Often times in my sessions, clients’ will ask me “What books can I be reading right now to help me with x-y-z?” You would think that after a few years, I would be able to spout off titles but for some reason, in the moment, I always draw a blank! This mostly has to do with the fact that there are SO many incredible works on mental health.
Reading books while simultaneously going through therapy is what we know as bibliotherapy. Bibliotherapy has been proven to not only increase client’s self-esterm and confidence, but also improve their overall quality of life. Reading a book can allow a client to learn new coping skills, on their own, to help combat whatever issue they are facing. This form of therapy also reminds the client they are not alone in their struggles, which can be extremely uplifting in times of despair.
So, to help me (and you), I’ve compiled a few of my “go to’s”.
Abuse/Trauma/Recovery
The Courage to Heal by Bass and Davis
Secret Survivors by Blume
Broken Toys, Broken Dreams by Kellogg
Anger
The Anger Workbook by Les Carter and Frank Minirth
Beyond Anger by Harbin (For Men)
The Dance of Anger By Lerner (For Women)
Anxiety
The Anxiety and Worry Workbook by Clark and Beck
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Bourne
Mastery of Your Anxiety and Panic by Craske and Barlow
Codependence
Facing Codependence by Pia Mellody
Codependent No More by Mellody Beatie
Depression
Feeling Good by Burns
Undoing Depression by O’Conner
Divorce
Helping Your Child Succeed after Divorce by Bienenfeld
Surviving the Breakup by Wallerstein and Kelly
The Boys and Girls Book About Divorce by Gardner (For Children)
Dinosaur’s Divorce by Brown and Brown (For Children)
Parenting
The Whole Brain Child by Siegel and Bryson
Try and Make Me by Levy
The Blessing by Gary Smalley
Marriage
The Meaning of Marriage by Thomas Keller
Why Marriages Succeed or Fail by John Gottman
What books are helpful to you? Are you reading anything you’d like to share? Comment below and let us know!