Spring 2026: Resources We Love
We’re living in an intense moment. The world feels unsteady, and here in DC, the pace can feel particularly relentless. Many of the individuals, couples, and families we work with are navigating not only their own transitions and challenges, but also the broader stress that hums in the background of our community.
This collection of resources comes from our team of therapists with that context in mind. These are not distractions or silver linings meant to bypass what’s hard. They are books, podcasts, websites, foods, and small practices we’re personally turning to right now — things that help us stay grounded, thoughtful, connected, and even occasionally joyful in the midst of very real stress.
We hope you find something here that feels supportive or nourishing for you. And if you’d like a little extra guidance — or just someone to talk things through with — please know you can always reach out to the Center. We’re here to help you navigate whatever this moment brings.
Alea Bell
Here are two resources I’m enjoying right now:
The Finch app: This might not be right for everyone, but I've recently tried the popular self-care virtual pet app, Finch. It's been a surprisingly fun way to find low-pressure motivation for simple self-care routines, like stretching, drinking water, connecting with friends, and getting into nature. I like that it gameifies and rewards taking care of yourself without guilt or shame.
Family moonlight walks: Now that the weather is getting warmer, it's been such a treat reinstating a quick after-dinner "moonlight walk" in my family. Even when the rush of the day and the pressures of the bedtime routine feel great, it’s been a nourishing and grounding activity to simply take a moment to move the body, stop and notice the different sights and sounds of the evening environ, and check-in with each other and share highs and lows from the day.
Elizabeth Ebaugh
Given the heightened level of stress that we’re facing in today’s world each morning and evening, I think it’s more important than ever to find things that are inspiring to read and experience.
I recommend daily readers such as The Language of Letting Go by Melody Beattie, or Pocketful of Miracles by Joan Borysenko.
I’m also feeling nourished by two podcasts: The Telepathy Tapes, which, although focused on autism and telepathy, offers so much insight into the flow of life energy through all phenomena; and The One You Feed, which encourages us — through many lenses — to focus on that which strengthens our best selves.
A new book on my shelf that also speaks to trusting the flow of life and our intuitive knowing is Space Is Not Empty by Alan Briskin and Mary V. Gelinas.
Liz Hagerman
Here are two resources I like for parents because they both respect and understand infants and toddlers:
CALMS: A Guide to Soothing Your Baby, by Carrie Contey and Debby Takikawa
I use this kind of attuned approach in my parent/infant groups and individual family sessions with babies and their caregivers. (If you’d like to find out more about the nurturing work I do to support new parents and their babies, please reach out.)
Kate Kelly
With so much uncertainty and fear in the world, and to help with nervous system overwhelm, I turn to the senses — specifically to our sense of smell and hearing — and focus on immediate and effective soothing.
When our thinking brain shuts down or is overactive, our sense of smell reaches the part of the brain that can be soothed. That’s why essential oils can be so powerful and immediate. Smell bypasses the rational brain and goes straight to the limbic system — our emotional center — calming an overstimulated nervous system and easing panic, anxiety, and sadness.
Here are three essential oils I’m using right now:
Parasympathetic Oil (Vibrant Blue Oils)
Lavender Kashmir and Ylang Ylang Oils (Anima Mundi Apothecary)
These oils can be diffused to create a calming environment anytime — including while kids play or sleep. Or apply a drop or two to your hands and inhale deeply to a count of 3 or 4. Exhale slowly and gently. (Be sure to use high quality pure grade essential oils.)
Meanwhile, the power of sound to heal, support, and soothe was brought home again to me recently when I attended the Sound Healing workshop at our Center with Patricia Long, who’s a therapist, musician, and sound healer. (Don’t worry if you missed it; Patricia’s joining us for an encore on Saturday, May 9, from 4-6:30 pm, and you’re invited!)
Sound healing has been used for thousands of years to improve mental, physical, and emotional well-being. Science is catching up, leading to sound healing being researched a lot during the pandemic. There’s now a large evidence base indicating that sound reduces anxiety and depression, lowers cortisol (stress hormone), improves heart-rate variability, and enhances overall mood and relaxation. And you don’t even need to do it everyday!
If you want to start a sound practice before our May 9 workshop, check out the nine Solfeggio frequencies on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Music.
Liz Liptak
“Peace Is Every Step”
On February 11, I was fortunate to see the Buddhist monks as they walked to the Peace Monument in front of the U.S. Capitol. Nearing the end of a 2,300-mile trek from Fort Worth, Texas, to Washington, DC, they appeared remarkably energetic and radiated an inner calmness. In the crowd that gathered, I noticed a sign that read “Peace Is Every Step,” which happens to be the title of a book by Thich Nhat Hanh from the early 1990s. I’ve read many books on mindfulness over the years, but I highly recommend this subtly powerful book that teaches us how to bring mindfulness into acts of daily living. The message of the book, and the monks’ walk, is that peace begins inside each of us through simple acts such as slowing down, breathing, walking, and noticing nature. Our inner peace then ripples outward into society.
Bridget McGuinness
Click to download Bridget’s PDF recipe
One of the main things I do to prioritize well-being is exercise. I love being outside in nature for this; however, in the winter months, this can be very challenging, so I’ve taken up group workout classes. I’ve found that there can be an incredible community through SoulCycle and Corepower Yoga. It’s the best way to start my day and makes me feel ready to take on whatever life throws at me.
I also find that baking can be a meditative act; I love the process and being able to share my creations with others. A recent favorite is brown butter chocolate chip cookies! Download my recipe here.
Amy Murphy
A friend recently suggested that I read Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. More specifically, she recommended the audiobook because she found the narration exceptionally good — and I’m happy to now pass on that recommendation to you!
I began the audio book just this week, and I’ve found it to be a soothing, comforting, and inspiring experience. It’s about a mysterious, elderly stranger named Theo who moves to the fictional town of Golden, Georgia, and quietly transforms the lives of its residents through acts of anonymous generosity, particularly by gifting pencil portraits and sharing stories. The book explores themes of kindness, community, art, and the importance of being present. Theo's inexplicable actions lead to new friendships and affirmed lives, leaving the town to wonder about his past and purpose. The narrator uses various voices, from a southern drawl to a Portuguese accent, to beautifully bring to life the diverse cast of characters who make up the town of Golden. Listening to this story has offered a welcome and pleasant alternative to the various news programs and podcasts that usually play on my car stereo.
Lisa Oakley
The resources that resonate with me lately are those that help soothe the nervous system and bring a sense of hope and peace.
With so many upsetting things going on in the world around us — violence, ugly rhetoric, and fear about the path our country is on — I’m constantly searching for an antidote to bad news and chaos. In January and February I found solace in following The Walk for Peace on Facebook, and then getting to see these brave monks in person when they arrived in DC after their arduous journey on foot from Texas. Even though they’re now back in Texas, I continue to check in on their Facebook page. Just seeing their updates and messages of peace and mindfulness brings a sense of calm.
Another source of calm has come in the form of poetry. A friend of mine introduced me to the poetry of Mary Walker. Her writing reminds me a bit of Mary Oliver: connected to nature and encouraging us to be in the moment and trust ourselves. Here’s the link to her website with some of her work: https://www.marywalker.co.nz/.
