Rachel's Library
As a lifelong learner and a Ph.D. candidate, I love to read. Here are some of the books that have changed my life for the better and given me invaluable tools to grow into my best self.
If you read these books based on my referrals, I ask that you please tag/credit/hat tip @THE FASCIAQUEEN. Ethics of Our Fathers teaches that s/he who quotes the source of a teaching or idea brings redemption down into the world.
The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
This seminal work on trauma talks about how trauma gets stored in the body (DUH) in a way that is accessible and very readable. It changed my relationship with myself because it helped me move from thinking there was something wrong with me to understanding that these were learned behaviors and postures that were hurting me, and could also be released.
The Myth of Normal By Dr. Gabor Mate with Daniel Mate
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The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
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Our Polyvagal World by Dr. Stephen Porges and Seth Porges
At the core of all healing is nervous system work. Cue Stephen Porges, the founder of the Polyvagal Institute, who articulated the necessity and science of this work so well.
Scattered Minds: The Origin and Healing of Attentiomn Deficit Disorder by Dr. Gabor Mate
Dr. Gabor, again. This is by far the best book on ADD, ADHD, and ODD that I've read. It helps me understand the internal workings of the brain, and also how to empathetically support my husband and son.
No Bad Parts: Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model by Richard Schwartz, PhD
IFS changed my relationship with myself and taught me bow to do inner child work.
Mother Hunger: How Adult Daughters Can Heal From Lost Nuturance, Protection & Guidance by Kelly MacDaniels
Not all mother wounds are HUGE. Some of them lay in the little things that we didn't receive, and then we don't know why we feel a gaping hole as an adult. Whether a capital-T trauma or a lower-case t trauma, Mother Hunger helps put language to that and also helps with some really down-to-earth strategies on how to reparent yourself.
Beyond the Shiny Object by Jeffrey Shearer, PhD
If I'm not mistaken this is the first book that looks at male survivors of sexual assault. It gives so much language to the male experience on this, given that so much of the literature revolves around women.
Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health by Dr. Casey Means
This empowering book helps put us in charge of our health again and make us partners with our providers, not their patients or victims. We have agency! Means tackles how diet, movement, and mindfulness are the first line of defense with regards to our health. She also gives really specific breakdowns of certain lab levels, optimal versus normal results, and explains every. single. food.
Beyind the Trauma Vortex: The Media's Role in Healing Fear, Terror & Violence
As a former award-winning journalist, this book was huge for me in understanding the role of the media in either reinforcing trauma loops or helping people heal.
Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter Levine
One of the first books for public consumption on trauma and healing. Was great for me in terms of learning the vocabulary.
Psychedelic Healing: The Promise of Entheogens for Psychotherapt and Spiritual Development by Neal Goldsmith
The was the first and still one of the best books I read on psychedelics, healing and spiritual connection.
Radical Compassion by Tara Brach
Tangible tool on how to cultivate and nurture self compassion.
Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples by Harville Hendrix, PhD
These scripts offered probably the biggest shift in our marriage. Well this, alongside trauma healing.
Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find and Keep Love by Dr. Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
Hands down the best book on the market about attachment styles, and a practical understanding of what that means in relationships, what is mine to figure out, and what is my partners to be sensitive towards.
Existential Kink: Unmask Your Shadow and Embrace Your Power by Carolyn Ellott, PhD
DAMN, this. This is the book that showed me everywhere I was being held back, and how I was the one holding myself back BECAUSE I SECRETLY LIKE IT. OMG, life-changing.
The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer
An honest foray into the art of surrender, its discomforts and its freedoms... and also just a really pleasant read.
The Sublet Body: An Encyclopedia of Your Energetic Anatomy by Cyndi Dale
This is my go-to book to understand the subtleties of the energy body. (Different than the physical or emotional body.)
The Encyclopedia of Ailments and Diseases: How to Heal the Conflicted Feelings, Emotions, and Thoughts at the Root of Illness
This is my go-to book to look up the emotional root cause behind whatever is happening physically. And let me tell you, it's always on point! Note: this is not to say you don't need to tend to your physical body like by eating the right foods, resting, moving and, when needed, seeing a doctor, but it does provide the framework for WHY a particular ailment is happening to you now (or happening to you and no one else in your family etc.)
The Drama of the Gifted Child by Alice Miller
An exploration of the repressed pain of children who were taught to achieve. I saw myself in these pages.
The Subltle Art of Not Giving a F* by Mark Manson
LOL, this was one of the first self-help books I read-- before I was willing to read self-help books. I absolutely loved it because Mark writes like your angry, drunk bestie dropping the most thoughtful and sharp truthbombs while also making you roll on the floor laughing.