January 1, 2025

Book Recommendations

Book Recommendations

Books that I frequently recommend to clients

Schopenhauer's Porcupines, Debrah Anna Luepnitz, Ph.D.

Dr. Luepnitz tells the story of 5 psychotherapy cases that had life changing outcomes. The book makes her deep psychological insights very understandable in these case studies.

MOTHERHOOD - Facing and Finding Yourself, Lisa Marchiano

Lisa Marchiano is a Jungian analyst who writes about the transformative journey of motherhood, showing how its challenges offer profound opportunities for personal growth and self-discovery. Through real-life stories and psychological insights, she examines how parenting can deepen our understanding of ourselves and bring hidden strengths to light.

Attached., Amir Levine M.D. and Rachel S. F. Heller

These authors introduce readers to the science of attachment theory. Explaining how different attachment styles - secure, anxious and avoidant - shaper our relationships. With practical insights and tools, the authors help readers better understand themselves and their partners leading to stronger, healthier connections.

The Anxious Generation, Jonathan Haidt

Haidt's book discusses the impact of social media on our minds. As he describes the psychological problems our compulsive internet and social media use creates for the younger generations he also provides some ideas and solutions.

The Righteous Mind, Jonathan Haidt

Haidt's book on the value systems that underly differing political views includes fascinating psychological studies. It's enlightening and helps create space for more understanding of differing views.

Daring Greatly, Brene Brown

Using research and personal stories, Brown dismantles the myth that vulnerability is a weakness and shows how essential it is for living wholeheartedly. This book is a great resource for anyone seeking to to foster authenticity in their relationships.

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck, Mark Manson

Manson delivers a refreshing perspective on self-improvement by challenging our cultural obsession with positivity and encouraging readers to focus on what truly matters to them individually. Blunt and insightful, he argues that accepting life's struggles and thoughtfully recognizing your values leads to genuine happiness and fulfillment.

Man's Search For Meaning, Viktor Frankl

Dr. Frankl is a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist who shares is harrowing experiences in Nazi concentration camps and the profound insights he gained about resilience and purpose. Central to his philosophy is the idea that meaning can be found even in the most difficult circumstances, which is key to enduring and ultimately transcending suffering.

The Whole-Brain Child, Dan Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, M.D.

The book offers parents a science-based approach to nurturing their child's emotional and intellectual development. By combining neuroscience with practical strategies, Siegel and Bryson explain how to integrate the child's brain to foster better behavior, resilience and connection. Filled with practical tools for parents, this book is my first parenting recommendation for clients.

The Book Of Symbols, Taschen (collected work)

A collective work of archetypal images and their meanings. Drawing on art, mythology and psychology it provides deep insights into the symbolic language of the unconscious. It is a valuable resource of those seeking to interpret dreams and explore the deeper layers of their psyche through symbolism.

The Hero With A Thousand Faces, Joseph Campbell

Campbell's groundbreaking work explores the "hero's journey," a universal narrative pattern found in myths, legends and stories across cultures. By blending psychology, anthropology and storytelling, Campbell reveals how these archetypal tales resonate with human experience and self-discovery.

Orbiting The Giant Hairball, Gordon MacKenzie

Gordon MacKenzie is a creative force at Hallmark who uses humor and personal anecdotes to inspire readers to embrace their creativity while navigating the "hairballs" of work life. His unconventional wisdom empowers readers. This quirky, insightful book is perfect for anyone seeking to rekindle their creative spark.

Freud And Man's Soul, Bruno Bettleheim

This short book reteaches Freuds psychology and the discusses mistakes in translations that have plagued America's psychological understanding. Bettleheim goes on to help the reader understand the value of Freud's contributions to psychology and psychotherapy in practical ways. It's brilliant and insightful.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone, Lori Gottlieb

Written by a therapist about her reflections on her own therapy journey while she was simultaneously seeing clients in her practice. Gottlieb's exploration of herself relationally and as a clinician is authentic and a touching read.

Healing from Hidden Abuse: A Journey Through the Stages of Recovery from Psychological Abuse

Thomas's book offers a clear, six-stage process for recovering from psychological abuse. Compassionate and practical, it's a great resource for anyone seeking to reclaim their sense of self and heal deeply.

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