What Your Therapists Are Reading October 2015

 

Happy October and welcome to October’s What Your Therapists Are Reading blog post.  This is certainly my favorite time of year.  I live in New York and we have had an amazing autumn, although we did just get our first snow of the year.  I am not really ready for the snow, but I know that comes with more time at home and more time for reading. As always, we have some great books for you.  Some include topics on marriage, postpartum depression, marriage, parenting and a few for fun.  Enjoy!

The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking by Oliver Burkeman

I may be in the minority here, but I really took to Oliver Burkeman’s The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking. It’s one guy’s attempt to follow many old school methods of being happy–think the Stoics, think Buddha, think Memento Mori–that don’t focus on forcing ourselves to think positively, especially when we don’t feel very positive! You can connect with Justin Lioi, LCSW at www.ParkSlopeTherapist.com

 

All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr

 I couldn’t put this book down! It is historical fiction set in France during WWII, which is my favorite genre. It’s a fascinating and touching story of a Fren at  sharonmartincounseling.com or @grow_happiness1 on Twitter

The Opposite of Spoiled-Raising Kids Who are Grounded, Generous, and Smart About Money by Ron Lieber

This is a great read about how to help parents discuss their values in relation to money. Often such a taboo subject within families, the author shares real-world stories and practical strategies of how to approach topics such as allowance, saving, splurging, giving, part-time jobs etc. This provides parents a framework to give their kids about finances and prepare them for this very important life skill without being materialistic. You can connect with Julie Safranski, LCSW at  www.juliesafranski.com

The New Rules of Marriage by Terrance Real

Information and skills on how to have a successful and mutually-satisfying marriage in the 21st century, acknowledging how couples get stuck in bad cycles of relating to one another, where these patterns come from, and how to get out. A very relatable, precise, and solution-focused approach to making marriage beautiful! You can connect with Liz Higgins, MS, LMFT Associate at www.lizhigginsmft.com

 The life changing magic of tidying up by Marie kondo

I bought this book because I heard great reviews and as someone who has a hard time STAYING organized due to a busy life, I was intrigued. I have always believed in the importance of a clear space to make a clear mind and that aesthetics are important to us in achieving happiness. I can’t wait to fully implement this practice and hopefully not only declutter my house but my mind too! You can connect with Stacey Steinmiller, LCSW at  www.ascounseling.com

Truth and Beauty by Ann Patchett

A change of pace from books about therapy. This book details the author’s relationship with a friend beginning in college. Both women are writers and she talks about the creative process, relationships, ambition and love. You can connect with Laura Reagan, LCSW-C at www.laurareaganlcswc.com

Learning to Commit: The Best Time to Work on Your Marriage is When You’re Single by Avrum Nadigel

 Avrum uses family systems theory to discuss relationships, putting the focus on differentiation of self, thoughtfulness and maturity over “chemistry” and feelings. Useful for anyone trying to get into a relationship or already in one. A helpful guide for professionals interested in a differentiation-oriented approach. You can connect with Lorna Hecht, MFT at  www.lornahecht.com

Therapy and the Postpartum Woman: Notes on Healing Postpartum Depression for

Clinicians and the Women Who Seek Their Help by Karen Kleiman

I recommend this book to all therapists.  Even if a therapist does not focus on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, it will be helpful to learn how to assess for these disorders.  My copy is full of highlighter marks and comments.  You can connect with Jessica Fowler, LCSW at www.jlfcounselingservices.com

Find something you like?  We do this every month and hope you are finding this as a helpful resource for not only therapist, but for anyone who is interested in what therapists read.  As usually, we have had a wide variety and are not always reading therapy books. If you missed the previous months, you can check them out: January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, and September.

If you are a therapist and would like to submit, feel free to email me at jlfcousnelingservices (at) gmail (dot) com

Happy Reading,

Jessica Fowler, LCSW

Please note that this information is for educational and informational purposes only.  If you feel you need a professional therapist, please contact someone local.