Greetings! Although I try to avoid “assigning” therapy homework to busy college and graduate students, I do have a number of books that are my “go to” recommendations for people who are interested in some additional information to support their therapy work or just help enlighten them about any number of things with which they may be struggling.
Not every book will appeal to every person nor will every recommendation fully meet your needs; however, I encourage you to take from them what you find helpful and leave the rest. One guarantee I CAN make is this: you will not find a peer-reviewed, APA formatted, dry journal article in the entire list. You’re welcome.
Books are categorized by the reasons I recommend them!
Self-esteem, self-worth, and self-confidence; living authentically:
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene’ Brown
I Thought it was Just Me by Brene’ Brown
Daring Greatly by Brene’ Brown
Love Warrior by Glennon Doyle
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Holistic approaches to managing depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges:
The Chemistry of Joy by Dr. Henry Emmons (with whom I worked and he is fantastic!)
The Chemistry of Calm by Dr. Henry Emmons
Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts: A CBT-Based Guide to Getting Over Frightening, Obsessive or Disturbing Thoughts by Martin N. Seif and Sally Winston
The Happiness Trap: Stop Struggling, Start Living by Russ Harris
Embracing the Fear: Learning to Manage Anxiety and Panic Attacks by Judith Bemis and Amr Barrada
Relationships:
Should I Stay or Should I Go: Surviving a Relationship with a Narcissist by Dr. Ramani Durvasula
Attached. The New Science of Adult Attachment and How it Can Help You Find and Keep Love by Amir Levine, M.D., and Rachel S. F. Heller, M. A.
Becoming the Narcissist’s Nightmare: How to Devalue and Discard the Narcissist While Supplying Yourself by Shahida Arabi
After the Affair by Janis Spring
Why is it Always About You? The Seven Deadly Sins of Narcissism by Sandy Hotchkiss, LCSW
The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts by Gary Chapman
Managing Social Media Use: Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport
Self-care, feel good, comfort-reading:
(These are personal favorites of mine as examples of that rare phenomenon for the person in higher education: pleasure reading! Some are children’s books that still make me smile.)
Harry Potter
Calvin and Hobbes
The World According to Mister Rogers
Everything I Needed to Know I learned from Mister Rogers
Winnie The Pooh
The Secret Garden
Frog and Toad Collection
Watership Down
Jane Austen
The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings
The Wind in the Willows
The Willows in Winter
The Chronicles of Narnia
