Here are some of the books that have been influential in our understanding and approach to therapy. These books have also been helpful to many clients seeking further study and insight.
**Click the image of the book cover to be taken to the item an Amazon Affiliate page.**
Relationship Agreements: A Simple and Effective Guide for Strengthening Communication, Reducing Conflict, and Increasing Intimacy to Design Your Ideal Relationship by Eri Kardos
Quick Review: Eri Kardos brings a fresh perspective and vision for relationship growth and navigation. This book provides sound advice and guidance for more powerful, intimate and personalized relating.
Brainstorm: The Power and Purpose of the Teenage Brain by Daniel J. Siegel, MD
Quick Review: Dr. Siegel is on the forefront of research on brain science. This book provides practical insight into the developing mind of the adolescent. I find this book also useful in understanding adults that still perceive the world as if they are in a much younger developmental stage of life. I also recommend his books on the developing mind of a child: No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind
No Mud, No Lotus: The Art of Transforming Suffering by Thich Nhat Han
Quick Review: This beautifully written book is very effective in helping readers to begin to learn how to transform suffering into joy. The imagery and thoughts presented here have a lasting impact.
Loneliness: Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection by John T. Cacioppo & William Patrick
Quick Review: The sensation of the human experience of loneliness comes from the same part of the brain as our experience of pain. The key to dealing with this pain? Perception.
Die Wise: A Manifesto of Sanity and Soul by Stephen Jenkinson
Quick Review: As a culture we are failing miserably in coming to grips with how to deal with the reality of death. Stephen Jenkinson invites the reader to engaging with the reality of death in such a way that brings about a more profound engagement with life. Also highly recommended is his film Griefwalker
Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving: A Guide and Map for Recovering from Childhood Trauma by Pete Walker
Quick Review: When a person has gone through intense trauma as a child, the impact can last a lifetime. Pete Walker provides an understanding and practical direction for moving forward in a way that actually helps reduce the negative impact of childhood trauma. Also recommended is his book The Tao of Fully Feeling: Harvesting Forgiveness out of Blame
The Fate of Gender: Nature, Nurture and the Human Future by Frank Browning
Quick Review: This book looks both intimately and broadly at the ever evolving perception of gender in the world today. To better understand the nature of gender is to have a better understanding of oneself.
Psychomagic: The Transformative Power of Shamanic Psychotherapy by Alejandro Jodorowsky
Quick Review: Jodorowsky dives head first into intentionally using imaginative acts to address and heal psychological wounds from the past. This book takes courage to engage with and pays off for those willing to step out of the bounds of normal expectation. Also recommended is his autobiographical film The Dance of Reality
Sex at Dawn: How We Mate, Why We Stray, and What It Means for Modern Relationships by Christopher Ryan and Cacilda Jetha
Quick Review: This book challenges many standing cultural perceptions of how we perceive relationships, sexuality and how things got to be as they are now.
More Than Two: A Practical Guide to Ethical Polyamory by Eve Rickert, Tatiana Gill and Janet Hardy
Quick Review: This is an excellent guide for those who are currently or are interested in engaging with open relationships.
The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing by Marie Kondo
Quick Review: Environment, Environment, Environment! In this book you will learn a simple yet meaningful approach to decluttering your space. This can be extremely helpful in moving on from the past.