Melanie's recommended Resources 

Jane Clapp is a Mindful Movement Coach who specializes in working through the body to address trauma.
​Here is a video I often share with clients of her Three Simple Tips to Alleviate Anxiety. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vax1gt-T2kY&t=19
​You can find more of Jane’s work at https://www.janeclapp.com/

Dr. Kristin Neff’s work centers around self-compassion, and her website provides a Self-Compassion Scale, as well as exercises to improve our self-compassion. https://self-compassion.org/category/exercises/#exercises
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A great video on Intrusive Thoughts and why we shouldn’t try to get rid of them or reassure ourselves. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laeYq51SYA0
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For folks who enjoy “parts work” that we do in therapy, and would like to continue that work on their own, Jay Earley’s Self Therapy is a user friendly introduction to the concepts of this method.
​This book offers exercises and also has a companion workbook. https://ifs-institute.com/store/152

​Other researchers and clinicians offering great perspectives on trauma and the body are: Stephen Porges, Deb Dana, Stephen Levine. I recommend searching for their interviews wherever you listen to podcasts, as the information is more easily absorbed in that format vs. their books which can be written more for clinicians.

These two are great books for helping you access the space where you are a detached observer of thoughts and feelings instead of getting caught up in them, for improving your connection with your highest and best Self, that place inside each of us where we are already and always ok. The Untethered Soul, by Michael A. Singer https://untetheredsoul.com/untethered-soul and Self Observation by Red Hawk https://hohmpress.com/books-hohm-press/self-observation-book.html
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For those who struggle with the 12-steps, this book offers an alternative perspective, created especially for women and other oppressed populations. For those who struggle with the language of a “higher power,” one of my favorite offerings in this book is the concept of a “lower, deeper power.” Many Roads, One Journey by Charlotte Kasl https://charlottekasl.com/product/many-roads-one-journey/

I fully support the 12-step program and community, and have seen its positive and life-saving impact in the lives of loved ones and clients. https://atlantaaa.org/  And, some people are seeking something different. Another great option is Buddhist-based recovery group, Recovery Dharma. This is a group open to those seeking recovery from addictions of all kinds. There is no higher power language, though there is a spiritual component (and lots of meditation). There is no requirement to identify as anything – in these groups you introduce yourself with only your name. To find an in-person or online meeting: https://recoverydharma.org/meeting-list

A great option for those looking for a book with daily reflections: Mark Nepo’s The Book of Awakening https://marknepo.com/books_awakening.php

A wonderful read, and a book I recommend to clients struggling with their relationship with their body, whether due to discomfort with appearance, trauma, disability, or chronic illness is Matthew Sanford’s Waking: A Memoir of Trauma and Transcendence http://www.matthewsanford.com/content/book. Matthew is a writer and yoga instructor in Minneapolis who healed his relationship with his body through yoga, and teaches others to do the same. You can find more of his yoga work at https://www.mindbodysolutions.org/about/matthew-sanford/
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For trans folks seeking a provider for hormone replacement therapy, QMed is a great option regardless of location, providing telehealth services. queermed.com

LGBTQ Therapist Resource - This is a great resource for LGBTQ clients looking for competent, affirming therapists, via their database of clinicians. http://findatherapist.lgbtqtherapistresource.com It's also a great networking and information-gathering resource for clinicians! http://www.lgbtqtherapistresource.com Melanie is a co-founder of the LGBTQ Therapist Resource, but does not currently serve on its Board of Directors.