From our Therapists to You: Seven Mental Health Reads for Summer
Wondering what your next summer read might be? Look no further! This week, our clinicians have shared some of their favorite titles in self-development, research, and mental health to add to your summer reading list. Please note that this post is not sponsored in any way—these are books we have read, enjoyed and recommend. Please also note that, as always, this post is not a substitute for mental health advice from a licensed clinician.
As we move into a new season, many transitions are occurring—students are out of school, much-needed vacations are planned, and many of us start enjoying more time outside. It is also common for people to adjust their therapy schedules in the summer to accommodate all these changes. You might start meeting less frequently, a set time might change, or you may decide to transition out altogether! Regardless, a great way to continue learning about and reflecting on yourself is through reading. If you aren’t ready to invest in your own copy of these books, it may be worth checking your local library for availability.
Read on for our favorite picks!
Waking The Tiger by Peter Levine, PhD
Submitted by David Akva, LCSW-C
“I love this book! It changed my perspective on trauma and how I practice in therapy. Keep in mind, it gets really detailed about how the body experiences trauma and may be triggering for some readers.”
Listen: Five Simple Tools to Meet Your Everyday Parenting Challenges by Patty Wipfler
Submitted by David Akva, LCSW-C
“This book has fundamental principles for parenting and has plenty of practical examples. Interestingly, I found it very helpful to apply this books approach for introspection when interacting with inner child challenges.”
The Whole Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Help Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind
Submitted by Fern Cohen, LMSW
“I’m learning about ways to help children grow their emotional intelligence!”
Good Morning, Monster: Five Heroic Journeys to Recovery by Catherine Gildiner
Submitted by Jessica Cordero, LMSW
“A therapist shares a memoir of five clients whom she has helped and in turn helped shape her as a practitioner. It's very moving and I enjoy it because it captures the truth that we are all people helping people. It's a story that moves the curtain, so patients can see there's a person doing the work with them (not a wizard), and the challenge to the provider with their unique struggles and histories reminds us that we start from scratch every time we meet a new client.”
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself by Michael A. Singer
Submitted by Carley Foster, LCPC
“This is the most cut and dry, no-frills self-development book I have ever read. I love the way it explains how most of us live with an inner roommate (our thoughts) that we would never put up with if they were a real person, and makes a compelling argument for not believing everything we think. It’s one I return to about once every other year, and it feels brand new every time.”
Eating in the Light of the Moon: How Women Can Transform Their Relationships with Food through Myths, Metaphors, and Storytelling by Anita Johnston, PhD
Submitted by Carley Foster, LCPC
“Lots of therapists (myself included) start college as English or Writing majors. What can I say? We can appreciate a good metaphor! This book is written with a audience of older adolescent and adult women in mind, which you have probably gathered from the title. Each chapter introduces the reader to a myth or folktale and connects the story to central issues around food and body image. This method of going metaphorical makes challenging topics more approachable and gives a different perspective than more behavioral-based books about our relationship with food.”
Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma by Janina Fisher, PhD
Submitted by Kimberly Toepfer, LCSW-C
“This approachable and affordable workbook is a great addition to the work done in therapy for folks who are curious about trauma and its impacts. Dr. Fisher does an amazing job at encouraging the reader to go at their own pace while consistently holding hope for healing and recovery!”
Did you know our clinicians are accepting new appointments? As of June 27th, 2022, we are still available to support you on the next step of your healing journey. You can request an appointment through our website and get connected with a therapist that meets your needs.
