Top 10 Books I Recommend to Clients
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl
This is a book I read early in my career that shaped my thinking about the role that attitude plays in ones life. This is a difficult book to read, but one that I recommend to a lot of my clients who have struggled with negative outlooks. I have a strong belief that you get out of life what you give to it. This is evident in my career, personal growth, and in my relationship with my family and loved ones. When I am focusing on positives while also not minimizing the negatives, I get more out of life. I believe this book was pivotal in refining my values.
Link to book: https://a.co/d/ax14mph
The Gift of Therapy: An Open Letter to a New Generation of Therapists and Their Patients by Irvin Yalom
Irvin Yalom is something of a hero of mine. This was the first ever book I read that had anything to do with therapy and has still shaped how I view the therapeutic space. It is a challenging while also soothing read due to the laymen terms used within (which I’ve always valued highly). Yalom does a tremendous job of answering the question “Why does therapy work?”
Link to book: https://a.co/d/8LKsaQP
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
This book is the de facto book on helping people understand the impact that trauma has on one’s life. I cannot overemphasize how important this book can be for someone who has gone through, or has a loved one who has gone through, significant traumas in their lives. In a world where the word trauma is thrown around lightly, this book does a tremendous job defining, normalizing, and clarifying the impact that trauma has on people.
Link to book: https://a.co/d/6hPyAWj
Wanting Sex Again: How to Rediscover Your Desire and Heal a Sexless Marriage by Dr. Laurie Watson
A lot of the couples I work with really struggle with intimacy in all forms. Whether it is difference in libido, healing from sexual trauma of the past, lack of any desire, or perimenopause, this book aids couples in understanding how to rediscover and move from these feelings of being trapped or hopeless. What I really appreciate about Dr. Watson’s approach is that it is non-judgmental towards anyone in the relationship.
Link to book: https://a.co/d/a4uIqKq
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide by Dr. John Gottman
When working with couples in my practice this will always be my first recommendation for couples to read. The seven principles outlined in this book create the greatest foundation for a strong relationship and the fact that they’re evidence-based gives couples greater confidence.
Link to book: https://a.co/d/6esr5vi
Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by Dr. John and Julie Gottman
Another, newer book by the Gottmans. Couples I’ve worked with have enjoyed this one because it has guided questions at the end of most chapters which they find thought provoking. I’ve found a lot of couples know they have questions, but often aren’t asking the right ones; this book provides the correct questions to be asking.
Link to book: https://a.co/d/7wdcJLy
Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by Dr. Sue Johnson
Dr. Sue Johnson, next to the Gottmans, created an evidence based couples therapy approach called Emotionally Focused Therapy. Her modality is centered around attachment theory which a lot of people find to be helpful language for what they feel. If you’re wanting language centered around attachment theory, this is the book for you.
Link to book: https://a.co/d/2F4pII6
After the Affair, Third Edition: Healing the Pain and Rebuilding Trust When a Partner Has Been Unfaithful by Janis Spring
I work a lot with people who are trying to rebuild a marriage after an affair and this is the first book I recommend. Spring does a great job detailing all of the levels of affairs, such as what leads people to affairs or how to repair affairs while also providing examples of couples and what they did to rebuild their marriage. This book often provides couples with greater confidence when choosing to take the road less trodden, repairing a marriage after an affair.
Link to book: https://a.co/d/7kaNWAn
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey
If you’re looking for motivational books that aid you in growing tangibly as a person then this is the book for you. Covey’s book is world renown and generally is one of the first books recommended when people ask the question “What’s a good book to read so I can be better at ______ ?” In a world full of uninspiring self help books, this is a staple and solid one.
Link to book: https://a.co/d/as0CZUp
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition: DSM-5
Last on my list is the very dry read of the DSM-5. It is THE book that defines, in no uncertain terms, the criteria for the diagnoses that society throws around haphazardly. When used correctly, what is defined in this book can aid someone in normalizing and understanding where their diagnosis is derived from. Small warning, try not to weaponize this book towards others.
Link to book: https://a.co/d/1GcUWOU