Resources / Books

The Body Keeps the Score — Bessel van der Kolk, MD.

In my opinion on of THE most important and pivotal books to read about the impact of trauma (that is not just “big T trauma’s” such as a natural disaster or a car accident but the “little T’s” as in childhood abuse, parenting styles, perhaps a schoolyard interaction) and the effect on the body, mind, relationships, really every facet of people’s lives. Incredibly well written, it is a dense read and something to read a chapter and then put down for a bit to ponder and allow the information to settle. The author is a highly respected, super experienced psychiatrist based in the USA. Also available as an audiobook.

A Heart That Works - Rob Delaney

Possibly the hardest, most painful book I’ve ever read, this short novel is probably the most important book I’ve ever read. Rob writes about his son’s death from brain cancer in such a raw, honest, heart warming, funny, light-hearted but emotional way. Understanding pain, resilience, human behaviour and emotion can only build empathy and compassion in other people, and if you don’t feel anything reading this book, you need to check you have a heartbeat.

Any Ordinary Day — Leigh Sales.

Leigh Sales, from renowned journalist and Walkley award winner, “Blindsides, resilience and what happens after the worst day of your life”. A book about the worst possible tragedies can happen on any ordinary day. This is an excellent book to provide insight, comfort and hope from those who have been through some of the most unimaginable and tragic events to ever occur.

Trauma: The Invisible Epidemic: How Trauma Works and How We Can Heal From It — Dr Paul Conti.

Dr. Conti examines the most recent research, clinical best practices, and dozens of real-life stories to present a deeper and more urgent view of trauma. Not only does Dr. Conti explain how trauma affects the body and mind, he also demonstrates that trauma is transmissible among close family and friends, as well as across generations and within vast demographic groups.

The Trauma Cleaner - Sarah Krasnostein

An incredible story of a remarkable woman, who despite overwhelming adversity and challenges throughout her life goes on to being such a generous and compassionate person who has a knack for making people feel seen and acknowledged. Written by the talented writer that is Sarah Krasnostein, she tells Sandra Pankhurst’s harrowing story of a tough life you can only imagine but a life where Sandra comes out smiling, grateful and optimistic, despite her weary body and soul.

The Space between the Stars - Indira Naidoo

A beautiful book from broadcaster, journalist and host Indira Naidoo and the story of her own healing journey after the death of her sister who died by suicide during the COVID pandemic and the hard and long lockdowns in Melbourne. Her desire and natural attraction to nature and the incredible healing power both spiritually and scientifically that nature holds; there’s a piece of wisdom in here for any one to take away and incorporate in to their life.

Thinking fast and slow — Daniel Kahnemann.

The author Daniel Kahnemann is an Israeli psychologist and economist and most well known for his work in decision making and judgement, specifically heuristics and biases and our use of them. A fascinating read on how our minds work and how we make decisions.

The Happiness Trap — Russ Harris.

Russ Harris is a globally recognised Acceptance and Commitment Therapy trainer, the book focuses on our pursuit of happiness leaves us depressed, miserable and anxious. The book aims to reduce your stress and worry, handle painful feelings and thoughts more effectively and overcome self-doubt among many other things. My husband particularly enjoys this book.

Lost Connections — Johann Hari.

Johann Hari, a best selling author and journalist, offers an interesting look as to the epidemic that is depression and anxiety and offers hope with new solutions.

The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and healing in a Toxic Culture - Gabor Maté

In this revolutionary book, renowned physician Gabor Mate eloquently dissects how in Western countries that pride themselves on their healthcare systems, chronic illness and general ill health are on the rise. Nearly 70 percent of Americans are on at least one prescription drug; more than half take two. In Canada, every fifth person has high blood pressure. In Europe, hypertension is diagnosed in more than 30 percent of the population. And everywhere, adolescent mental illness is on the rise. So what is really "normal" when it comes to health?

It Didn’t Start With You - How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle - Mark Wolynn

From Amazon: A groundbreaking approach to transforming traumatic legacies passed down in families over generations, by an acclaimed expert in the field.

Transcending Trauma: Healing Complex PTSD with Internal Family Systems - Dr. Frank Anderson

From Amazon: Hope and light are on the horizon to help clients overcome the challenges of healing and releasing the pain of relational trauma.
The highly acclaimed Transcending Trauma explores a unique, compassionate, and evidence-based approach to resolving complex and dissociative trauma. In this transformative book Frank Anderson, MD, masterfully details an IFS path to therapy that allows clients to access their inherent capacity for healing – called Self-energy – while also helping them welcome, as opposed to manage, the extreme emotions frequently associated with trauma.

What Happened To You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing - Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry

From Amazon: Our earliest experiences shape our lives far down the road, and What Happened to You? provides powerful scientific and emotional insights into the behavioral patterns so many of us struggle to understand. Through this lens we can build a renewed sense of personal self-worth and ultimately recalibrate our responses to circumstances, situations, and relationships. It is, in other words, the key to reshaping our very lives. – Oprah Winfrey
This book is going to change the way you see your life.

Resources / Documentaries

The Wisdom of Trauma.

The interconnected epidemics of anxiety, chronic illness and substance abuse are, according to one of the worlds leading trauma experts, Dr Gabor Maté, normal. But not in the way you might think.

Dosed

DOSED is the first documentary in the DOSED series about humans and psychedelics. It features Adrianne, Dr. Rosalind Watts, Paul Stamets, Dr. Gabor Maté and more. 

The Mind, Explained

Available on Netflix, a really interesting and simple to understand look at how the brain works.

Osher Günsberg: A Matter of Life and Death

A great documentary on SBS investigating innovative thinking and treatments to prevent suicide as he reflects on his own mental health issues.

You Can’t Ask That

A wonderful ABC program which looks at issues usually considered taboo. There are so many topics covered and every single one would help you to begin to understand a range of mental health issues and illnesses, here are some specific mental health ones: suicide attempt survivors, eating disorders, schizophrenia, autism spectrum, obsessive compulsive disorder.

Space 22

An ABC documentary following an experiment on those with mental ill health participating in art to heal their invisible wounds.

60-minutes: Dissociative Identity Disorder

Dr. Jeni Haynes suffered horrific abuse from her own father from the age of 4 years old until she was 11. This is the first case in the world where her most dominant of personalities provided testimony in a court of law, right here in Australia. She had over 2500 different personalities.