I am excited to bring you this months lists of What Your Therapists Are Reading. Not only do we have some great books for you, we have a great resource for you as well (check out the first entry). This month we have some parenting books, a book on leadership, addiction, depression and some pleasure reading. As always, each therapist has shared some of their own thoughts about the books. Feel free to share this great resource with others.
Describe Perspective Exploration Cards by Rob Reinhardt, LPC, PA
I’m using Describe Cards both in my practice and personally.
Each card has an adjective and couple of questions. I’ve been using them in my practice as a journal entry guide. I also use them in groups (both adult and children) too. The best thing is I get to use them with my grandkids at home. When they don’t know what they’re feeling, I get a card out that might match that feeling and we get to have a conversation about their feelings. Helping them become emotionally intelligent. You can connect Cait Wotherspoon at www.indigotherapies.com.au
The Desire Map: A Guide to Creating Goals With Soul by Danielle LaPorte
I’ve owned this book for a while and just recently had the time to start working in it. The focus of the Desire Map is to help you create goals for your life that are based on the feeling you seek rather than something like “get a promotion” or “make a million dollars”. I love the concept and I will take time to work through the book slowly so I can really take time to think and feel through it.
You can connect with Laura Reagan, LCSW-C at www.laurareaganlcswc.com
I’m just getting started on this one but am excited at what I’ve encountered thus far. “People who can behave, will” is a quote that stands out. This book was recommended to me by a wonderful colleague and I look forward to digging deeper. You can connect with Elisabeth Gliddon, MA, LMFTat www.magnoliahealthandhealing.com
Depression as a Spiritual Journey by Stephanie Sorrell
This book is rigorously researched and provides a much needed well-balanced and holistic view of depression. Psychosynthesis practitioner Stephanie Sorrell explores indepth – the medical, psychological and spiritual aspects of depression. She writes poetically about suffering and depression as a ‘Dark Night of the Soul’. Sorrell shows us that it is possible to find value, meaning and purpose out of our suffering. You can connect with Jodie Gale, Psychotherapist, Sydney, Australia at http://jodiegale.com/
The Whole Brain Child -12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture your Child’s Developing Mind
by Daniel J. Siegel M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson Ph.D.
This book is great in breaking down common parenting struggles with practical strategies (and illustrations!) My favorite take-away is describing to your child how your “upstairs brain” (decision-making/self-control) is different from “downstairs brain” (emotions) but how they integrate and can “help” each other deal with big emotions. I recommend it often to parents! You can connect with Julie Safranski, LCSW at www.juliesafranski.com
The ACOA Trauma Syndrome: The Impact of Childhood Pain on Adult Relationships by Tian Dayton, Ph.D.
Growing up around addiction can have long-term lasting effects. I have found this book extremely useful and insightful. I recommended it frequently because it does an excellent job explaining the brain and trauma. You can connect with Jessica Fowler, LCSW at www.jlfcounselingservices.com
“For Your Own Good: Hidden Cruelty in Child-Rearing and the Roots of Violence.”
By Alice Miller, Hunter Hannum (Translator), Hildegarde Hannum (Translator)
Miller wrote this book as an attempt to figure out what kind of culture could raise a Hitler. The first part of the book, where she explores western civilization’s maltreatment of children over several centuries, while difficult to read, is an important often brushed under the rug. Other chapters include the lives of a teenaged prostitute, a serial killer of young boys, and, of course, Hitler. One of the first better-known books on Psychohistory, it is a must read for those who wish to comprehend how we abuse children, how our culture condones that abuse, and to begin to take steps to change that. You can connect with Renee Beck at www.ReneeBeckMFT.com
Out of Control by Dr. Shefali Tsabary
Excellent balance of theory and insight with applicable tools for parents. Great resource for my clients. Keep re-reading this one. You can connect with Kristine Tye, LMFT at www.kristinetherapyla.com
“Strengths Based Leadership” by Tom Rath and Barry Conchie
It’s a Gallup research-based approach to determining the 3 key factors necessary for good leadership. I’m finding it helpful in guiding my own work with clients in leadership positions and in developing growth in my own team leadership skills. You can connect with Colleen Mullen, Psy.D., LMFT at CoachingThroughChaos.com
The Big Sleep by Raymond Chandler
This summer I’m trying to emulate some of my favorite writers who talk about the pleasures of re-reading. Chandler’s noir web of lies and his love of language make it a perfect book to do that with. (Though I have to keep reminding myself to wait until I’m done to re-watch the movie.) Philip Marlowe and the other LA denizens are the springboard for every private eye cliche you know. You can connect with Justin Lioi at www.ParkSlopeTherapist.com
I loved the characters and the way the story unfolded. Elephants are prominent in the story and it was interesting to learn about their amazing mothering, memory and emotions. Leaving time is a great story that will keep your curious right up until the end. You can connect with Sharon Martin, LCSW at http://socialworkcoaching.
Thank you everyone for stopping by and checking out some new reading material. If this is your first visit, we do it every month. Make sure you check out January, February, March, April, May, June and July. If you would like to contribute just contact me. Let us know what you think as well in the comments.
Happy Reading,
Jessica Fowler, LCSW
Please note this is for educational and informational services only. If you need a therapist, please find one locally.
So happy to see what fellow therapists are reading.