READING

Here are a few books that I recommend for clients who are interested in finding out more about trauma and creativity.

Trauma:
Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR Therapy by Francine Shapiro Ph.D.
Dr. Shapiro's book provides a clear understanding of how trauma from the past can create suffering in the present.  With vivid case examples and easy to use self-help techniques, readers can move from identification with what isn't working in their lives to how to move toward transformation with a decrease in their current distress and suffering.

Tapping In: A Step-by-Step Guide to Activating Your Healing Resources Through Bilateral Stimulation by Laurel Parnell Ph.D.
Dr. Parmell clearly outlines how to create and tap in positive resources to find greater wholeness and peace.  She has easy to use examples with questions that assist the reader in finding the personalized, unique material that will work for them.

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
Dr. van der Kolk explains the science of trauma providing human stories about the effects of trauma, and he explores the paths to recovery.

Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence--from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror by Judith Herman
This is an excellent book that explores human trauma in its many forms and explains the stages of recovery.  Reading this book can give a greater understanding of the impact of trauma on one's life and how the process of healing unfolds.

Creativity:
The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron
This book gives exercises and techniques to gently move through creative blocks. 

The Creative Fire: Myths and Stories on the Cycles of Creativity, Audio CD, by Clarissa Pinkola Estés, Ph.D.
Dr. Estés’ use of myth and story weave together to explore creativity and the negative complexes that can prevent creative exploration and artistic expression.