RECOMMENDED READINGS AND RESOURCES
DR. AUDREY'S RECOMMENDED READINGS
Dr. Brené Brown’s entire collection. Her work focuses on how to live a whole-hearted life and developing resiliency in responding to difficult emotions. She also has a podcast called Unlocking Us, which is excellent.
http://brenebrown.com
"The Relationship Cure: A 5 Step Guide to Strengthening Your Marriage, Family, and Friendships", by John Gottman and Joan DeClaire
While I recommend all of Dr. Gottman’s books, I particularly recommend this book as it addresses relationships across the spectrum. It is an easy read with practical advice and tips, allowing you to become intentional about improving your relationships.
"The Dance of Anger: A Woman's Guide to Changing the Patterns of Intimate Relationships", by Dr. Harriet Lerner
Dr. Lener's books are excellent, easy to read, and filled with real-life examples. This book is one of the best I have read on anger and on learning more about anger and how to work towards managing it differently in relationships. It has excellent reflection questions that can help you explore your anger and teaches you how to set healthier boundaries. I also strongly recommend her book "The Dance of Connection: How to Talk to Someone When You're Mad, Hurt, Scared, Frustrated, Insulted, Betrayed, or Desperate" as a companion read (or stand alone)!
"Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle" by Emily Nagoski & Amelia Nagoski
This book is excellent on focusing on what is unique to the burnout among women and gives practical, science based ways to learn to complete your stress cycle and begin to address what lead to burnout in the first place.
"The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion: Freeing Yourself from Destructive Thoughts and Emotions", by Christopher Germer
In addition to Dr. Kristin Neff’s work (see website below), Dr. Germer’s book provides excellent exercises and tips for cultivating self-compassion and mindfulness. Self-compassion is central to healthy living and wholeness.
ONLINE RESOURCES
AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION
The APA website has helpful articles on a wide range of mental health topics and is an excellent, credible resource.
http://www.apa.org/index.aspx
This website is a great and reliable resource, which has information for those individuals and families struggling with mental health issues during pregnancy and postpartum.
http://www.postpartum.net
POSTPARTUM SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL
MIND BODY BABY
The Gottmans' website for couples and parents. Excellent resources based in solid research. They are leaders in the field of couples therapy. They have excellent books and a free app as well.
https://www.gottman.com
Dr. Kristin Neff's website on self-compassion. The website has her TED talks, youtube videos, a self-assessment, and more. Her work in this area is exceptional and cultivating self-compassion is a vital aspect of health and wellness. Her 2 books are also excellent.
http://www.selfcompassion.org
THE GOTTMAN INSTITUTE
SELF-COMPASSION
Reliable information regarding trauma and PTSD symptoms. Though housed within the VA, the information is also relevant to those who have never served in the military.
http://www.ptsd.va.gov
NATIONAL
CENTER FOR PTSD
The LGBT Foundation has a wealth of resources ranging from articles to a helpline.
LGBT FOUNDATION
Please note I do not provide crisis services. The crisis hotline is 988 and the website, which has a chat feature, is listed below.
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org
NATIONAL SUICIDE PREVENTION HOTLINE
Please note I am not responsible for the content, claims, or representations of the listed sites.
TRANS LIFELINE
Mind Body Baby is an excellent tool for soon to be and new moms in Mecklenburg County. They offer many great resources and support groups.