Resources & Recommendations
Some of my favorite products, books, and resources, along with the recommendations I most often share with clients. These suggestions are for general support.
For Relaxation & Regulation
Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes, Yareli Magnesium Dead Sea Soak, and Flewd - I often encourage clients to build simple rituals that help signal safety to the nervous system. One of my favorites is a warm bath. Research suggests warm baths can promote relaxation, ease muscle tension, support better sleep, and provide a natural opportunity to slow down and reconnect with yourself. I enjoy using Yareli Magnesium Dead Sea Soak, Ancient Minerals Magnesium Bath Flakes, and Flewd to make that time feel even more restorative. While the research on absorbing magnesium through the skin is still evolving, many people—including myself—find that incorporating these products into a calming bedtime or self-care routine makes it easier to unwind and be intentional about caring for both body and mind. (I'm not vouching for the specific marketing claims on the packaging — just sharing what I personally use and like.)
Weighted Blankets - Just as you can't out-exercise a poor diet, you can't expect good mental health without prioritizing quality sleep. One of my favorite sleep tools is a weighted blanket. Research suggests weighted blankets may help some people feel calmer, fall asleep more easily, and improve sleep quality through gentle, even pressure. Brand isn't nearly as important as finding one that's comfortable and appropriately weighted for you. It's a simple, practical way to support your nervous system and create a more restful bedtime routine.
For better sleep, I also use a light-blocking mask, essential oil pillow spray, a nasal dilator for easier breathing (Brand Silent Mammoth), and earplugs. I take sleep seriously because I know how much it impacts my mood, patience, and ability to show up well each day. A well-rested version of me is a much better version of me!
Shinrin Yoku (Forest Bathing) - Spending time outdoors is one of the simplest ways we can support our mental health. The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, or "forest bathing," emphasizes slowing down and intentionally connecting with nature through our senses. Research suggests time in green spaces can help reduce stress, lower anxiety, improve mood, and support overall well-being. Whether it's a quiet walk through the trees, exercising outside, or simply stepping outdoors for a few mindful moments, nature offers a powerful reminder to slow down, breathe, and reconnect.
Be Present Phone App - Our phones are powerful tools, but constant connection can make it difficult to slow down, be present, and give our nervous systems the quiet they need. For many people who have experienced trauma or chronic stress, distraction can become an understandable way to cope with difficult emotions or escape uncomfortable thoughts. BePresent helps create intentional boundaries with technology by making time away from your phone engaging and rewarding. I appreciate that it focuses less on restriction and more on helping us reconnect with what matters most—our relationships, our surroundings, and ourselves. Creating space away from constant stimulation can be an important part of emotional regulation, mindfulness, and overall well-being.
Books
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl is a powerful exploration of suffering and the human capacity for resilience. Frankl reminds us that while we can't always choose our circumstances, we can choose how we respond to them. It's one of my personal favorites because it offers enduring hope, perspective, and purpose in the face of life's greatest challenges.
"Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one's attitude in any given set of circumstances."
Atomic Habits by James Clear is one of the most practical books I've read on creating lasting change. Rather than relying on motivation or willpower, Clear shows how small, consistent habits compound over time to produce remarkable results. I recommend it because it provides simple, actionable strategies that can help anyone build healthier routines and break unhelpful patterns.
"You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems." — James Clear
Setting Limits with Your Strong-Willed Child by Robert J. MacKenzie is one of my favorite parenting resources for learning how to set healthy boundaries while maintaining a strong connection with your child. Although the title focuses on strong-willed children, I believe the principles benefit most families. The book offers practical, respectful strategies for reducing power struggles, communicating expectations clearly, and parenting with greater confidence and consistency.
"Mean what you say, and say what you mean." — Robert J. Mackenzie
Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend is one of the most influential books on developing healthy relationships and taking responsibility for what is—and isn't—ours to carry. Grounded in both psychology and Christian principles, it helps readers recognize unhealthy patterns, communicate limits with confidence, and cultivate relationships built on mutual respect rather than guilt or obligation.
"We change our behavior when the pain of staying the same becomes greater than the pain of changing." -- Dr Henry Cloud & Dr. John Townsend
My Books
Essential Relationship Skills is the workbook I use with couples in therapy to help turn insight into lasting change. It combines practical exercises and evidence-based tools from EMDR, CBT, and relationship research to improve communication, navigate conflict, and strengthen connection. It's included with my couples therapy services and is also available as a standalone resource.
Homeschool Revolution is a practical and encouraging guide for parents who want to take an active role in their child's education. Combining real-life homeschooling experience with insights from counseling, it equips families with the tools, confidence, and mindset to create a thriving home education. Whether you're just getting started or looking to homeschool with greater purpose and clarity, this book will help you build an education that nurtures both character and curiosity.
The resources shared on this page are provided for informational purposes only. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement of every claim made by the author or manufacturer, nor do these recommendations replace personalized therapeutic, medical, or professional advice.