Hello and welcome to #write28days! My topic is on Nervous System Regulation, an important topic for highly sensitive people especially, and all people really. Today’s word, according to the organizer of #write28days was supposed to be “skulk.” I have absolutely no idea what to do with that, LOL! So today I’m going to share my favorite books on the nervous system, regulation, the search for self, and trauma recovery. Tomorrow I’ll share books I haven’t read yet but that come recommended.

The following links are most likely amazon affiliate links.

A little caveat before I begin – I don’t necessarily agree with everything in all of these books, but I find them helpful in general.

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk.

From the description on Amazon: “In The Body Keeps the Score, [Dr. Bessel van der Kolk] uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores innovative treatments—from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga—that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain’s natural neuroplasticity. Based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists, The Body Keeps the Score exposes the tremendous power of our relationships both to hurt and to heal—and offers new hope for reclaiming lives.”

Waking the Tiger by Peter A. Levine

From the Amazon description: “Waking the Tiger normalizes the symptoms of trauma and the steps needed to heal them. People are often traumatized by seemingly ordinary experiences. The reader is taken on a guided tour of the subtle, yet powerful impulses that govern our responses to overwhelming life events. To do this, it employs a series of exercises that help us focus on bodily sensations. Through heightened awareness of these sensations trauma can be healed.”

The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine N. Aron, Ph.D

From the Amazon description: “In The Highly Sensitive Person, you will discover:
• Self-assessment tests to help you identify your particular sensitivities
• Ways to reframe your past experiences in a positive light and gain greater self-esteem in the process
• Insight into how high sensitivity affects both work and personal relationships
• Tips on how to deal with over-arousal
• Information on medications and when to seek help
• Techniques to enrich the soul and spirit“

Self Therapy by Jay Earley, PhD

From the Amazon description: “Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) has been spreading rapidly across the country in the past decade. It is incredibly effective on a wide variety of life issues, such as self-esteem, procrastination, depression, and relationship issues. IFS is also user-friendly; it helps you to comprehend the complexity of your psyche. Dr. Earley shows how IFS is a complete method for psychological healing that you can use on your own. Self-Therapy is also helpful for therapists because it presents the IFS model in such detail that it is a manual for the method.”

Healing the Shame that Binds You by John Bradshaw

From the Amazon description: “Shame is the motivator behind our toxic behaviors: the compulsion, co-dependency, addiction and drive to superachieve that breaks down the family and destroys personal lives. This book has helped millions identify their personal shame, understand the underlying reasons for it, address these root causes and release themselves from the shame that binds them to their past failures.“

The Self – Attunement Workbook by Ally Wise

This is a wonderful week by week program that is available here or through the link-in-bio on Ally Wise’s Instagram account @awakenwithally .

The Best of You by Dr. Alison Cook

From the Amazon description: “The Best of You reveals a breakthrough strategy to develop your voice, set wise limits, and still be a loving person. For over 20 years, Dr. Alison has integrated faith and psychology to help women reclaim their confidence, find their purpose, and enjoy healthy relationships.”

How to Meet Your Self by Dr. Nicole LePera

From the Amazon description: “[In] How to Meet Your Self, [Dr. Nicole LePera] shares an interactive workbook designed to help every reader uncover their Authentic Self. By objectively and compassionately observing the physical, mental, and emotional patterns that fill our days and create our current selves, we can more clearly see what we do not wish to carry into the future.”

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Tune in tomorrow where I will share books that are on my “to be read” pile that come highly recommended.