Helpful Resources for You
While writing about overcoming trauma, Christian healing, and growing in the Christian faith recently, I thought about some of the resources that helped me over the years. I thought, “Wouldn’t it be great to share some helpful resources that I’ve used for success, like a list, amassed in one place?” Well, that’s what this is, and I hope the items touch on various facets of your life that need help. For example, here’s a free video of a Trauma Prayer by Jim Banks that’s excellent for playing while you fall asleep or meditate.
I’ll list mental health books that I found eye opening and informative that were recommended by mental health professionals that I know and trust as well as spiritual resources from Christian leaders that I vetted and spent years using. For example, I’ve attended Christian healing conferences based on Biblical teaching where I thrived and garnered other supports from video conferences to devotionals and therapeutic journals. Some of these resources are secular so use discernment but please take charge of your health. Now is the time!
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.
- There are countless free videos on YouTube discussing the topics covered in the book, as well.
No Bad parts by Richard Schwartz Ph.D.
- I consider this “family therapy but for one person” as it looks at an individual as having multiple characters/parts that influence the roles we play in life and we need to not judge those parts but understand them to better heal.
Codependent No More by Melody Beattie.
- A close friend is currently reading this and just a few chapters into the book, she found it both thought provoking and reactive.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy by Francine Shapiro.
- EMDR has been around for a few decades now. It’s excellent trauma therapy that even my family members have found beneficial.
Getting Past Your Past by Francine Shapiro.
- This is a trauma focus book to lead you out of the endless loop that plays in your mind.
Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition by Henry Cloud, John Townsend.
- A classic use not just within Christian circles but the secular world too. In fact, human trafficking victims in my local safe house are required to read this book because the content has been groundbreaking.
Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel J. Siegel M.D., Mary Hartzell.
- Besides the cute cover photos, this book was recommended to me by my Christian counselor Dr. Peter Anderson because, even though I’m not an official parent, there’s a chapter in this highly acclaimed book that applies to how we talk to and view ourselves. When I invited a struggling homeless woman to live with me, she confiscated this book and poured through it, clicking to it to learn how to help her get custody of her kids back.
My Therapist Told Me to Journal: A Creative Mental Health Workbook by Holly Chisholm.
- An interactive, fun journal that guides you through your mental health – YAY!
550pcs Ferrite Putty, Fidget Toys, for Stress/Anxiety Relief.
- Sometimes you just need something in your hands to distract you a little and take the pressure off.
Mind Brain Emotion 52 Essential Life Skills cards:
- Depression, ADD/ADHD, brain fog…whatever gives us what I call “trauma brain” moments and seasons of life, we all need help sometimes and there are also things that we don’t learn from our parents, caregivers or in school. Interactive cards like this offer support for getting through life and there are other categories offered like coping skills, critical thinking, social skills etc. Use these How-to and cheat sheet cards to improve your life.
The Selfless Way of Christ by Henri Nouwen.
- This short read is the ultimate book on Christian living. The theology is profound despite how easy to read the book is.
Real Marriage by Mark Driscoll.
- While not married, this book answered so many questions I had as a new Christian on biblical living. The well thought out answers revealed someone who had done extensive theological and biblical examinations in addition to counseling. Such an interesting read!
Healing ADD Revised Edition by Daniel Amen M.D.
- Doctor Amen’s books are helpful because he gives you a visual of your brain so you can see the physical effects of the disorder. Don’t have ADD/ADHD? No problem – grab one of his other books to see how your brain SPECT scan would appear like is Change Your Brain, Change Your Life. I’ve read several of his books including the nutrition books he’s done with his wife, Tana Amen, and they won’t disappoint.
Relentless Courage of a Scared Child by Tana Amen.
- I’m a big fan of memoirs about overcoming and Tana’s book is just that plus she ties the book into the health community that she and her husband have created.
A More Excellent Way, Be in Health by Henry Wright.
- This is a dense book but the heavy emphasis on scripture is part of why it’s so thick! I’ve read this book, bought it for people and even attended the two-week long conferences held my Henry Wright’s ministry “Be In Health,” in Georgia. I highly recommend this book.
Exposing the Spiritual Roots of Disease by Henry Wright.
- I’ve read this book and given out probably around 10 copies since buying it at the “Be In Health” conferences, where I experienced instant and permanent Christian healing, much to my surprise. It seems rare for Christians to talk about healing like this but I’ve found the information and testimonials in this book to be biblical, reliable, true, and attainable.
Healing by Francis MacNutt.
- This book is the cornerstone to Christian Healing Ministries in Jacksonville, FL. It’s my favorite ministry and the book is such a blessing on Christian healing that countless healing ministries that I trust use it and MacNutt’s other books in their practices.
Deliverance from Evil Spirits by Francis MacNutt.
- I knew nothing about deliverance before reading this book and found that I wished that it had been a resource I knew about before I became a Christian as I could have better understood the spiritual topography in my life and better navigating into Christianity.
Overcome by the Spirit by Francis MacNutt.
- This book gently introduces you to the charismata. Without the pomp and circumstance of a Pentecostal time of worship, you’re able to look at charismatic practices to understand them and why they are happening. It’s a genuine and honest look, almost anthropological.
Top 20 Dreams: What the most common dreams are telling you by John Paul Jackson.
- God speaks to me in dreams all the time. If you’re like me, this interests you. So much of the dream interpretation world is New Age/Occult. Turn to this Christian resource to better understand what’s happening in your life and what God’s is likely revealing to you.
The Healing Touch by Norma Dearing.
- Recommended by Christian Healing Ministries in Jacksonville, FL. I read this book and appreciated the practical understanding to modern Christian healing and that it is still relevant since I spend so much time around church people that said, “God doesn’t heal anymore. That time’s over.” This book feels like a friend teaching you biblical based, Christian healing from a mentor.
Thru the Bible Commentary Series by J. Vernon McGee.
- Great for beginner Christians, this series helps you read through the Bible almost line by line. It’s an oldie but a goodie. There are free, online audio versions to which I occasionally listen, if you need that. However, some people don’t prefer the old time preacher’s distinct voice. Nonetheless, everyone should read the Bible so a resource that helps you “drive thru” the Bible so you can get a baseline is a God send!
This is Where Your Healing Begins by Nigel Mumford.
- I recommend attending his healing conferences just as much as reading his books. Every interaction I have with Nigel Mumford is, “Brilliant!” He also went through Christian Healing Ministries Jacksonville and his healing ministry is thriving. His specialty is veterans who’ve seen combat, but anyone will benefit from this book.
Daily Inspiration for the Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren.
- Because God kept illuminating this devotional time and time again, I still refer to this as my favorite devotional and one of the few devotionals that I actually like.
Declaring God’s Word by Derek Prince.
- I’ve been using this devotional for a few years now. It thoughtfully covers Old and New Testament teachings extremely well.
The Case for Christ Updated & Expanded by Lee Strobel.
- I give this out to new Christians and pre-Christians who know nothing about Christianity but are starting out. Great for people who occasionally attend church or go to AA meetings but haven’t delved beyond that yet.
While this is not an exhaustive list and as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases, I’m praying and hoping that these helpful resources are able to free you from strongholds and addictions, shine hope into the dark recesses of your mind, and bring you everlasting peace from whatever traumas and scars that have made up your life. Blessings to you, dear reader!