Recommended Resources

Books About Burnout, Unmasking, and Healing That I Recommend

These are the books about burnout, autistic burnout, and trauma recovery I keep bringing up in session at Being Human Is F*ing Hard, plus the sensory tools for adults that help when your nervous system is fried. None of them replace therapy, and every one of them has helped someone feel a little less alone in the mess of being human.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. If you buy through these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only list things I'd recommend to a client.

Autistic Burnout and Unmasking Books

If you've been running on fumes from years of masking, start here. These autistic burnout books pair well with my burnout recovery intensives and adult autism and ADHD assessments.

The Autistic Burnout Workbook

Dr. Megan Anna Neff

A practical recovery plan written by an autistic psychologist, with worksheets that help you figure out what's draining you and what refills you.

Self-Care Activities for Autistic People

Dr. Megan Anna Neff (card deck)

100 short exercises to pull from when your brain is too tired to plan anything, so grounding doesn't become one more task.

The Autistic Adult's Toolbox

Natalie Diggins

Real tools for executive function, sensory needs, and daily living, without the "just try harder" advice that never helped anyone.

Divergent Mind

Jenara Nerenberg

A validating look at how neurodivergence shows up in women and why it gets missed for so long.

Burnout and Rest

Burnout recovery takes more than a bubble bath. These pick apart the stress cycle and the grind culture that keeps you in it.

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle

Emily Nagoski, PhD and Amelia Nagoski, DMA

One of the most useful books about burnout out there. It explains why you have to complete the stress cycle, not just remove the stressor.

The Nap Ministry's Rest Deck

Tricia Hersey

50 rest practices for anyone who learned that their worth equals their productivity.

The Live Your Values Deck

Lisa Congdon

A card deck for sorting out what matters to you, which makes a good companion to unmasking work.

Trauma and Inner Work

For the old stuff that shows up at the worst possible times. If you're ready to work through it with support, my EMDR intensives give you focused time to do it.

What My Bones Know

Stephanie Foo

A memoir of healing from complex trauma that reads like a conversation with someone who's been there.

No Bad Parts

Richard C. Schwartz, PhD

An approachable introduction to Internal Family Systems and the idea that every part of you is trying to help.

Inner Child Oracle

Amanda Lynn Aisling (44-card deck)

Reflection prompts for checking in with younger parts of yourself. I like it for journaling between sessions.

The Human Design Workbook

Dr. Karen Parker

A guided workbook for exploring your Human Design chart, for people who enjoy self-reflection frameworks.

Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy Reading

Curious about psychedelic-assisted therapy, or working on preparation and integration? These are good places to start learning.

The Psychedelic Explorer's Guide

James Fadiman, PhD

A classic on safe, intentional, therapeutic psychedelic experiences, with a strong focus on preparation.

Mastering Microdosing

Paul F. Austin

An overview of sub-perceptual dosing research and the questions worth asking before you try it.

Microdosing Journal

Bil Harret and Anastasia V. Sasha

A structured journal for tracking mood, sleep, and insights, which makes integration conversations a lot more productive.

These books are for education and integration. I don't provide or source psychedelic substances, laws vary by state, and none of this is medical advice. If you're considering psychedelics, let's talk through preparation and safety first.

Sensory Tools for Adults

Small, cheap things that help your body come down when your brain won't. Keep a few in your bag, your car, or your desk drawer.

Textured Worry Stones (6 Pack)

Fidget tool

Quiet, pocket-sized, and easy to use in a meeting without anyone noticing.

Instant Ice Packs

25 pack

Cold on your face or wrists is one of the fastest ways to downshift an overwhelmed nervous system, and these work anywhere.

Sour Hard Candy

Individually wrapped

A strong sour taste can pull your attention back into your body when you're starting to spiral.

nodpod Weighted Sleep Mask

Gentle pressure eye mask

Light, even pressure and total darkness for rest breaks and sensory recovery.

Steam Eye Masks

Unscented, 10 pack

Warmth for tired eyes after too much screen time or too many people.

Ohuhu Alcohol Markers (48 Colors)

Brush and fine tips

For coloring, doodling, or anything that keeps your hands busy so your mind can settle.

Stress Relief Coloring Book

Coco Wyo

Bold, simple designs that don't demand perfection, which is the whole point.

Adult Swear Words Coloring Book

Pink Stylish Press

For the days when calm and serene isn't happening. Sometimes you need to color something rude.

Want Support With What You're Reading?

Books can crack something open, and you don't have to sort through it alone. My burnout recovery intensives and EMDR intensives give you dedicated time to work through it with someone who gets it.

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