Grounded - by Rachel Harrington (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

A movement-based approach to nervous system regulation built specifically for parents

Grounded: A Nervous System Regulation Guide for Overstimulated Parents offers a root-cause approach to parental dysregulation. Written by Rachel Harrington, a certified occupational therapy assistant and primitive reflex clinical specialist, this book delivers a practical, movement-based framework for parents stuck in fight-or-flight mode. Rather than focusing on children's behavior, it turns the lens on the parent's own nervous system.

Grounded walks readers through identifying sensory overload, understanding retained primitive reflexes--found in roughly 50% of adults aged 25-55 according to the Journal of Neurology--and building daily routines that support regulation before stress takes hold. The book includes illustrated exercises, sensory strategies, checklists, and workbook-style tracking pages that make complex neurological concepts accessible and actionable for everyday life.

Readers will also find:

• Relatable personal stories that normalize the experience of parental overwhelm and sensory overload in daily life
• A clear explanation of how unintegrated primitive reflexes contribute to emotional dysregulation in adults
• Illustrated movement exercises designed to calm the nervous system and build long-term regulation habits
• Sensory strategy checklists and workbook-style pages for tracking progress and personalizing daily routines
• Proactive tools that empower parents to address root causes rather than simply managing surface-level stress symptoms

Grounded is written for overwhelmed parents struggling with emotional regulation, sensory overload, and burnout who want science-backed, practical tools to regain control of their energy and emotions. It also serves therapists and practitioners seeking reliable resources for the adults and families in their care.

From the Back Cover

A root-cause approach to nervous system regulation for overstimulated parents

Most parenting books focus on strategies aimed at children. Grounded: A Nervous System Regulation Guide for Overstimulated Parents shifts the lens to the parent, addressing why you feel stuck in fight-or-flight mode. Rachel Harrington, a certified occupational therapy assistant and certified primitive reflex clinical specialist, explores the neurological root causes of dysregulation--including retained primitive reflexes and sensory processing challenges--and offers a practical, movement-based path toward feeling regulated and in control.

Grounded provides relatable stories, sensory strategy checklists, and daily regulation tools that readers can put into practice immediately. It also explains how retained primitive reflexes can contribute to sensory overload and emotional dysregulation. The book includes illustrated exercises, downloadable checklists, video demonstrations, and proactive routines designed to support your nervous system before stress takes over.

Written for parents who find themselves constantly overwhelmed, reactive, or burned out, this guide delivers science-backed tools for reclaiming emotional balance. It also serves as a structured resource for therapists, practitioners, and counselors working with adults and families seeking practical approaches to sensory regulation and nervous system support in daily life.

About the Author

Rachel Harrington, COTA/L, CPRCS, is a certified occupational therapy assistant and certified primitive reflex clinical specialist. She is the owner of Sensational Brain, founder of The Sensory Project, and host of the All Things Sensory podcast from Harkla, which has accumulated millions of downloads since its 2018 debut. Harrington is also the creator of multiple sensory-focused children's books and digital resources, establishing her as a leading voice in sensory integration and nervous system regulation.