties and Fears by Lawrence J. Cohen, PhD
Great read for parents who have children who are anxious. Hint -- play is an important action to connect with your child, provide a safe environment, and increase their confidence.
The Power of Showing Up: How Parental Presence Shapes Who Our Kids Become and How Their Brains Get Wired by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson.
The Yes Brain: How to Cultivate Courage, Curiosity, and Resilience in Your Child by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson.
The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind, Survive Everyday Parenting Struggles, and Help Your Family Thrive by Daniel Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson.
For Therapists Who Work With Children
Dibs In Search of Self by Virginia M. Axline
Dibs has a difficult time fitting into his world. An example of the therapeutic powers of play.
Guiding Your Child Through Grief by Jame P. Emswiler and Mary Ann Emswiler
Parents and caregivers are many times at a loss when trying to help their children navigate loss. Therapist can normalize that coping with loss is person-centered and doesn't always make sense.
The Boy Who Was Raised As A Dog by Bruce D. Perry, MD, PhD and Maia Szalavitz
Perry and Szalavitz share stories and insights about children who have lived through traumatic events. Just like a muscle that has been exercised, our body and brains remember events from our earliest moments in life. A great complement to "The Body Keeps The Score" by van der Kolk.
When Parents Are At War by Lynn Louise Wonders
Wonders identifies how child therapists can work with parents and grandparents of divorce.
What is filial therapy / child parent relationship therapy?
For Couples
Attached by Amir Levine, MD and Rachel S. F. Heller, MA
Individual attachment style effects intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships.
Eight Dates by Gottman, Gottman, Abrams, & Abrams.
A very helpful read if you are looking for ways to connect with your partner and discuss eight essential conversations.
Hold Me Tight by Susan Johnson, Ed.D.
A great book for couples who need new ways of communicating and working together.
The State of Affairs by Esther Perel
Esther Perel reminds us that we are human, and recovering from infidelity is possible.
For Therapists Who Want To Be Trauma-Informed
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy by Francine Shapiro
EMDR therapy uses your brain's natural process to heal previous traumas.
Our body remembers traumatic events, even when we think it is behind us.
Many people have PTSD. This book identifies CBT techniques to minimize PTSD symptoms.
There is no limit to the amount of suffering and joy in this life. Both are endless.
Your body remembers traumatic events. Reclaim the space of your body through yoga.
** I don't make any money from these recommendations.