Falling Awake - by Kathryn Shafer (Paperback)

About the Book

This book provides a toolbox of strategies for clinicians and individuals to integrate the brainbody therapies, EMDR, Brainspotting, and Yoga Nidra in recovery or self-care programs. Based on the author's internationally renowned research, clinicians will be able to learn the science behind these modalities and their integrated applications.

Book Synopsis

This pioneering guide is the first of its kind to integrate the FUN(R) program with the brainbody therapies known as EMDR, Brainspotting, and Yoga Nidra. It provides clear guidance on how to safely use therapeutic tools and self-regulation exercises for clinicians and individuals impacted by trauma, addiction, anxiety, grief, family dysfunction, and stress. It offers a comprehensive toolbox of strategies and techniques to use during therapy sessions or on your own.
The science behind each modality and approach is explained in detail along with how they can be applied to maximize self-care care and enhance the therapeutic relationship. Techniques include case conceptualization, the use of mental imagery, directing attention to sensations in the body, focused eye movements and positions, and many more.
Dr Shafer draws on her extensive, internationally recognised and evidence-based research in this accessible and innovative book. Clinicians will be able to diversify their scope of practice and further aid their clients' healing through the integrative potential of The FUN(TM) Program, EMDR, Brainspotting, and Yoga Nidra.

Review Quotes

Falling Awake stands as a testament to the many years of study, work and dedication that Dr. Kathryn Shafer has brought to the field of healing. This book is friendly and fun - Dr Kathy shares her passion generously, allowing the reader to gain integrative knowledge of some of the more recent and highly effective therapies on offer. It is such a valuable resource for anyone evaluating what therapy to make use of personally or study professionally.
I love Dr Kathy's honoring of fun and playfulness as part of the process of coming to wholeness. I honor and recognize that as she has undertaken the serious work of tackling society's tough issues through her community involvement, she has kept balance in her own life through music, movement, deep self care and good company. That shines through in this book.
Today is the day to read this book and bring some FUN into your life!

--Durga Leela, author of Yoga of Recovery: Integrating Yoga and Ayurveda with Modern Recovery Tools for Addiction

Refresh your clinical practice and have more fun in the treatment room! There is much richness in Falling Awake for mental health professionals: how Dr Shafer's Fun Program "Brainbody" practices are applied in compassionate ways to empower the clients to establish goals and reach them; how EMDR can unlink those "touchstone" events in our lives to free us from emotional repetition; how Brainspotting works on a subcortical level to release emotional blocks without the need for words; how Yoga Nidra and other therapeutic yoga interventions can restore emotional balance, how to match the therapeutic intervention with the client's needs and how the modalities might be integrated for the client's healing. But the true gifts of Falling Awake are the case stories that moved this reader to tears more than once. Dr Schafer knows when a personal sharing might be what the client needs to move forward in their healing, and she shows us how and when to combine EMDR or Brianspotting with Yoga Nidra. Falling Awake will give you the confidence to integrate the "Brainbody" practices into your own healing work with clients and expand your self-care toolbox.--Amy Weintraub, Yoga therapist, LifeForce Yoga founder, author of Yoga Skills for Therapists

A fun combination of treatment approach, history, user-friendly techniques, case examples, and self-disclosure.--Roy Kiesslng, Founder/CEO of EMDR Consulting

Dr. Kathryn C. Shafer's book is a remarkable and transformative work that bridges the worlds of trauma therapy and spiritual growth. I am deeply impressed by Dr. Shafer's ability to integrate EMDR, Brainspotting, and Yoga Nidra, providing a comprehensive approach to healing and self-regulation. Her book is a beacon of hope for those seeking profound healing and personal growth. Dr. Shafer's commitment to well-being and her ability to communicate complex concepts in an accessible manner make this a must-read for mental health professionals, trauma survivors, and seekers of self-knowledge alike.--Rachel Epstein, Esq. Director, American Institute for Mental Imagery

Dr. Kathryn Shafer is passionate about teaching the brain-body connection for optimal functioning. A book filled with fascinating and empowering information that educates and inspires all on a journey of healing and transformation.--Grace Van Berkum, R.H.N. founder GLO Nicaragua Healing Center, www.gracevanberkum.com

Dr. Kathy Shafer is a consummate clinician who is well versed in the therapies she describes here. I am fortunate to know her from her work in Brainspotting Therapy and greatly appreciate her attunement to clients which is key no matter what type of therapy one utilizes. You will get a wonderful feel of what each method she describes holds from the way Dr. Shafer writes of these therapies about which she is passionate and knowledgeable. She has an engaging sense of humor that makes some of the more detailed concepts easy to understand and digest. As a Brainspotting Trainer, I hope you may be moved to train in one of these therapies to enhance what you already do so well. You will be richer for it and gain some wonderful new tools that work at a deep brain-body level to benefit your clients.--Deb Antinori, MA, LPC, RDT, FT, Brainspotting Senior Trainer

Dr. Kathy Shafer's book is a compendium of clinical wisdom and healing stories that both inform and inspire. Dr. Shafer writes from the heart and the head, clearly passionate about the important, timely information she is conveying. As the founder and developer of Brainspotting, I believe Dr. Shafer has done a wonderful job of conveying the foundation and nuance of Brainspotting theory and practice. This book is a must read!--David Grand, Ph.D., Psychotherapist, Founder and author of Brainspotting: The Revolutionary New Therapy for Rapid and Effective Change

Helping people to have FUN(TM) in their trauma recovery journey is what Kathy shares through her extensive education, trainings, self-care, self-practice and client experiences. This book, an introduction to complementary practices, is filled with exercises and case examples for the reader, especially a trained therapist, on how integrating several evidence-based treatment modalities and knowing what techniques might be teamed together can assist the therapist to help someone fall but continue to remain awake and alert during their treatment, especially with trauma.--Susan Tebb, PhD, MSW, C-IAYT, Professor Emerita, Vice President of Board for International Association for Yoga Therapists

Kathryn Shafer's book emphasizes the most important, often missed, neurological components of psychotherapy by introducing readers to several important, and diverse therapies that stimulate and/or calm different parts of the brain. I recommend this book to anyone searching for ways to help clients or themselves to become calm, mindful, trauma-free, and present. This is the perfect book for graduate students or new therapists seeking direction in this complex field.--Robin Shapiro, LICSW Psychotherapist, Clinical Consultant, Writer, Lecturer

About the Author

Dr Kathryn Shafer Ph.D., LCSW, CAP, E-IAYT is a trauma and addiction psychotherapist, Certified EMDR therapist and EMDRIA Approved Consultant, Certified Brainspotting Therapist and Consultant in Training, and certified Yoga therapist. Author of the FUN(TM) program which helped her to heal from various traumas in her own life, Dr. Shafer is also an educator, author, and consultant to therapists obtaining licensure and addiction treatment centers to maintain their accreditation. Dr. Shafer has presented her research and clinical expertise worldwide at conferences as well as on TV and radio Programs.
As a cognitive behavioral and somatic therapist she infuses her practice with other evidence-based interventions such as nutrition, exercise, mindfulness, and other self-care routines.
For over 40 years, she has run a private practice in Jupiter, Florida, and also offers trainings and workshops across the US and internationally.