Favorite Reads
The Miracle of Mindfulness: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation
by Thich Nhat Hanh
A classic by Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh, this book introduces readers to the essentials of mindfulnesss, teaching simple practices to cultivate inner peace in everyday life.
Publisher: Beacon Press | Year: 1975
Building a Life Worth Living: A Memoir
by Marsha Linehan
Marsha Linehan, the creator of Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), shares her life journey and professional insights on building a meaningful life despite challenges.
Publisher: Random House | Year: 2020
Loving Someone with Borderline Personality Disorder
by Shari Y. Manning
This compassionate guide helps readers understand borderline personality disorder (BPD) and provides strategies for supporting loved ones while managing one’s own emotions.
Publisher: The Guilford Press | Year: 2000
The Borderline and the Buddha: Integrating Mindfulness and Compassion in BPD
by Kiera Well & Martin Bohus
This book explores how mindfulness and compassion can help manage BPD symptoms through an individual’s lived experience.
Publisher: Lichtenstein Creative Media | Year: 2011
Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself
by Melody Beattie
This groundbreaking work sheds light on codependency and addiction with actionable steps to break free from the negative patterns of this dynamic.
Publisher: Hazelden | Year: 1986
Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself
by Kristen Neff
Researcher and psychologist Kristen Neff introduces the transformative power of self-compassion and how it can be a source of strength in our lives.
Publisher: William Morrow | Year: 2011
Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of a Buddha
by Tara Brach
Tara Brach guides readers on embracing self-acceptance and compassion as a path toward inner freedom and personal growth.
Publisher: Bantam | Year: 2003
Resources
Finding a Comprehensive DBT Program
This resource provides a directory of certified DBT clinicians and comprehensive programs, which can better support those experiencing more intense life-interfering symptoms.
SAMHSA – Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
SAMHSA offers critical information, support, and resources for those struggling with mental health and substance use challenges. Its services include free helplines, treatment locators, and reading resources.
NAMI – National Alliance on Mental Illness
NAMI is a nationwide organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by mental illness. They provide advocacy, education, support groups, and resources aimed at promoting mental health awareness and offering compassionate support for those in need
Al-Anon
Al-Anon provides support for family members and friends of individuals struggling with addiction. Through meetings and resources, they offer a compassionate space to share experiences and gain strength in navigating the challenges of supporting loved ones struggling with substances.
Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)
AA is a fellowship of individuals who share their experiences to help others recover from alcoholism. This 12-step program offers a structured approach to sobriety and recovery, providing meetings and support for those seeking freedom from alcohol dependence.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA)
NA is much like AA but the community is compromised more of members who are recovering from drug use. Through meetings and a structured 12-step program, NA helps individuals find community, hope, and a pathway to recovery borrowing from the traditional model of AA.
Understanding Various Treatments
What is DBT (Dialectical Behavioral Therapy)
An introduction to Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), explaining how it helps individuals manage intense emotions, improve relationships, and find balance through mindfulness and skill-building.
What is PE
(Prolonged Exposure Therapy)
This video covers Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE), a specific type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) used to treat PTSD and trauma-related symptoms. It explains how PE helps individuals confront and process traumatic memories in a safe, structured way to reduce fear and avoidance, ultimately supporting recovery and resilience
What is ERP
(Exposure and Response Prevention)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a specialized approach for managing OCD that helps people face their fears without giving in to compulsions. The idea is simple but powerful: with the guidance of a therapist, you start confronting the situations or thoughts that make you anxious, and you resist the urge to do the usual behaviors meant to relieve that anxiety. Over time, this practice “re-trains” your brain, teaching it that these triggers aren’t actual threats. While ERP can feel challenging, it’s proven to be one of the most effective ways to reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive actions.
Learn more about ERP at the International OCD Foundation
