Recommended Resources

Recommended Reading and Resources

Compiled by Paula Soto LSW, ERYT, YACEP

This list of resources is by no means exhaustive – many more helpful resources exist; and you can find a wealth of information as you seek to specialize your knowledge. This list is simply an attempt by Paula to give you ample means to continue your learning about trauma treatment.

Helpful Resources

for Understanding Key Concepts and Skills

• Excellent (and entertaining) explanation of the Polyvagal Theory (may not be sensitive to the  needs of clients with alt-right views)

• Dan Siegel Triune/Hand Model of the Brain

• Dan Siegel Flipping Your Lid

• Hand Model of the Brain for Kids

• Freeze for action: Neurobiological mechanisms in animal and human freezing -explains the difference between freeze and tonic immobility

• Trauma Made Simple – Dr. Jamie Marich’s Mindful Living Coping Skills

• Intersections Wellness – Paula’s brief body-mind practices videos

Meta-Analysis of Yoga for Mental Health

Paula follows the following, for ongoing information and inspiration:

• Margaret Howard LCSW, The Wild Therapist

• The Trauma Therapist Project Podcasts

  You can also follow these podcasts on Facebook

• Thomas Zimmerman’s blog on trauma therapy

• Institute for Creative Mindfulness – Training and continuing education resource for therapists, including EMDR training

Books (by no means an exhaustive list)

• A Free e-book: Healing Trauma and Pain through Polyvagal Science by Peter Levine, Stephen Porges and Maggie Phillips

• Yoga for Pain Relief by Kelly McGonigal, PhD

• The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD

• Yoga for Trauma Recovery by David Emerson and Elizabeth Hopper, PhD

• Trauma Made Simple by Dr. Jamie Marich

• Trauma and the Twelve Steps by Dr. Jamie Marich

• The Pocket Guide to the Polyvagal Theory: The Transformative Power of Feeling Safe by Stephen W. Porges

• Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma, and In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness by Peter Levine, PhD

• Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman

• The Breathing Book: Good Health and Vitality Through Essential Breath Work by Donna Farhi

• Additional recommendations

• Brief Reads/Videos on trauma-informed yoga instruction

  • Healing from the Freeze

  • Open Letter from a Trauma Therapist

  • Open Letter from a Trauma Therapist YouTube Video

  • Trauma Training Should Be Mandatory for Yoga Teachers

  • Trauma Training Should Be Mandatory for Yoga Teachers Part II

  • Open Letter from a Trauma Survivor

  • Please Don’t Touch Me

  • Trauma Informed Yoga

  • Transcending Sexual Trauma Through Yoga – 8 Tips

• Mental Health/Trauma Websites

  • Dr. Jamie Marich’s websites:

    Trauma Made Simple –  trauma resources for clients and therapists.

    Institute for Creative Mindfulness – books and trainings for therapists, including EMDR therapy training

  • EMDR International Association EMDRIA

  • International Society for the Study of Trauma and Dissociation ISST-D

  • Somatic Experiencing

  • Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE) Study

  • The Trauma Therapist Project

    Yoga Websites

• Yoga Alliance  – YA is the organization maintaining standards for the certification of yoga teachers. You can search on this site for a Registered Yoga Teacher (RYT)

• Yoga Service Council – The YSC is a network of the most well-regarded yoga service organizations in our nation – This is a great place to start researching your interest, no matter the population. Joining this network brings you a great deal of information and support. You will find links via this page to connect with organizations serving special populations, be it veterans, inner-city, abuse survivors, etc.

• International Association of Yoga Therapists  – IAYT is the organization maintaining standards for Yoga Therapists. Most Yoga Therapy training programs are geared toward training for physical issues, although some (Phoenix Rising) are geared toward mental health.

• iRest: – iRest is the Yoga Nidra (yogic sleep) program developed by psychologist Richard Miller for use with military veterans.