Books | JustinLMFT

MY TOP 3 BOOKS

In An Unspoken Voice

My favorite book from Peter Levine so far - a clear, but in depth look at trauma and how to get unfrozen. An easy reading of difficult concepts and filled with fantastic, real life examples of his clinical work. Must own.

Buy

The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy

Deb Dana translates the highly dense and academic work of Dr Porges into this wonderful book and then describes her techniques of infusing into therapy. This belongs on every therapist's bookshelf. Great for clients and other people in the helping professions too.

Buy

Pocket Guide to the PVT

This is much easier to digest compared to his first outing in The Polyvagal Theory. The Pocket Guide is slightly more challenging than what you'll get from me on the podcast though. So it's a happy medium from Stephen Porges - the creator of the PVT himself.

Buy

MY FAVORITE EDUCATORS

STEPHEN PORGES

He started the Polyvagal madness and is worth the read. Be warned - it can be highly dense and academic. Not for the curious or light reader.

DEB DANA

Deb Dana belongs on your bookshelf if you're a therapist or just interested in PVT. Super easy to read, understand and apply. She does all the work for you in interpreting and applying the work of Dr. Porges.

PETER LEVINE

Peter Levine's work on treating trauma is the natural extension of the Polyvagal Theory. He's thorough but easy to understand with great examples and concrete techniques for self or clients. Highly recommended for those who are looking to help themselves or are helping others.

GABOR MATÈ

Gabor Mate has a clear-cut and impactful style of delivering his message. I haven't read his books yet, but his lectures are mesmerizing and I hear nothing but good things about his books.

BRUCE PERRY

A household name when it comes to trauma. I mean, he's been on Oprah.

BESSEL VAN DER KOLK

Another household name when it comes to trauma. Bessel actually put the Polyvagal Theory on a spotlight at his annual conference in 1994, inviting Dr Porges to speak on it for the first time.

RECOMMENDED READING