Inspiration for stress management, resilience, and trauma recovery

My approach is based on empowering self-help: I encourage you to actively engage in your own process of change and growth. The materials in this collection are designed to support you in developing your own strategies, strengthening your inner resources, and discovering your personal resilience. Whether through practical tools like EmotionAid® to help in challenging moments or through in-depth information on trauma healing and resilience to broaden your understanding – everything here is aimed at supporting your well-being and offering guidance for everyday life.

EmotionAid® – effective stress regulation for anyone, anytime, anywhere

EmotionAid® helps you quickly regain balance and effectively manage stress in everyday life – a valuable addition to body-based approaches. Developed from the trauma therapy Somatic Experiencing®, EmotionAid® is a five-step self-regulation method and also serves as an easy and rapid emotional first aid technique to support others. The five-step protocol offers a toolbox of simple techniques to regulate the nervous system.

YouTube videos & materials

• EmotionAid®: 3 Minutes of Practice to Quickly Release Stress on the Spot
• EmotionAid® – QUICKLY RELEASE Stress and Trauma ON THE SPOT
• EmotionAid Website emotionaid.com
• Managing stress is like driving a car (2:30 Min.)

Polyvagal theory – experiencing safety through regulation of the nervous system

The Polyvagal Theory offers practical approaches to experience inner stability and a sense of safety by regulating the nervous system – a key element for sustainable resilience.

• Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory, Deb Dana, 2023 (German: In Sicherheit verankert)
• The Vagus Nerve as Inner Anchor: Overcoming Anxiety and Panic, Finding Calm and Strength, Deb Dana, 2022
• Polyvagal Practices: Exercises for Safety and Connection, Deb Dana, 2020
• The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation, Deb Dana, 2018

Trauma therapy with Somatic Experiencing®

Somatic Experiencing® teaches how to release traumatic stress stored in the body and strengthen the nervous system – supporting calm and balance from within. Developed by internationally renowned trauma researcher Dr. Peter A. Levine, this approach offers effective ways to resolve trauma, dissolve blockages, and restore physical and emotional well-being.

• Freedom from Pain: Discover the Power of Your Body to Overcome Pain, Peter A. Levine & Maggie Phillips, 2024
• Trauma and Memory: Brain and Body in a Search for the Living Past, Peter A. Levine, 2016
• In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness, Peter A. Levine, 2010
• Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma, Peter A. Levine & Ann Frederick, 1998
• Healing Trauma: A Pioneering Program for Restoring the Wisdom of Your Body, Peter A. Levine, 2011
• Resilience: Your Body Shows You the Way, Dr. Isa Grüber, 2021
• Resilience Card Set: 50 Tools for Self-Compassion and Stability Inspired by Somatic Experiencing®, Dr. Isa Grüber, 2024

Trauma Healing – supporting children, youth and parents

• Healing Children’s Hurt Minds: How Children and Adolescents Can Recover from Trauma, Peter A. Levine & Maggie Kline, 2004
• Powerbook – First Aid for the Soul, Volume 1 & 2, Andreas Krüger, 2011
• The Neuroaffective Picture Book Series, Marianne Bentzen & Susan Hart, Vol. 1–3 (2016–2023) Socialization, personality development, lifelong growth and wisdom

Erasmus project on trauma recovery – tools for parents and caregivers working with children

• Healing Trauma in Children – Picture Books for Parents
• Healing Trauma in Children – Handbooks for Supporting Professionals
• Free multilingual downloads available at: cesiprosyrii.org
• Based on Somatic Experiencing® and the Trauma Prevention and Recovery Program by Peter Levine and Maggie Kline

Institute for Trauma and Pedagogy – For Professionals in Social Work

Paul(a), the therapeutic reversible Doll – Developed by the Institute for Trauma and Pedagogy
Paul(a) explains what happens in the brain during a traumatic event and how trauma can show up in daily life long after the incident. The doll represents the three brain levels: the neocortex (Paul & Paula) as the thinker, the limbic system (the lighthouse) as the alarm system, and the brainstem (reptile) for survival. Paul(a) is a resource for educators, counselors, therapists, and supervisors working with children and adults.

Body2Brain: everyday self-care, mental hygiene and emotional resilience

BODY 2 BRAIN CCM® uses body experiences to train sustainable psychomental stability. Cognitive sciences refer to this as “embodiment” – the interaction of body and mind. The brain learns best through the body – and ideally with joy.

• Keep Your Head Up – The Little Survival Book, Claudia Croos-Müller & Kai Pannen, 2011
  • Just Be Brave! (Vol. 2) – For anxiety and panic
  • Good Luck! (Vol. 3) – For self-doubt, setbacks, and dark thoughts
  • Sleep Well! (Vol. 4) – For insomnia and nightmares
  • All the Best! (Vol. 5) – For emotional wounds and heartache
  • It’s All Good! (Vol. 6) – For trauma and overload
  • Stay Cool! (Vol. 7) – For stress and frustration
  • Stop! (Vol. 8) – For crisis, despair, or emotional outbursts

Use these resources as inspiration to shape your own path toward balance, resilience, and well-being.