Resources
Here I recommend a variety of books, on various topics related to my work.
These resources can be educational, helpful for healing, or offer alternative perspectives. You might even find them worth purchasing. As part of our work together, I may recommend certain books to clients. It’s important to note that some texts could be triggering, so please approach them with care. If necessary, I’m here to provide support in navigating through any challenges they may bring up. Feel free to schedule some time to discuss this further with me.
Disclaimer: my website has affiliate links with retailers such as Booktopia which means I may receive a commission for a sale that I refer, at no extra cost to you.
Pain and Perception delves into the intricate relationship between our perceptions and experiences of pain. Co-authored by Daniel Harvie and Dr Lorimer Moseley, this illuminating book challenges conventional understandings of pain by exploring how our brain’s interpretation of sensory input influences our perception of pain. Drawing from cutting-edge research in neuroscience and psychology, the authors unravel the complexities of pain perception, highlighting the role of factors such as attention, expectation, and belief systems in shaping our pain experiences.
Through engaging narratives and accessible explanations, The book offers readers a profound insight into the mind-body connection, empowering them to better understand and manage their own pain. With its blend of scientific rigour and practical insights, this book promises to revolutionise the way we think about and approach pain management.
Explain Pain: Protectometer Pack by David Butler and Dr Lorimer Moseley offers a groundbreaking approach to understanding and managing chronic pain. Through their extensive research and expertise in neuroscience and pain science, Butler and Moseley present a comprehensive toolkit for individuals seeking relief from persistent pain.
Central to their approach is the concept of the “Protectometer,” a metaphorical device that represents the brain’s protective mechanisms in response to perceived threats. When I educate clients about pain, I frequently use the Protectometer to assist clients managing thoughts related to pain. This book serves as an invaluable resource for all my clients navigating the complexities of chronic pain.
Living Beyond Your Pain: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by JoAnn Dahal, Tobias Lundgren, and Steven Hayes introduces clients to the transformative principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in managing chronic pain. This workbook has the remarkable ability to reshape my clients perspectives on their pain experiences. I integrate the ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) approach with clients who grapple with pain.
The workbook serves as a compassionate guide, offering insights on how clients can transcend the constraints imposed by pain and embrace a life of richness and meaning. Drawing from the profound expertise of the authors, who are esteemed authorities in the field, The workbook really does extend a message of hope, empowerment, and a clear path for cultivating resilience and vitality amidst chronic pain.
For all my clients embarking on the journey of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, this workbook is an invaluable companion.
Healing Painful Sex by Deborah Coady & Nancy Fish offers a compassionate guide for individuals struggling with the often taboo and distressing concerns of painful sex. Drawing from their expertise as gynaecologists specialising in sexual medicine, the authors delve into the complex physical, emotional, and relational factors contributing to this condition. Through a blend of medical insights, practical advice, and personal anecdotes, the book explores various causes of painful intercourse, ranging from medical conditions to psychological and interpersonal dynamics.
From diagnosis to treatment options, including medical interventions, lifestyle changes, and therapeutic approaches, the authors empower readers with knowledge and tools to reclaim their sexual well-being. With sensitivity and understanding, This book offers hope and guidance to those seeking relief from this common yet often misunderstood issue, fostering a journey towards healing and fulfilment in intimate relationships. I highly recommend this book for those who have vulva/vaginal pain.
Somatic Therapy Workbook by Livia Shapiro offers a comprehensive guide to somatic therapy techniques aimed at healing both mind and body. Through a series of exercises, reflections, and practical tools, Shapiro introduces readers to the principles of somatic therapy, which emphasises the connection between physical sensations, emotions, and psychological well-being.
The workbook begins by exploring the basic concepts of somatic therapy, including the role of the body in processing trauma, stress, and emotional experiences. Shapiro then leads readers through a series of exercises designed to increase body awareness, regulate emotions, and release tension stored in the body.
Throughout the workbook, Shapiro provides insights into the mind-body connection and offers strategies for cultivating greater self-awareness and resilience. Drawing on a range of somatic therapy techniques, including breath work, movement, and mindfulness practices, readers are guided toward a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences. The The workbook empowers you to embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal transformation.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk one of the worlds leading experts in trauma. This is a profound exploration of how trauma deeply impacts the mind, brain, and body. Through poignant narratives and scientific research, van der Kolk guides you on a compassionate journey to understand the complexities of trauma and its lasting effects on individuals.
With empathy and insight, he delves into the various ways trauma manifests itself, from PTSD to dissociation, and how it can disrupt one’s sense of self and relationships. Van der Kolk emphasises the importance of recognising trauma not just as a mental disorder, but as a physiological experience deeply embedded in the body.
Throughout the pages, you are met with stories of resilience and healing, highlighting the transformative power of therapies such as yoga, mindfulness, and EMDR in helping individuals reclaim their lives from the grips of trauma. By integrating the latest findings in neuroscience and psychology, van der Kolk offers a holistic understanding of trauma and paves the way for hope and healing. His book serves as a compassionate guide for anyone seeking to understand trauma.
The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture, by Dr. Gabor Maté delves into the intricate relationship between trauma, societal norms, and the pervasive illnesses that afflict modern society. Through a compassionate exploration, Maté challenges the conventional notion of ‘normalcy’, revealing how it often masks underlying wounds and perpetuates suffering. Drawing from his extensive experience as a physician and addiction expert, Maté sheds light on the profound impact of trauma on mental and physical health, offering insights into the pathways of healing within a culture that often exacerbates rather than alleviates distress. With empathy and wisdom, he invites you to reconsider your understanding of health, illness, and the transformative power of self-awareness and compassion.
Touch Matters: Handshakes, Hugs, and the New Science on How Touch Can Enhance Your Well-being, by Michael Banissy delves into the fascinating world of tactile communication and its profound impact on our physical and emotional health. Many people today lack social, safe physical touch and connection. Through a blend of scientific research and personal anecdotes, Banissy explores the significance of touch in human interaction, from the evolutionary roots of tactile communication to its role in building trust, fostering social bonds, and even influencing our mental health.
The book takes you on a journey through the latest findings in neuroscience, psychology, and sociology to uncover the profound effects of touch on our brains and bodies. Banissy examines the power of simple gestures like handshakes and hugs to convey emotions, strengthen relationships, and alleviate stress. He also delves into the therapeutic potential of touch, exploring how practices like massage therapy and cuddle therapy can promote relaxation, reduce anxiety, and enhance overall well-being.
The book compels the argument for incorporating more positive touch into our lives and highlights the ways in which society can benefit from a greater understanding of tactile communication. Whether you’re interested in the science behind human connection or seeking practical advice for improving your own well-being through touch, this book provides valuable insights and actionable strategies for harnessing the power of touch in your everyday life.
Truth and Repair: How Trauma Survivors Envision Justice delves into the complex intersection of trauma, justice, and healing through the insightful lens of Judith Herman. Drawing upon years of research and clinical experience, Herman illuminates the profound impact of trauma on survivors and explores their visions for justice in the aftermath of such experiences.
The book navigates the intricate dynamics of trauma, highlighting its pervasive effects on individuals, communities, and society as a whole. Through compelling narratives and empirical evidence, Herman underscores the urgent need for a justice framework that acknowledges and addresses the multifaceted needs of survivors.
Central to Herman’s exploration is the concept of truth-telling as a foundational element of justice. She examines the transformative power of survivors’ stories in reclaiming agency, confronting injustice, and fostering societal accountability. Moreover, Herman emphasises the importance of creating spaces where survivors can speak their truths without fear of stigma or retribution.
In addition to truth-telling, Herman elucidates the concept of repair as a fundamental aspect of justice. She advocates for comprehensive approaches to healing that encompass not only individual recovery but also collective restoration and societal transformation. By prioritising survivors’ voices and experiences, Herman argues for a justice paradigm that priorities empathy, compassion, and empowerment. Something that is seriously lacking in Australia’s justice system. Australia’s justice system exhibits a serious deficiency, frequently resulting in prolonged and exacerbated suffering for survivors of trauma. Something that urgently needs to change.
Judiths work offers a groundbreaking perspective on justice that transcends traditional legal frameworks. Through a nuanced examination of trauma survivors’ perspectives,
When Religion Hurts You by Laura Anderson explores the profound impact of religious beliefs and practices on individual well-being. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, psychological insights, and scholarly research, Anderson delves into the ways in which religion can become a source of pain and suffering for individuals.
The synopsis follows the journey of individuals who have experienced various forms of harm within religious contexts, ranging from psychological manipulation to outright abuse. Anderson highlights how dogmatic beliefs, rigid social structures, and unchecked authority can contribute to the erosion of mental health, self-esteem, and personal autonomy.
Drawing on her own experiences and those of others, Anderson offers a compassionate examination of the complex dynamics at play when faith intersects with harm. She navigates topics such as religious trauma syndrome, guilt and shame, and the struggle to reconcile one’s spiritual beliefs with the reality of abuse.
The author invites you to critically examine the role of religion in their lives and provides guidance on navigating the path to healing and recovery. Anderson advocates for a nuanced approach to spirituality that prioritises compassion, authenticity, and empowerment, offering hope for those who have been wounded by their religious experiences.
Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma, and Consensual Non-Monogamy delves into attachment theory, trauma, and the practice of consensual non-monogamy. Written by Jessica Fern, Eve Rickert, and Nora Samaran, the book offers a comprehensive exploration of how our attachment styles and past traumas influence our relationships, particularly in the context of non-monogamous dynamics.
Through a blend of personal anecdotes, psychological research, and practical insights, the authors illuminate how attachment patterns established in childhood can impact adult romantic connections, including those within polyamorous or open relationships.
Polysecure provides you with tools to understand your attachment styles and how they shape their approach to relationships, offering guidance on fostering security and resilience within non-monogamous dynamics. By integrating principles of attachment theory and trauma-informed care, the authors advocate for building healthy, consensual connections. Attachment theory significantly shapes my approach to working with clients. If you’re a client collaborating with me exploring alternative relationships, I suggest checking out this book.
Women’s Anatomy of Arousal: Secret Maps to Buried Pleasure by Sheri Winston an incredible author who groundbreaking exploration into the intricate landscapes of vulva/vagina pleasure. Through a blend of scientific insight, experiential wisdom, and holistic understanding, Winston delves into the multifaceted nature of vulva/vagina arousal, guiding you on a transformative journey towards discovering and embracing your own erotic potential.
The book embarks on an illuminating expedition through the physical, emotional, and energetic realms of sexuality, uncovering hidden pathways to pleasure that often lie dormant or unexplored. With compassion and clarity, Winston demystifies the complexities of vulva/vagina anatomy, offering empowering insights into the interconnected web of sensations, desires, and responses that shape sexual experience.
From the intricate structures of the clitoris to the nuances of erotic touch, she invites you to cultivate a deeper understanding of your own bodies and desires, encouraging you to reclaim agency and sovereignty over sexual experiences.
Slow Pleasure: Explore Your Pleasure Spectrum invites you on an immersive journey into the depths of your own pleasure, guided by the insightful wisdom of Euphemia Russell. In this transformative exploration, Russell delves into the intricacies of pleasure, encouraging you to embrace a slower, more deliberate approach to experiencing and understanding your desires. This is an essential companion for anyone seeking to embrace the full richness of their sensual experiences and live life with greater joy and authenticity.
A Celebration of Vulva Diversity by The Vulva Gallery is an empowering and visually stunning exploration of the diversity of vulvas. Through a collection of artful photographs, personal stories, and informative content, the book aims to de-stigmatise and celebrate the natural variations in vulvas. From different shapes, sizes, colours, and textures, each page showcases the beauty and uniqueness of vulva anatomy. With a blend of education and advocacy, the book seeks to foster body positivity, self-acceptance, and a deeper understanding of sexuality. Through its celebration of vulva diversity, it invites readers to embrace and honour the full spectrum of genital beauty.
The Politics of Trauma Somatics: Healing and Social Justice by Staci Haines explores the intersection of trauma, somatics, and social justice. This is groundbreaking work, Haines delves into the ways in which trauma impacts individuals and communities, shaping their experiences and perpetuating cycles of oppression.
Drawing on her extensive experience as a somatic practitioner and social justice activist, Haines offers a comprehensive framework for understanding trauma and its effects on the body, mind, and society at large. She argues that traditional approaches to healing often overlook the embodied nature of trauma, focusing solely on psychological or cognitive interventions. Instead, Haines advocates for a somatic approach that recognises the interconnectedness of body, mind, and spirit in the healing process.
Through a combination of theory, research, and practical exercises, Haines guides readers in exploring their own somatic experiences and understanding the ways in which trauma manifests in the body. She emphasises the importance of cultivating somatic awareness as a tool for healing and empowerment, enabling individuals to reclaim agency over their own bodies and lives.
At the same time, Haines highlights the systemic nature of trauma, exploring how social inequalities and power dynamics contribute to the perpetuation of trauma within marginalised communities. She calls for a holistic approach to social justice that addresses both individual healing and broader structural change, challenging you to engage in collective efforts to create a more just and equitable world.
The Art of Receiving & Giving by Betty Martin with Robyn Dalzen is a transformative guide that explores the intricate dance between receiving and giving in human interactions. Drawing from Betty’s extensive experience as a bodyworker and Robyn’s expertise in relational practices, the book delves into the nuanced dynamics of giving and receiving touch, attention, and energy.
You are invited to reexamine your relationship with both giving and receiving. Betty and Robyn uncover common misconceptions and societal conditioning that hinder our ability to fully embrace these essential aspects of human connection. The Wheel of Consent as an embodied practice is missing from modern day sex education. By fostering a deeper understanding of boundaries, consent, and vulnerability, the book empowers you to cultivate more authentic, fulfilling relationships. I’ve undertaken training with The School of Consent, and have learnt from Betty and Robyn on the intricacies of Wheel. I use the model consistently with all my clients concerning boundaries, consent practices, and fostering healthy relationships.
The Ethical Slut by Janet Hardy and Dossie Easton is a groundbreaking exploration into the realm of non-monogamous relationships and ethical sexual practices. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, practical advice, and sociological insights, the book challenges conventional notions of monogamy and offers a comprehensive guide for individuals seeking to navigate consensual non-monogamy.
The authors delve into topics such as communication, jealousy, boundaries, and self-awareness, providing readers with the tools they need to build healthy and fulfilling non-monogamous relationships. Drawing from their own experiences and those of others in the non-monogamous community, Hardy and Easton offer a refreshing perspective on love, intimacy, and sexuality. Whether readers are exploring polyamory, open relationships, or other forms of ethical non-monogamy, The book serves as an indispensable resource for my clients who might be navigating the complexities of modern relationships with integrity and authenticity.
Sexual Health & Erotic Freedom written by the esteemed Dr. Barnaby Barratt explores the intricate intersections of physical well-being and the pursuit of erotic fulfilment. Delving into the realm of human sexuality with scientific rigour and compassionate insight, Dr. Barratt unveils a holistic approach to sexual health that transcends conventional boundaries.
Drawing from decades of clinical experience and scholarly research, he navigates topics ranging from sexual anatomy and physiology to the psychological dynamics of desire and intimacy. He emphasises the importance of understanding one’s own body, desires, and boundaries, empowering readers to cultivate a healthy relationship with their sexuality.
Through a lens of inclusivity and diversity, Dr. Barratt challenges societal norms and stereotypes, advocating for a celebration of individual sexual expression and identity. He addresses common misconceptions and stigmas surrounding sexuality, fostering a culture of acceptance and understanding. This is a book for individuals interested in sexual exploration or those who aspire to lead a spiritually fulfilling sexual life.