Healing doesn’t only happen in session. These are the books, podcasts, tools and directories we return to — gathered so you always have something to turn to, between visits and beyond.
Books
Recommended reading
Books can help us better understand ourselves, heal old wounds, strengthen our relationships, and live with greater purpose. Several of these great reads below have shaped both Erica's personal journey and her clinical work. Whether you're navigating trauma, anxiety, grief, relationships, or personal growth, we hope you'll find something that meets you where you are.
Trauma, PTSD & Healing
Bessel van der Kolk — The Body Keeps the ScoreThe definitive introduction to how trauma affects the brain, body and nervous system, and how healing is possible.
Peter Levine — Waking the Tiger, Healing Trauma, In an Unspoken VoiceFoundational books introducing Somatic Experiencing® and how trauma is stored — and released — through the body.
Gabor Maté — The Myth of Normal, When the Body Says No, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, Scattered MindsExplores the links between trauma, chronic illness, addiction, ADHD, stress, and emotional health through a compassionate lens.
Janina Fisher — Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors, Transforming the Living Legacy of TraumaPractical, compassionate approaches to healing developmental and complex trauma using parts work.
Judith Herman — Trauma and RecoveryA groundbreaking text that transformed our understanding of psychological trauma and recovery.
Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey — What Happened to You?An accessible explanation of how early experiences shape our brains, behaviours and relationships.
Pete Walker — Complex PTSD: From Surviving to ThrivingA validating guide for adults recovering from childhood trauma and emotional neglect.
Resmaa Menakem — My Grandmother's HandsExplores how trauma can be carried individually, culturally and across generations.
Mark Wolynn — It Didn't Start With YouExamines how unresolved family trauma may be passed down through generations.
Nervous System Regulation
Stephen Porges — The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory, Our Polyvagal WorldIntroduces Polyvagal Theory and explains how our nervous system influences emotions, relationships and healing.
Deb Dana — Anchored, Polyvagal Exercises, The Polyvagal Theory in TherapyPractical exercises for building nervous system regulation, resilience and a greater sense of safety.
Linda Thai — The Polyvagal Card DeckSimple daily practices to support emotional regulation and nervous system health.
Internal Family Systems (IFS) & Parts Work
Richard Schwartz — No Bad Parts, You Are the One You've Been Waiting ForIntroduces Internal Family Systems (IFS), helping readers understand and heal the many "parts" within themselves.
Frank Anderson — Transcending TraumaCombines neuroscience, attachment and IFS to support trauma recovery.
Relationships, Attachment & Couples
Sue Johnson — Hold Me Tight, Love Sense, Attachment Theory in PracticeExplains how secure attachment forms the foundation of healthy, lasting relationships.
John & Julie Gottman — The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work, Fight Right, Eight Dates, The Relationship Cure, What Makes Love Last?Evidence-based relationship strategies drawn from over four decades of research.
Amir Levine & Rachel Heller — AttachedAn excellent introduction to attachment styles in adult relationships.
Harville Hendrix & Helen LaKelly Hunt — Getting the Love You WantIntroduces Imago Relationship Therapy and how childhood experiences shape adult partnerships.
Esther Perel — Mating in Captivity, The State of AffairsExplores intimacy, desire, infidelity and maintaining connection in long-term relationships.
Stan Tatkin — Wired for LoveApplies attachment science and neuroscience to help couples build secure, lasting relationships.
Dr. Ramani Durvasula — Should I Stay or Should I Go?, Don't You Know Who I Am?, It's Not YouExcellent resources for understanding narcissism, emotional abuse and unhealthy relationship dynamics.
Parenting
Daniel Siegel — Parenting From the Inside Out, The Whole-Brain Child, No-Drama Discipline, The Power of Showing UpHelps parents understand children's developing brains while increasing connection and emotional resilience.
Gordon Neufeld & Gabor Maté — Hold On to Your KidsExplores why strong parent-child attachment matters more than peer influence.
Acceptance, Mindfulness & Psychological Flexibility
Russ Harris — The Happiness Trap, ACT Made Simple, The Confidence GapAccessible introductions to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), teaching how to live well alongside difficult thoughts and emotions.
Steven Hayes — A Liberated Mind, Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your LifeFoundational ACT books written by one of the therapy's creators.
Eckhart Tolle — The Power of Now, A New EarthEncourages greater presence, mindfulness and freedom from habitual thinking.
Michael Brown — The Presence ProcessA guided emotional healing process rooted in mindfulness and present-moment awareness.
Byron Katie — Loving What IsIntroduces "The Work," a simple inquiry process for examining stressful thoughts.
A.H. Almaas — Diamond HeartA thoughtful blend of psychology and spiritual inquiry into authentic self-development.
Self-Compassion, Shame & Vulnerability
Kristin Neff — Self-Compassion, Fierce Self-CompassionResearch-based guidance for developing kindness toward yourself during life's challenges.
Brené Brown — The Gifts of Imperfection, Daring Greatly, Atlas of the Heart, Rising Strong, Braving the WildernessExplores vulnerability, courage, shame resilience and wholehearted living.
Anxiety, Depression & Emotional Well-being
David Burns — Feeling GoodA classic Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) resource for anxiety and depression.
Emily & Amelia Nagoski — BurnoutExplains the science of stress and offers practical strategies for completing the stress cycle.
Rick Hanson — Hardwiring Happiness, Resilient, NeurodharmaCombines neuroscience with practical tools for building resilience and emotional well-being.
Mark Nepo — The Book of AwakeningDaily reflections on living with greater meaning, gratitude and presence.
Boundaries & Healthy Relationships
Henry Cloud & John Townsend — Boundaries, Safe PeopleClassic guides to creating healthy limits and choosing supportive relationships.
Nedra Glover Tawwab — Set Boundaries, Find Peace, Drama FreePractical, compassionate guidance for setting boundaries with confidence.
Lindsay Gibson — Adult Children of Emotionally Immature ParentsA powerful resource for understanding difficult family dynamics and healing from emotionally unavailable parenting.
Harriet Lerner — The Dance of AngerHelps readers recognize unhealthy relationship patterns and respond with greater clarity and confidence.
Communication
Marshall Rosenberg — Nonviolent CommunicationA compassionate framework for expressing needs and resolving conflict with empathy.
Kerry Patterson et al. — Crucial ConversationsEvidence-based communication skills for navigating difficult, high-stakes conversations.
Grief, Loss & Meaning
Viktor Frankl — Man's Search for MeaningA timeless exploration of finding meaning, hope and purpose through suffering.
David Kessler — Finding Meaning, Finding Meaning WorkbookCompassionate guidance for navigating grief while finding hope and purpose after loss.
Megan Devine — It's OK That You're Not OKValidates grief without trying to "fix" it, offering comfort during profound loss.
Mary-Frances O'Connor — The Grieving BrainExplains the neuroscience of grief and why loss affects us so deeply.
Addiction & Recovery
Gabor Maté — In the Realm of Hungry GhostsExplores addiction through the lens of trauma, compassion and human connection.
Johann Hari — Chasing the Scream, Lost ConnectionsChallenges traditional understandings of addiction and depression while emphasizing the healing power of connection.
Humanistic, Existential & Jungian Psychology
Irvin Yalom — The Gift of TherapyWise reflections and practical insights from one of psychotherapy's most respected clinicians.
Carl Rogers — On Becoming a Person, A Way of BeingThe foundational works of person-centred therapy, emphasising empathy, authenticity and unconditional positive regard.
Carl Jung — Man and His SymbolsAn accessible introduction to Jungian psychology, dreams, archetypes and the unconscious.
Habits & Personal Growth
James Clear — Atomic HabitsA practical guide to creating meaningful, lasting behaviour change through small daily improvements.
Listen
Recommended podcasts
Whether you're commuting, exercising, or simply looking to deepen your understanding of mental health, these podcasts offer practical strategies, expert interviews, and compassionate conversations on healing, relationships, resilience, and personal growth.
Trauma, Relationships & Personal Growth
Where Should We Begin? — Esther PerelReal couples therapy sessions (shared with permission) exploring intimacy, communication, conflict, infidelity and connection.
The Tim Ferriss ShowLong-form conversations with world-leading psychologists, physicians, neuroscientists, athletes and resilience experts.
Being Well — Dr. Rick Hanson & Forrest HansonEvidence-based discussions on happiness, resilience, anxiety, trauma, attachment, relationships and emotional well-being.
Unlocking Us — Brené BrownThought-provoking conversations on vulnerability, courage, shame, belonging, leadership and wholehearted living.
The Mel Robbins PodcastPractical advice on confidence, boundaries, habits, motivation, relationships and emotional wellness.
On Purpose — Jay ShettyMindfulness, relationships, emotional intelligence, purpose and personal growth through interviews with leading experts.
Neuroscience & Mental Health
Huberman Lab — Dr. Andrew HubermanResearch-based discussions on stress, sleep, focus, habits, anxiety, motivation, exercise and brain health.
The Trauma Therapist — Guy MacphersonConversations with leading trauma clinicians on trauma treatment, nervous system regulation and healing.
Therapy Chat — Laura ReaganInterviews with experts in trauma, attachment, mindfulness, EMDR, somatic therapies and psychotherapy.
Psychology & Therapy
Psychology in Seattle — Dr. Kirk HondaThoughtful discussions on relationships, attachment, personality, couples therapy and mental health.
The Verywell Mind Podcast — Amy MorinActionable strategies for building mental strength, resilience and healthier thinking patterns.
Ten Percent Happier — Dan HarrisPractical conversations about mindfulness, anxiety, emotional resilience and living with greater presence.
Acceptance & Mindfulness
The Happiness Lab — Dr. Laurie SantosEvidence-based psychology exploring happiness, habits, well-being and flourishing.
Sounds True: Insights at the Edge — Tami SimonInterviews with leading teachers in psychology, mindfulness, trauma, spirituality and personal development.
Online
Helpful websites
Crisis Support
988 Suicide Crisis Helpline (Canada)Call or text 988 anytime for immediate emotional support.
Kids Help PhoneFree, confidential support for children, youth and young adults.
Now Matters NowFree skills and videos for managing suicidal thoughts, emotional pain and self-harm urges using DBT principles.
Mental Health Education
Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA)Educational articles on anxiety, depression, stress, burnout and mental wellness.
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)Canada's leading mental health teaching hospital, with extensive information on mental illness, addiction and recovery.
Anxiety CanadaSelf-help tools, worksheets, videos and anxiety management strategies for adults, youth and parents.
Here to Help BCBritish Columbia-based mental health resources covering anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use and wellness.
Trauma & Nervous System
National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)Educational resources on childhood trauma, PTSD, attachment and resilience.
Polyvagal InstituteEducational resources on Polyvagal Theory, nervous system regulation and trauma recovery.
NICABMExpert interviews, webinars and educational resources featuring leading trauma researchers including Bessel van der Kolk, Janina Fisher, Stephen Porges and Pat Ogden.
Mindfulness & Meditation
UCLA Mindful Awareness Research CenterFree guided mindfulness meditations and evidence-based mindfulness education.
Insight TimerThousands of free guided meditations, sleep stories, breathing exercises and relaxation practices.
Relationship Resources
The Gottman InstituteEvidence-based articles, relationship tools, parenting resources and couples exercises from over 40 years of research.
The Secure Relationship (Julie Menanno, LCSW)Attachment-informed articles and content focused on building secure relationships.
On your phone
Recommended apps
Anxiety & Mental Health
MindShift CBT (Anxiety Canada)CBT tools for anxiety, worry, panic, perfectionism and social anxiety.
PTSD Coach CanadaEducation and coping tools developed for individuals living with PTSD.
CalmMeditation, sleep, relaxation and stress reduction.
Insight TimerFree guided meditations and mindfulness practices.
BalancePersonalised meditation and mindfulness exercises.
HeadspaceMindfulness, sleep, focus and emotional well-being.
FinchA gentle self-care app that encourages healthy habits through a virtual companion.
Directories
Finding a therapist
If you're looking for additional support, these professional directories can help you find a qualified therapist who fits your needs.
Professional directories
BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC)Find a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) in British Columbia.
College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario (CRPO)Find a Registered Psychotherapist in Ontario.
Psychology TodaySearch by location, specialty, insurance and therapeutic approach.
CounsellingBCOne of British Columbia's largest online directories of mental health professionals.
When you’re ready
“Out of your vulnerabilities will come your strength.”
— Sigmund Freud
If you’d like support alongside these, book a free 15-minute consultation. No pressure, no commitment.