Vanessa Bear

Too often, we are told we need to “set boundaries” to improve our lives. But what does setting boundaries actually entail? Moving beyond the familiar advice to “just say no”, this accessible self-help book explores four essential kinds of boundary—somatic, psychological, spatial and interpersonal—and shows how each supports healthier relationships and greater self-trust. Here, internationally recognised trauma specialist Babette Rothschild and somatic trauma therapist Vanessa Bear frame boundaries not as walls but as flexible, living resources that help us stay connected without becoming overwhelmed. Readers will learn to recognise their body’s signals, steady intrusive thoughts, protect emotional energy and express needs with confidence and care. Warm, inclusive and deeply practical, 8 Keys to Building Better Boundaries is an empowering resource for anyone seeking more ease and resilience in daily life.

The past several years have given rise to a burgeoning interest in ecotherapy. This beautiful card deck is designed to support clients and consumers alike who wish to use the solace of the natural world to aid in meditation and self-care. Each card includes a healing image from nature and a practical exercise to help readers develop self-efficacy, a sense of belonging and mindful awareness. These exercises involve yoga, creativity, movement, mindfulness, body-awareness and journalling, and are split into four categories: those that can be done without any preparation; those that can be done with a little preparation or simple, everyday equipment; those that are ongoing practices; and those that facilitate planning for future activities. This nurturing card deck is a perfect resource for those seeking to cultivate calm and connection at home, as well as therapists and coaches looking for a unique tool to use with their clients.

Drawing from neuroscience and psychotherapy with empowering strategies to take charge of healing from trauma, this workbook follows the theme of each of the 8 keys in 8 Keys to Safe Trauma Recovery. The two books complement each other but it is not necessary to have read the original to benefit from this workbook, which presents practical exercises and activities integral to safe trauma recovery, and is designed to support readers’ control of their mind, body and life in the aftermath of trauma. One thing is for sure: there is no one-size-fits-all method for healing trauma. This workbook will help readers identify, assess and celebrate the resources they already have and add more resources to their toolbox. Most importantly, the authors do not subscribe to the old motto “no pain, no gain,” fostering instead the concept that healing from trauma should not be traumatic.