If you have been following this post, we are in the third month of What Your Therapists Are Reading. I must say, I am so glad that I started this blog post and have been able to connect with therapist all over. It has been great to be reminded of some good books, learn about some new amazing books and be able to share it with all you. I promise, this month will not disappoint and I am sure there is something for everyone, especially because all are not “therapy” books.
How to be an Adult: A Handbook on Psychological and Spiritual Integration by David Richo
I have read this book several times and recommend it to many of my clients. The main idea of the book is that there are behaviors and thinking patterns that are necessary for our survival/well-being as children that are not necessary as adults even though we continue with them. Its about grieving the past and adopting the behaviors that will serve us as adults. Jennifer Owens, LCSW, LMT is a holistic mental health and wellness expert. You can connect with her at www.bridgemindbody.com
Creatures of a Day: And other Tales of Psychotherapy by Irvin D. Yalom
If you ever wondered what it was like to be a therapist, or be in therapy- read this book. This book and its author, 80+ year old Irvin D. Yalom are inspiring to the field the planet as a whole about living your life with joy. You can connect with Miranda Palmer, LMFT at http://zynnyme.com
Laura Hollywood, Counsellor, BSc, Dips Couns. of London, UK is also reading Creatures of a Day by Yalom. I was really excited to start this book as I love Yalom’s work and always find it really inspiring. Each chapter is a case study about different clients and each really captures the connection and the complexities within the therapy room. I’m only halfway through and already don’t want it to end! Yalom illustrates beautifully the importance of authenticity and contact within the therapeutic relationship. You can connect with Laura at www.laurahollywood.com
The Burning Room by Michael Connelly
For the pure enjoyment of it, I am reading the latest book by Michael Connelly called The Burning Room. This is another great detective story about Harry Bosch of the LAPD. Fun book (as always), and if you like the books you may also like the Amazon Prime tv series (I do). You can connect with Kimela Kluthe, MA, AMFT at www.kimelakluthe.com
For Goodness Sex: Changing the Way We Talk to Teens About
Sexuality, Values and Health by Al Vernacchio
The book I am currently reading is “For Goodness Sex” by the brilliant sex educator, Al Vernacchio. I first learned of Al’s work in his TED talk that I highly recommend watching as well.
This sex-positive book is an excellent guide on talking to our teens about not only sex and sexuality, but also their values, health and relationships. Not only is this guide useful for adults with teens, but for the reader in exploring their own values and so forth around sex and sexuality. Well worth the read! Dr. Lily A. Zehner, MFT-C specializes in sex, intimacy, and relationships. You can connect with Dr. Lily A. Zehner, MFT-C at http://authenticintimacycenter.com
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brene’ Brown
A thought-provoking, fast read with the focus of living a ‘wholehearted life’ through letting go of “supposed to” and embracing who you are. An eye-opening book to nurture the personal self of the therapist, and to add perspective to work with clients. Kristine Nickel Gayle, MSSA, LCSW, Savannah, Georgia
Looking within at your own childhood experiences and how they may impact your reactions and ways of relating to your own children. From the perspective of attachment theory and neuroscience. Carrie Schear, LCSW
The Healing Path of Prayer: A Modern Mystic’s Gide to Spiritual Power by Ron Roth, Ph.D.
I am reading The Healing Path of Prayer, Padre Ron Roth, an incredible book about finding your own path to prayer and healing. I am also reading Jewish Prayers of Hope and Healing by Alden Solovy. In case you can’t tell, I am preparing to lead a workshop on prayer, Soul and Art. You can connect with Claudia Trevithick, ATR-BC, Registered Psychotherapist at www.trevithickcreativetherapy.com.
Jewish Prayer of Hope and Healing by Alden Solovy
The Relationship Cure by John Gottman and Joan DeClaire
I found The Relationship Cure to be a great resource for anyone wanting to strengthen their relationships and emotional connections. This book is full of exercises to help accomplish this goal. I also liked that the principals apply not only to romantic relationships, but also to family, friends, and co-workers. You can connect with Sharon Martin, LCSW at www.SharonMartinCounseling.com
Becoming Us: 8 Steps to Grow A Family That Thrives by Elly Taylor
I am so glad that I have discovered this book. When a couple has a baby, they transition to new roles. Often we can believe this is a graceful transition, when it actually can have a bit more bumps than first expected. This book is a great guide for families whether you are expecting your first or are on your 3rd. It has practical advice for couples. You can connect with Jessica Fowler, LCSW at www.jlfcounselingservices.com
On Purpose: Lessons in Life and Health From the Frog,
Dung Beetle and Julia by Victor J. Strecher, PhD
Dr. Stretcher wrote this book to catalog his journey through depression after his daughter died at an incredibly young age. He pulls from scientific evidence, philosophy, and history to show that finding meaning and purpose in the mundane and spectacular alike can have tremendous life giving/sustaining results. He even goes so far as to give some step by step “how to” in finding your own purpose in life. One of the most interesting aspect of this book is that he chose to write it as a graphic novel which makes it incredibly accessible and visually interesting. You can connect with Benjamin Reisterer, MA, LLPC at www.stillpointcounseling.org
This book is so great for any new parents who have ideas about what bringing home a baby may look like. It’s real, it’s honest and it gives so many great gold nuggets of wisdom – not only regarding parenting but how to remain madly, passionately and practically in love with your partner. (Even when you’re running on only a few hours or sleep, handling dirty diapers and might not have had the luxury of a shower in days).
Robyn D’Angelo, LMFT – Specializes in working with couples in Laguna Hills, CA to increase respect, affection, and closeness, break through and resolve conflict when they feel stuck, and generate greater understanding between partners. You can connect with Robin D’Angelo, LMFT at www.TherapywithRobyn.com
Buddha’s Brain: happiness, love and wisdom by Rick Hanson, Ph.D
You can connect with Michael J. Formica, MS, MA, EdM at http://michaeljformica.com, http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/enlightened-living and http://www.huffingtonpost.com/michael-j-formica
Thank you for taking the time to read what your therapist are reading for March 2015. We hope that you have found it helpful and will be picking up some new books. If not, check out January 2015 or February 2015 to see what else us therapist recommend.
Are you a therapist and want to share what you are reading? Well we are doing this every month so email me at jlfcounselingservices (at) gmail (dot) com.
Happy Reading,
Jessica Fowler, LCSW
Wonderful list, as usual! I’m putting several on my reading list.
Me too! I need to get reading.
This is a fantastic list Jessica. Keep up the great work.
Thank you!