Larry
They say the third time is a charm, and it is certainly true about this book. Although the book had been in process for seven years, it is only in the past three, when Dr. Aline LaPierre joined me on the project, that it finally came together. My first attempt to write the book on my own bogged down. A second try with a professional writer did not work either. It was finally with Aline, who as an experienced somatic psychotherapist herself could understand what I had been attempting to communicate, that this book at last took shape. Aline’s clinical experience and structured approach gave her a unique ability to work with me to draw out and formulate NARM and put down in writing what are at times highly complex concepts. This book is the result of a joint process, written together at our home, on planes, trains, hotels, and ships in at least ten foreign countries. I will forever appreciate the dedication she brought to this project.
To all my students worldwide who saw value in the developing NARM system and helped me fine-tune my understanding and capacity to teach this material.
My acknowledgment to Peter Levine for his groundbreaking work clarifying the role of the nervous system in trauma treatment and for his dedication in bringing trauma healing to an ever-expanding clinical audience.
My appreciation to my dear friend Jim Jonell for the hundreds of hours we spent together developing a detailed understanding of the role of the body in psychotherapy.
My thanks to my son Kevin Jon Heller who, early on, helped us find the voice for this book.
Aline
Writing this book with Larry was a remarkable journey into creative collaboration. As the book evolved, it was with growing respect and admiration that I experienced the breadth of his knowledge, the depth of his clinical experience, and the artistry of his finely tuned understanding of human nature.
I am indebted to many pioneering women, and I am particularly grateful for the work of Emily Conrad and Bonnie Bainbridge Cohen. Their exploration of the evolutionary principles and essential movements of life initiated me into the mysteries of the body and informs my work as a psychotherapist.
My gratitude goes to my clients whose feedback and appreciation continue to highlight the value of NeuroAffective Touch in healing developmental trauma.
We both thank Victor Osaka for the valuable technological skills he brought to our project and for his collaboration in developing the graphics for this book and Margaret O. Ryan who brought the wisdom of her thirty years as editor of psychological books to our project, making sure that our voice rang true and clear.
Our gratitude goes to North Atlantic Books for their enthusiastic reception of our work and to Emily Boyd for her expert guidance in the production of the book.