Resources that have helped me in times of crisis

For about two years, I saw a highly skilled therapist who had over thirty years of experience working with women healing from severe trauma. We found each other by grace. In my book, I detail how we met. She has since passed away. She taught me how to care for my nervous system. She incorporated a body-based somatic approach, an energetic focus, and inner child/parts work. She also supported me in exploring my own unique spiritual path as it unfolded. All that to say, I recommend therapy. She was a social worker, not a psychologist, psychiatrist, or counselor. She was extremely tender-hearted, highly sensitive, and a gifted and experienced healer. These are qualities I recommend keeping an eye out for. I would be skeptical of any therapy that did not address the nervous system and physiological impacts of trauma. Ask around for recommendations for therapists meeting these criteria. I do not know of any personally. 

General Nervous System Supports that worked for me and may or may not work for you

• Crisis support hotline when my therapist was not available. 211 or Clatsop County Behavioral Health Crisis Line (503) 325-5724 

• Walking/Hiking
• Plenty of rest
• Hot baths/ Thermal Spas / Hot springs / Saunas
• Writing 
• Various Herbal Teas (consult an herbalist or acupuncturist)
• Ending Unsupportive Relationships 
• Yoga/Meditation (see yoga page and blog for more details, or reach out to me personally for more details on finding a yoga program that might work for you)

Local Resources

Astoria Arts & Movement Center Dance/Yoga Classes 

Necessary Magic Classes (Astoria, OR)

Jenn Visser's Monthly Women's Circle (Cannon Beach, OR)

Fire Station Yoga (Astoria, OR)

North Coast Community Wellness (Hub for resources)

Breitenbush Hot Springs (Outside of Salem, OR)

Ofura Spa (Long beach, WA)

Cascada Thermal Pools (Portland, Oregon)

 

Online Resources 

Madrona's Pulse Teachings with Iris J. YouTube

Madrona's Pulse Teachings | Astrology for Healing - YouTube

If you can afford it, I recommend getting a natal chart astrology reading from Iris. It is worth the investment. 

 

Tosha Silver Weekly Forum

Living Outrageous Openness

 

Tosha is a spiritual teacher and author of several books. She offers a pre-recorded online course or a weekly interactive forum call. The forum was immensely helpful when things were rough. 

 

Books

Women Who Run with Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés

The Untethered Soul by Michael Singer

The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron