What’s on my Bookshelf
The following is a list of book recommendations I often make to my counseling clients.
Often, I will recommend a therapy book to a client; however, I am aware that having a book lying around the house can pose risks should the book be found by a partner. There are a few different options that I like folks to be aware of. First, Kindle for PC or for smartphones can allow full-length books to be purchased and downloaded. It is also possible to search the book and to highlight sections. While it’s not my preferred method of reading, it is possible to read large chunks while traveling. Another option is to connect with your local library to see if they offer digital downloads to check out. My library uses Hooplah and I can check out ebooks and audiobooks for up to 21 days. Another option would be a service such as Audible where you can purchase and download audio books. Of course, if you prefer to buy a new/used book or check it out of the library, those are great options too. Never stop learning!
When I link to books and products, those links may be affiliate links. If you click on any one of those affiliate links and make a purchase, I will earn a small commission. The commission is paid by the retailers at no cost to you. You are not obligated to use my link and, in fact, I encourage people to use their public library and its associated app (such as Hooplah) to borrow the books until they are certain they want to add it to their library.
Boundaries
Boundaries Updated and Expanded Edition: When to Say Yes, How to Say No To Take Control of Your Life (Kindle Edition) by Drs. Henry Cloud & John Townsend.
Safe People: How to Find Relationships That Are Good for You and Avoid Those That Aren’t by Drs. Henry Cloud & John Townsend. This book is a great companion to the Boundaries book.
Changes that Heal: Four Practical Shifts that Make Everything Better… and that Anyone Can Do by Dr. Henry Cloud
Hiding from Love: How to Change the Withdrawal Patterns That Isolate and Imprison you. by Dr. John Townsend
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The Complex PTSD Workbook: A Mind-Body Approach to Regaining Emotional Control and Becoming Whole by Arielle Schwartz, Ph.D.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection. 50 Client-Centered Practices by Deb Dana
Forward Facing Trauma Therapy. Healing the Moral Wound. by J. Eric Gentry, Ph.D.
Anxiety
The Anxiety Cure by Dr. Archibald Hart.
Marriage / Relationships / Dating
Boundaries in Marriage by Dr. Henry Cloud
Boundaries in Dating by Dr. Henry Cloud
The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert by Dr. Gottman
Love and Respect: The Love She Most Desires; the Respect He Desperately Needs by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
What to Do When Someone You Love is Depressed by Susan Golant and Mitch Golant Ph.D.
Domestic Violence
The Emotionally Destructive Relationship: Seeing It, Stopping It, Surviving It by Leslie Vernick
Existential Meaning
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
Betrayal
Intimate Deception: Healing the Wounds of Sexual Betrayal by Sheri Keffer
Mental Health and Wellness
Why Has Nobody Told Me This Before? Everyday Tools for Life’s Ups and Downs by Dr. Julie Smith
Anger Management
Calming Your Angry Mind: How Mindfulness & Compassion Can Free You From Anger & Bring Peace to Your Life. by Jeffrey Brantley, MD.