These are resources I have gone back to time and time again and directly or indirectly inform my counselling work.
Apps
Buddhify • A colorful (read joyful) app that helps add some quiet and calm to busy days and multi-tasking without having to add another separate "event" to the day.
Articles & Handouts
Detaching from Emotional Pain Grounding, Lisa Najavits • A set of simple strategies to detach from emotional pain (for example, drug cravings, self-harm impulses, anger, sadness).
Audio
Progressive Muscle Relaxation, Dr. Beth Salcedo • What I like to call good old fashioned mindfulness. I recommend using this twice a day for the first two weeks, once in the morning and once in the evening for the first two weeks and then daily after to provide an overall, increased sense of calm and relaxation. Listen to all the tracks the first time. After, starting on track two works. The link is to the YouTube version. This can also be found on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon etc.
Books
Beyond Blame, Dr. Carl Alasko • This book challenges the core of how we communicate when we want someone to change their behavior (partners, parents, children, employees etc.). It describes a crushing, blaming behavior that is so common we all believe it is normal and an appropriate way to communicate. The book offers easily accessible options to communicate in non-blaming and shaming ways.
How To Be An Adult in Relationships, David Richo • This author puts forth five 'A's' of a healthy relationship attention, acceptance, appreciation, affection, and allowing.
Videos
Mental Health During a Pandemic, Vanderbilt Department of Medicine, February 2020 • Brilliant video sharing information about the response of the body to both immediate serious threat and the role of the BNST in monitoring a long-term, on-going stress and threat. Excellent psycho-education tool.
Just Breathe • Anger in elementary School kids; how it affects their brains; and how mindfulness can help.
Release • Stress & anxiety in middle schoolers in their own words with a quick lesson in mindfulness.
Websites
This Way Up • THIS WAY UP is a trusted Australian provider of evidence-based, internet-delivered Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (iCBT) programs. Check your levels of stress, anxiety, and depression to see which courses might help with an anonymous online Take-a-Test Tool here.
Centre for Clinical Interventions • Comprehensive collection of client workbooks, well developed, easy to read and and use on anxiety, assertiveness, bi-polar, body dysmorphia, disordered eating, health anxiety, panic, perfectionism, procrastination, self-compassion, self-esteem, sleep, social anxiety, tolerating distress (read anger and other intense emotions), and worry and rumination.