As a parent and therapist committed to addressing the intense degree of suffering and oppression in the world, the daunting question of “where to begin?” can feel like an uphill battle. Some would even consider it an unrealistic ideal to attempt to bring a more humanizing approach to the current clinical framework and culture that has become increasingly pathologizing and objectifying, (unfortunately often reinforcing the deep states of shame and disconnection inherent to trauma adaptations). For these reasons, I find this practical guide to be such an invaluable resource in showing us how to actualize this possibility into reality.The Practical Guide For Healing Developmental Trauma elucidates straight-forward methods of refining our own relationship to ourselves to facilitate deep healing and growth in relationship to others on an identity level, rather than a temporary behavioral or symptom-reducing level. True to the experiential nature of NARM therapy, this guide includes several opportunities for the reader to pause and reflect on their internal experience as a means of deepening capacities for presence, exploration, and connection. I find these exercises not only interesting, but so essential in the practice of learning to be with myself as a subjective human-being so that I can increasingly show up in true curiosity and connection with others without pressure or an agenda.For a model as nuanced and rich as NARM, I am impressed by the clear and accessible language in this practical guide. In fact, though primarily written for clinicians, I have shared passages of the book with clients and friends who reported deeper understanding of their own life patterns and experiences from a new, illuminating perspective. Though I have completed one of the NARM therapist trainings and participate in NARM-specific continuing education, I found that the simple breakdown of the core NARM principles and concepts outlined in this text has allowed for greater ease, less effort, and significant self-trust in how to balance being directive and intentional while holding an open space for discovery with a wide variety of clients presenting across differing levels of capacity for self-organization/regulation.I particularly appreciate chapter eight, which emphasizes the relationship or the “R” in NARM, heart connection, and awareness of countertransference, all such crucial aspects of this model. This chapter reminds me how to shift from pressuring myself into the inner knowing of how powerful and reparative attuned presence itself truly is. I especially value being able to apply these principles and concepts as they unfold in real sessions by studying the provided annotated transcripts. So much is emerging each moment in a session and I find it highly useful that the authors provided this detailed breakdown of what was occurring “behind the scenes”, including key choice-points of direction, languaging, and attention to countertransference. As a NARM student, these annotations are inspiring, as they demonstrate how one can learn the techniques and interventions of NARM until the expression and artistry of the craft become spoken in their own authentic voice and style.What a breath of fresh air and encouragement this model and guide are to the field of mental health, to our communities, and to the present-day world at large. I feel hopeful thinking of the many healers, educators, parents, and human beings who may read this guide and integrate such heartfelt understandings into their moment to moment interactions with clients, students, children, and loved ones.