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Books on Grief

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• It's OK That You're Not OK by Megan Devine

• Honest guide validating grief's reality, offering insights on building a life alongside loss rather than "moving on."

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          Getting Grief Right by Patrick O’Malley

• Emphasizes honoring ongoing bonds with the lost loved one, challenging traditional "moving on" narratives.

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•  The Grieving Brain by Mary-Frances O’Connor

• Explores the neuroscience of grief, explaining how the brain adapts to permanent loss.

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• The Grieving Body by Mary-Frances O'Connor

• Explores the intersection of physical and emotional experiences of grief. In this insightful work, the author examines how grief manifests in the body, emphasizing that grief is not solely an emotional response but also significantly impacts our physical well-being.

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•  Finding Meaning by David Kessler

• Introduces a "sixth stage" of grief beyond the classic five, focusing on purpose and resilience after lo

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•  Healing After Loss by Martha Whitmore Hickman

• Daily meditations providing comfort, connection, and practical support through the grieving process

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•  Notes on Grief by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie

• Memoir cataloging destabilizing days of loss, showing grief as personal yet universal, offering companionship

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• Grief Is for People by Sloane Crosley

• Memoir reflecting on loss, blending personal story with insights on navigating sorrow and memory.

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         Bittersweet by Susan Cain

• Examines how grief and longing expand capacity for joy, connection, and a fuller life

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•  The In-Between by Hadley Vlahos 

• spice nurse's lessons on death and dying, helping process grief through patient stories and insights.

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•  Wild Things by Barbara Wansbrough 

• Meditation on surviving grief's wilderness with hope, love, and step-by-step forward movement. 

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• Books on PTSD

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• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma - Bessel van der Kolk

  This groundbreaking work explores how trauma affects both the body and mind. Van der Kolk combines research, case studies, and therapeutic methods, demonstrating how understanding trauma can lead to effective healing strategies.

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• Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma - Peter A. Levine

  Levine addresses the nature of trauma, emphasizing its connection to bodily experiences. He presents a new approach to healing trauma through heightened awareness of physical sensations, offering techniques to release trauma stored in the body.

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• Healing Trauma: A Pioneering Program for Restoring the Wisdom of Your Body - Peter A. Levine

  This practical guide introduces the principles of Somatic Experiencing, providing exercises and techniques to help individuals process their traumatic experiences and restore their natural resilience.

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• Trauma and Memory: Brain and Body in a Search for the Living Past - Peter A. Levine and Ann Frederick

  This book examines the relationship between trauma, memory, and the body, exploring how traumatic experiences are stored and retrieved. It provides insights into healing methods that address both memory and physical sensations related to trauma.

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• Mending the Soul, Second Edition: Understanding and Healing Abuse - Steven R. Tracy, Celestia G. Tracy

  This comprehensive resource discusses the impact of abuse and offers a framework for understanding and healing from its effects. The authors provide guidance on emotional recovery, resilience, and the journey toward healing.

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• Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving - Pete Walker

  Walker's book focuses on complex PTSD, particularly in those with histories of childhood trauma. He explores emotional and psychological responses, offering practical strategies for healing, self-care, and thriving after trauma.

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• The Emotion Code: How to Release Your Trapped Emotions for Abundant Health, Love, and Happiness - Dr. Bradley Nelson

  This book discusses how trapped emotions can impact physical and emotional health. Nelson provides techniques to identify and release these emotions, promoting holistic healing and well-being.

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• What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing - Oprah Winfrey and Bruce Perry

  In this insightful dialogue, Winfrey and Perry explore how trauma shapes individuals and communities. They emphasize resilience and healing through personal stories, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding in the recovery process.

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• The Body Keeps the Score Workbook: Exercises for the Mind, Body, and Soul - Bessel van der Kolk

  A companion to "The Body Keeps the Score," this workbook offers practical exercises and strategies to apply the concepts of the original text. It guides readers through their healing journeys, integrating mind and body work.

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• Trauma-Sensitive Mindfulness: Practices for Safe and Transformative Healing - David Treleaven

  This book explores the intersection of trauma and mindfulness, providing insights into adapting mindfulness practices to support individuals with trauma histories. Treleaven offers practical techniques to ensure safe and transformative healing experiences.

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Overall Great Reads in Getting to Know Yourself: 

        The Attachment Effect: How Coming Together Can Help Us Heal - Peter Lovenheim