Resources

The following are a compilation of books, local resources, programs & websites I have found to be helpful.

Check back often as it will continue to grow!

Crisis/Emergency Counseling:

Call the national emergency hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or 911 if you are in any type of crisis. The lifeline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will immediately connect you with a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area.

National Suicide Prevention & Crisis Hotline

Crisis Center of Comal County

Hill Country MHDD Centers

Women:

I thought it was just me: This book by Brene Brown defines shame as “the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing we are flawed and therefore unworthy of acceptance and belonging” and explains how this shame we carry can underlie depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and much more.

Daring Greatly : Another book by Brene Brown, this one focuses more on how the courage to be vulnerable can change our lives for the better.

Life is a verb : Written by Patti Digh, this beautifully designed book encourages readers to live “each individual, glorious, simple day with more intention” and say yes, be generous, speak up, love more, trust yourself, and slow down.

Resources for Families:

McKenna Parenting Program in New Braunfels: This is a wonderful program for educating and providing support to families through the crucial first years of their child’s life.

The Relationship Cure : Written by John M. Gottman, Ph.D., this book applies over 20 years of research to not just couples but all relationships, including families, friendships, and work relationships.

A Mighty Girl: A fantastic collection of books, toys and movies and advice for smart, confident, and courageous girls and their families.

Reviving Ophelia : A classic book written by Mary Pipher, PhD on the specific battles young girls & teens face in our society and offers parents compassion, strength, and strategies to revive their young girls.

Violet : This is a great book for children who have parents of mixed heritage, families who have adopted, or any child. I love this book and think it is a wonderful way to start positive conversations about race, culture, and how we each are different and unique.

Kindermoms of New Braunfels: this is a group for moms wishing to meet and connect with other local moms. They strive to create a place for moms to meet while at the same time engaging with their kids in fun and play.

Texas DFPS : Allows you to search local child care facilities, compare facility inspection ratings, and read full inspection reports to find the best care for your child.

Postpartum Support International: this is a website dedicated to explaining depression during pregnancy and postpartum, as well as a collection of resources, information, and online ways to connect with other moms.

Dinosaurs Divorce: A guide for changing families : This book is for children whose parents are going through a divorce and helps guide conversations that will need to happen regarding all the changes in family life that come with divorce. Written by Laurene Krasny Brown & Marc Brown.

Standing on My Own Two Feet: A child’s affirmation of love in the midst of divorce This book, written and illustrated by Tamara Schmitz, helps to remind your child that they are loved by both parents, even when mom and dad do not get along or divorce.

Stop Bullying Now Campaign

Resources for Couples:

The Gottman Institute:

A research-based approach to creating stronger relationships. I have successfully completed Levels 1 & 2 in the Gottman Couples Method and use this approach. I feel it is the best approach for premarital counseling, communication struggles, relationships, and marriage counseling.

The 7 Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert

Written by John M. Gottman, PhD, this book is a great book to start with if you have no prior knowledge about his research and are looking to improve your marriage. It explains Gottman’s theory, research, and includes exercises similar to the ones he uses in his workshops for you to try at home.

The Gottman Relationship Blog: Articles & advice based on the Gottman Method, which I use in counseling couples and families.

LGBTQ individuals:

LGBT facts for teens

It Gets Better Project

Parents: Helping your LGB teen stay healthy

The Welcoming Project

Anxiety:

Helping your anxious child A great step-by-step book for parents of children who struggle with anxiety, written by Ronald M. Rapee, Ph.D., Ann Wignall, D.Psych., Susan H. Spence, PhD., Vanessa Cobham, PhD., and Heidi Lyneham, Ph.D.

The Invisible String

A heartwarming story that helps children understand that they are connected to their loved ones, even when they are apart. Written by Patrice Karst, this story is wonderful for many different situations.

When my Worries Get too Big!

A relaxation book for children who live with anxiety, by Kari Dunn Buron

Relax

a guide to relaxing and calming down; includes instructions & prompts for young children

Anxiety and Depression Association of America Information on anxiety. This site also has a link for teens to take a anxiety disorders self-test.

International OCD Foundation The mission of the International OCD Foundation is to help individuals with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders to live full and productive lives.

College Students & Teens:

How to be an adult A handbook on psychological and spiritual integration by David Richo, this book guides readers on their positive journey from fear, through power, to love.

Helping teens who cut This is a great book for families of teens who cut and helps explain self-injury and ways to cope with extreme emotions without resorting to self-injury. Written by Michael Hollander, PhD.

MAD: A guide for teens Written by James J. Crist, PhD, this is an easy to read book for teens who need help dealing with their anger and getting respect- my favorite teen book on anger.

Grief & Bereavement:

**On Grief & Grieving: Finding the meaning of grief through the five stages of loss, by Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and David Kessler:** Elizabeth Kubler-Ross is one of the most respected authorities on death and dying and this book is a great place to start.

The Invisible String : A heartwarming story that helps children understand that they are connected to their loved ones, even when they are apart. Written by Patrice Karst, this story is wonderful for many different situations.

ADD & ADHD:

Smart but Scattered Written by Peg Dawson, EdD and Richard Guare, PhD, this book helps parents to help their children with ADHD get organized, stay focused, plan ahead, follow through on tasks, and solve problems.

Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (CHADD)

Depression:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-8255 or 911 if you are in any type of crisis. The lifeline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and will immediately connect you with a skilled, trained counselor at a crisis center in your area.

The Upward Spiral: Using neuroscience to reverse the course of depression, one small change at a time Written by Alex Korb, PhD, a neuroscientist in the department of psychiatry at the University of California, Los Angeles. This book gives straightforward tips to help alleviate depression, using proven strategies that are supported by the most recent research in neuroscience.

Uncovering Happiness: Overcoming Depression with Mindfulness & Self-Compassion Written by Elisha Goldstein, PhD, this book explains some of the latest research regarding depression, the brain, and treatment, in an easy to read format, while also sharing straightforward tools and techniques.

I don’t want to talk about it: Written by Terrence Real, this book talks about depression in men – and the families that love them.

I thought it was just me This book by Brene Brown speaks mostly to women and defines shame as “the intensely painful feeling or experience of believing we are flawed and therefore unworthy of acceptance and belonging” and explains how this shame we carry can underlie depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and much more.

Helping teens who cut This is a great book for families of teens who cut and helps explain self-injury and ways to cope with extreme emotions without resorting to self-injury. Written by Michael Hollander, PhD.

If your Adolescent Has Depression or Bipolar Disorder: An essential resource for parents Written by Dwight Evans & Linda Wasmer Andrews, this is written for parents and other caregivers of adolescents with a diagnosis of bipolar disorder or depression.

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance This is a patient directed national organization focusing on the most prevalent mental illnesses and provides up-to-date, scientifically based tools written in language that is reader friendly.

Families for Depression Awareness This is an organization dedicated to informing and supporting the family members of people experiencing depressive disorders to help them support their loved ones.

Brain & Behavior Research Foundation on Depression This site provides information and fact sheets regarding depression.

Other books & websites I recommend:

I hate you, don’t leave me Written by Jerold J. Kreisman, MD, and Hal Straus, this is a must-read for friends, family, and anyone who has been diagnosed with borderline personality disorder.

A terrible thing happened Written by Margaret M. Holmes, this book focuses on children who have witnessed any kind of violent or traumatic episode, including physical or verbal abuse, school or gang violence, accidents, homicide, suicide, and natural disasters such as floods or fires. An afterword by Sasha J. Mudlaff is a great resource for parents and other caregivers.

National Eating Disorders Association The National Eating Disorders Association website has stories of recovery from eating disorders, information about seeking treatment, and additional resources for school professionals and caregivers.

National Institute of Mental Health This is the government site for mental health and gives a wealth of up-to-date information, downloadable packets and fact sheets.

National Institute on Drug Abuse Provides additional links to information for parents, teens, health professionals, teachers and others.

Alcoholics Anonymous website

Al-Anon website Family and friends of problem drinkers. Includes information for teens who want to join.

Narcotics Anonymous website

Brene Brown, PhD., LMSW:

Brene is a research professor at the University of Houston Graduate College of Social Work. She has spent the past decade studying vulnerability, courage, worthiness, and shame, and has written several books on vulnerability, courage, and shame.

American Counseling Association