Books for Recovery and Healing
October 7, 2021
Here Are Some Book Recommendations From Our Therapy Team
With lock down dragging on we asked some of our team to share books that they have read that have supported them through these challenging times.
Growing Yourself Back Up By John Lee
Recommended by Alyssa, Program Director
Have you ever wondered why you act the way you do? Why you rage, throw a tantrum, scream, stone wall, pout etc? Have you ever been told you’re acting like a child? Have you ever found yourself acting like a child, yet in your grown up body? I found this book provided some great lockdown reflection. I also appreciated the author’s insights into why we do what we do and the strategies for how to ‘grow yourself back up’!
Mother Hunger By Kelly McDaniel
Recommended by Amy, Day Program Therapist and Evening Weekend Counsellor
I loved this book, which is about healing from early attachment injuries. It builds on the concept of ‘Mother Hunger’ introduced in Kelly’s first book, Ready to Heal, which is one of the best books I have read on women’s love addiction. I’d recommend it as a pandemic read, as lockdown is the perfect time to go inward and continue working on one of the root causes of love addiction.
Online Self-Assessments for Mental Health, Trauma and Addiction
Before I Let You Go By Kelly Rimmer
Recommended by Barbara, Beachwood Support Worker
This is a novel about the relationship between a woman and her drug-addicted and now pregnant sister. I liked the way it described what is going on in this relationship, as I could relate it so much to the work we do, and at the same time the book offers a new level of insight. I’d recommend it at any time, although as it’s an absolute page turner, it’s also great for rainy days – or lockdown!
Playful Parenting By Lawrence J. Cohen
Recommended by Fleur, Director
Don’t let the title of this book fool you, it’s not just a bunch of silly games to play with kids. It goes deep. It explains how children’s emotions work and why they have tantrums and meltdowns. This book really helped me with my ten, nine and one year old, and provided tips to navigate sibling rivalry and power struggles. While struggling with home-schooling during lockdown, this book was an amazing resource, as it teaches how to build connection, and how connection is the key to cooperation.
If you’re concerned a loved one is experiencing depression, they can use our self-assessment tool here or call our team on 1800 063 332.
Online Self Assessments
Recommended Reading
I didn’t know that I was a sex and love addict. In fact, I had never heard of such a thing. I had cruised around relationships all my life, believing <span class="italic text-xs">… Continued.</span>
I was probably about 8 or 9 years old when I really realised that my Mum wasn’t like others. She conceived me via a donor in her early 40s, so <span class="italic text-xs">… Continued.</span>
I'm continually inspired by the strength and courage of our clients and their families who walk through our doors.
Her work laid the foundation for what we now understand as developmental trauma. The model she developed, rooted in her own clinical experience and deep insight, was not only groundbreaking at the time but has continued to stand the test of time.
In Conversation With Sean Walsh We recently had the pleasure of welcoming Sean Walsh, former CEO of The Meadows, to South Pacific Private. With extensive experience in trauma, addiction, and <span class="italic text-xs">… Continued.</span>
By Diane Young, Addictions and Trauma Specialist Gambling addiction is often misunderstood, dismissed as a simple lack of self-control or just a bad habit. However, as a therapist working closely <span class="italic text-xs">… Continued.</span>
The ripple effects of devastating events can profoundly affect entire communities, creating a shared experience of collective trauma that resonates far beyond the immediate aftermath. Natural disasters such as fires <span class="italic text-xs">… Continued.</span>
