Resources
Books, conversations, and ideas worth exploring.
I've collected a few books and other resources that have influenced how I think about relationships, intimacy, identity, and the ways we come to understand ourselves.
Some are grounded in psychology; others offer a different perspective through poetry, reflection, or personal experience. They're here for you to explore at your own pace.
Books
The Purity Culture Recovery Guide — Erica Smith
An exploration of how messages about sex, pleasure, and relationships can shape our experiences of desire, shame, and intimacy.
How to Be an Adult — David Richo
A thoughtful look at emotional maturity, self-awareness, and developing more grounded relationships with ourselves and others.
Short reflections and poetry on self-awareness, relationships, and personal growth.
The Gradual Awakening — Stephen Levine
An introduction to meditation, awareness, and learning to be present with our experiences.
Podcasts & Conversations
The Secrets to a Successful Open Relationship - Justin Lehmiller
A conversation about communication, jealousy, and navigating consensual non-monogamy.
What Happened to My Sex Life? - Dr. Kate Balestrieri
An exploration of changes in desire and intimacy within long-term relationships.
Awakening Our Body's Awareness — Tara Brach
A two-part conversation about somatic awareness and the relationship between our bodies and emotional experiences.
Fierce Intimacy — Terry Real
A discussion of emotional intimacy, relationship conflict, and more direct communication.
The Arc of Love: The Poly Dinner Party — Esther Perel
A conversation about non-monogamy, relationship expectations, and different ways of creating meaningful connections.
Videos
Making Relationship Agreements That Work
A discussion of communication and relationship agreements across different relationship structures.
Parenting and Reparenting Yourself — Dr. Becky
An exploration of how early experiences shape our emotional responses and relationships.
Why Haven't I Healed Yet? — Jeff Foster
A reflection on our relationship with difficult emotions and the pressure to heal.
How to Do Laundry When You're Depressed — KC Davis
A practical discussion of care tasks, mental health, and separating personal worth from productivity.
The Summons of the Soul — James Hollis
A depth-psychological exploration of change, meaning, and the questions that emerge when familiar ways of living no longer fit.
A Place to Begin
You don't need to read or listen to everything here. Sometimes one idea is enough to invite a different question or perspective.
These resources are offered for exploration, not as a substitute for therapy.