Therapy-Related Learning

The following is a constantly-evolving list of materials I've found to be useful for sharing information about therapy, parts work, EMDR, and other approaches/topics addressed frequently in therapy sessions.

If you know of any materials that should be added to the list, please also let me know. You may contact me by phone at (970) 235-1136 or by email at megan@desertsandllc.com. 

Parts Work

IFS as a Therapeutic Model
This text is extracted from: Chapter Five of Introduction to Internal Family Systems, Second Edition, by Richard C. Schwartz, PhD and is titled IFS as a Therapeutic Model. I've found it to be a useful chapter to provide to clients when explaining what they may expect in parts work therapy.

Parts Work Therapy: What does it look like?
This is an article from Seaglass Psychology that describes Parts Work and the most commonly used models that exist under that label. In my work, I primarily use IFS and Ego States approaches.

The Long Bag We Drag Behind Us
This is an essay written in 1988 by poet Robert Bly that provides a good metaphor for how we carry what IFS would refer to as our "exiled" parts.

Bluebird
This is a poem by Charles Bukowski that exemplifies how our "manager," or protective, parts might try to hide away our exiled parts.

EMDR

What the Heck Is EMDR Therapy? Can It Really Help Me?
This is an article on Psychology Today that provides some good information on EMDR. 

Polyvagal Theory

Regulation Strategies
This handout, created by Live Well Counseling Center, provides helpful strategies for regulating your nervous system when you're feeling triggered. It's best to practice them ahead of time to make sure you're comfortable with them and know how to use them when you're feeling activated.

Deciphering Cues of the Autonomic Nervous System
This handout, created by Live Well Counseling Center, provides information about how we might feel in different states of nervous system activation.

Misc

Man's Search for Meaning
This is a short book written by Viktor Frankl that includes his direct experiences in concentration camps during the Holocaust. It's undoubtedly a heavy read, and it provides insight into how people can find meaning in even the most horrendous of circumstances.