Impactful Readings:

Your Brain on Art, How the Arts Transform Us: Ivy Ross and Susan Magsamen
Incredibly dense book of evidence based data supporting the important and essential function that art (in all forms) and creativity have on our overall wellness.
The Body Keeps the Score: Bessel van der Kolk
Explores the impact of trauma on the human mind and body.
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Gabor Mate
A compassionate look at the underlying causes of addiction considering environmental factors, developmental issues and adverse childhood events. Challenging the long held belief that addiction is rooted solely in genetics as a disease or moral weakness.
Art and Fear: Ted Orland and David Bayles
A comprehensive study of the importance of art making as a human endeavor. This is sort of what I would consider to be my bible. The book promotes acceptance of self and art-making as nourishment.
The Wild Edge of Sorrow Rituals of Renewal and the Sacred Work of Grief: Francis Weller
Explores grief as an embodied ritual, an active transformation and a collective human experience with a focus on community support. This book creates a positive reframe on the significance of grief and loss as an opportunity for renewal.
The Science of Stuck: Britt Frank
A neuroscience based framework for better understanding the cycle of mental and physical stagnation. This book is interactive with plenty of diagrams, imagery, quizzes and concrete coping tools.
COMMUNITY AND MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES
This is an active and evolving list of New Orleans and surrounding area based community resources.
CREATIVE OUTLETS
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​Young Aspirations Young Artists (YAYA)​​​​​​​

MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT
Local Non Profit providing free therapy sessions to service industry workers.
Tons of local resources in this digital guide
501c-3 engaging underserved young people through community-based education, mentoring, enrichment, and employment readiness programs
New Orleans based in person support group
Co-Dependents Anonymous is a twelve-step program operating in 72 countries for people who share a common desire to develop functional and healthy relationships. rs
Free virtual support group for OCD and related anxiety disorders Center for Neurodiversity Education, Advocacy, and Activism
Center for Neurodiversity Education, Advocacy, and Activism
Free Peer Led Support Group​​
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LGBTQ & BIPOC RESOURCES
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QTCAP (Instagram)
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QT Care House (Instagram)
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​New Orleans Workers Center for Racial Justice​​​​

