Resources — Astra Counseling & EMDR in Bellingham, WA

Somatics, Trauma and Neurobiology

Body-Based Tools for Difficult Emotions (PDF download) This is a document I put together of various practices you can use to develop body awareness and implement specific practices to help expand your somatic capacity to be with difficult emotions, so they don’t feel like such a tsunami and overtake you.

Video: For bearing the unbearable, Kathy Kain’s “Letting it Be So”

Video: How to Ground the Body after a Traumatic Situation

Video: How to Get out of the Startle (Flight) Reflex

Peter Levine - any of his books - writes on trauma and Somatic Experiencing

Dan Siegel - any of his books - brain based researcher, attachment

Raja Selvam The Practice of Embodying Emotions

Norman Doidge: The Brain that Changes Itself

Bessel van der Kolk: The Body Keeps the Score

Livia Shapiro The Somatic Therapy Workbook

Grounding and Containment

Video: Body Scan Exercise

Video: How to Contain High Level Energy (Overwhelm)

Video: 11 Body Exercises to Reduce Stress

Video: Jamie Marich - her website has great resources in the videos section

Suzanne Scurlock-Durana: Full Body Presence: Learning to Listen to Your Body’s Wisdom

Depression

There is a significant prevalence of mutations in the MTHFR gene variants, which can present as symptoms of depression, lethargy, or low motivation. I recommend clients work with their healthcare professional for testing and if needed, treatment. This may prevent the need for additional supplementation with antidepressants.

Effect of L-methylfolate on Depressive Symptoms in Patients with MTHFR Mutations

Understanding the MTHFR Gene Mutation