Here I share books, websites, podcasts, as well as courses and workshops I have found educational, inspirational, supportive, or perhaps just spark my curiosity. I love learning about the neuroscience behind mental health issues and creativity, other psychotherapeutic approaches and techniques, and the lived experience of others through either mental and/or physical health issues, and the creative process. The following are not official endorsements and should be complemented by personal therapeutic support, whether with myself or another health professional.
Books
I'm currently reading:
Trauma and Memory: brain and body in search of the living past: a practical guide for understanding and working with traumatic memory by Peter Levine
Bessel van der Kolk's seminal The Body Keeps the Score: mind, brain and body in the transformation of trauma - again!
And by my bedside, I have Nova Weetman's, Love, Death & Other Scenes
I've recently enjoyed...
Clare Hunter's Threads of Life: a history of the world through the eye of the needle...empowering, thought-provoking and inspirational. If you love textiles, you'll love this book.
Emily Nagoski's Come as you are: the surprising new science that will transform your sex life...my only regret is not having something like this to read 30 years ago.
Unwell Women: a journey through medicine and myth in a man-made world by Elinor Cleghorn, who intelligently exposes the misogynist beliefs underpinning medical knowledge, diagnostic frameworks and treatment approaches, even to this day. Groundbreaking!
Podcasts
On regular rotation are episodes from:
the Australian Broadcasting Corporations's All In The Mind
Sue Marriott and Ann Kelley's Therapist Uncensored
the Mental Health Professional Network Presents
And the brutally honest reflections on life We can do hard things, hosted by Glennon Doyle, Abby Wambach and Amanda Doyle.
I also recently discovered Liana Berry's Art Muse podcast, and couldn't be more thrilled for the opportunity to listen to an art therapist in conversation with guests about self-expression, creative risk taking, the body-mind connection, experimentation and play, and the importance of leaning into discomfort.
Bright Marks is not a crises support service, but within the ACT and NSW there are government-funded, not-for-profit and community services available for when you're in crises or feeling unsafe. Below are some suggestions, each of which can also advise on most appropriate mental health support services for your needs.
- Suicide call back
- national telehealth provider for crisis support and counselling
- P: 1300 659 467 | 24 hours, 7 days/week
- Beyond Blue
- mental health information, advocacy and support service
- P: 1300 224 636 | 24 hours, 7 days/week
- Lifeline
- national crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services
- P: 131114 | 24 hours, 7 days/week
- Text: 0477 131 114 | 6pm - 12am
- Headspace
- national mental health support service for young people aged 12-25
- P: 1800 650 890
- Kids Helpline
- free online and phone counselling for children and young people aged 5-25
- P: 1800 551 800 | 24 hours, 7 days/week
- SANE Australia
- free online and telehealth support service for people living with complex mental health issues (ages 18+)
- P: 1800 187 263 | Mon - Fri, 10am - 8pm, or 24/7 via online forums