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HEARTPRINTS COUNSELING LLC

Resources

Here are some of my favorite resources for clients. I hope you find them helpful on your journey.

Books:

Great books in no particular order:

  • The High Conflict Couple by Alan Fruzetti, Ph.D. (Great for high conflict teen-parent relationships!)
  • The Essential Family Guide to Borderline Personality Disorder by Randi Krueger (excellent for families struggling with self-harm and/or big emotions even if they do not have BPD. Her other book, co-authored with Paul Mason, MS Stop Walking on Eggshells is also very practical.
  • The Body Keeps Score by Dr. Bessel Van Der Kolk (wonderful for anyone with a history of trauma)
  • Boundaries by Dr. Cloud and Dr. Townsend (an oldie but goodie. Their series includes Boundaries in Dating which can be helpful with adolescent relationships. Faith based.)
  • Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain by Daniel Siegel, M.D. (any of his books explain brain development and parenting).
  • Anxious Kids Anxious Parents by Reid Wilson, Ph.D. and Lynn Lyons, LISCW (practical ways for parents to support anxiety management at home)
  • Emotional Intelligence by Daniel Goleman (a bit dated but helps people understand why focusing only on IQ is a mistake)
  • The Wisdom of the Enneagram by Don Riso and Ross Hudson (for people who enjoy personality assessment and growth)
  • In the Realm of Hungry Ghost by Gabor Mate, MD (understanding substance addiction)
  • Relationship Cure by John Gottman, Ph.D. (a must for healthy relationships)
  • The Gifts of Imperfection: Letting Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown, Ph.D. L.M.S.W. (if you are short on time, skip to the back chunk for all the practical pieces. Of all her work, my favorite is her audio presentation, The Power of Vulnerability)
  • Wounded by Shame, Healed by Grace (audio workshop) by Jeff VanVonderen (His book The Subtle Power of Spiritual Abuse is crucial for anyone who has experienced it. He also wrote Families Where Grace is in Place. Faith based.)
  • Permission to Feel: Unlocking the Power of Emotions to Help Our Kids Ourselves, and Our Society Thrive by Marc Brackett, Ph.D.
  • Why won’t You Apologize?: Healing Big Betrayals and Everyday Hurts by Harriet Lerner, Ph.D. (all her books are great!)
  • Siblings without Rivalry: How to Help Your Children Live Together by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish (How to Talk so Teens will Listen and Listen so Teens will Talk is also very good but my favorite is their kid version.)
  • Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living by Shauna Niequist (Faith based.)
  • Beyond Consequences, Logic, and Control Vol 1 & 2 by Heather T. Forbes, LCSW (adoptive mom gives alternative options to difficult behavioral issues)
  • Parenting Adopted Adolescents: Understanding and Appreciating their Journeys by Gregory Keck, Ph.D.
  • Space at the Table: Conversations Between an Evangelical Theologian and his Gay Son by Brad & Drew Harper

Breathing Exercises

There are 3 basic types of breathing exercises: deep breathing focus, pretending you’re in a peaceful place (guided imagery), and muscle relaxation. Here is a sample of all three:

Movies

Favorite Apps

  • Insight timer Apps of the Year Winner "Happiest App in the World" (thousands of breathing exercises curtailed to your preferences)
  • Relax+ (breathing exercise)
  • CBT-I Coach by US Dept. of Veterans Affairs (a cognitive behavior approach to insomnia issues)
  • iChill by the Trauma Resource Institute, Inc
  • Calm— breathing exercise and stories to help go to sleep (App of the Year 2017)
  • Calm Harm— manages self harm (Award winning App)

Local Groups

Other

Want to learn more or need help finding more support?

Ask for help! Remember, we all need help sometimes.