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Therapy Books and Podcasts
Every Journey Begins with a First Step
Therapy books and podcasts can play an important in taking control of your mental health. On this page, you will find therapy books and podcasts, related to personal growth, parenting, relationships, trauma and the past and emotional literacy.
Feeling ready for a one-on-one session? Click here to book one.
***This site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you click on these links to purchase these therapy books and podcasts.***
BOOKS
BOOKS ON TRAUMA
I have frequently found in my practice as a therapist that when people are hurting they avoid talking about their pain and their trauma. Trauma is more common than we think, and even though not everyone is traumatized, many of us operate and make daily decisions based on what we believe about ourselves as the result of trauma. Trauma changes the way we see and interact with the world. These books are a great place to start (or finish). Please BE CAUTIOUS , some of these can be triggering. Having a support system or a therapists as you work through your trauma is invaluable.
"Trauma" by Paul Conti
The negative connotations of trauma continues to stop people from starting their healing journey. Trauma changes the beliefs we have about ourselves and our world. It changes how we respond and engage with the word.
"The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel Van Der Kolk
This book is not a self- help book. It is actually a textbook. If you want to dig deep (very deep) into your trauma and how to understand it, this book will do it. It is a triggering read, so make sure you are safe.
"When the Body Says No" by Gabor Maté
We are all one system, mind and body are connected. In this book Gabor Mate present the ways in which chronic illnesses (cancer, fibromyalgia, etc.) have been proven to be the result of trauma and stress.
***This site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you click on these links to purchase these therapy books and podcasts.***
"The Myth of Normal" by Gabor Maté
The idea of what is normal is a social construct. When we take a real look at why we are the way we are and how we got to be that way we realize that medicine, mental health and society has imposed views and "blame' on aspects of our lives that should be considered simply human. This is a must read.
"The Wisdom of Your Body" Hillary McBride
Trauma is not only stored in our minds, it is also a somatic (body) experience. It is the reason why we are very likely to have a 'gut' feeling. It si also why sometimes we cannot explain verbally how we feel or why we reject or are attracted to something or someone.
"Every Memory Deserves Respect" by Michael Baldwin and Deborah Korn
Every Memory Deserves Respect spells EMDR which is one of the modalities that I practice at Consceintia and one that has given relief to many who experiences trauma, neglect, . The book is easy to read and will help you understand the main concepts of EMDR and how it can help you
***This site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you click on these links to purchase these therapy books and podcasts.***
For many, therapy is a privilege. Accessibility, funds, and mental health stigma can get in the way of receiving the proper care. This page provides resources, therapy books and podcasts to support your journey if you’re not yet ready to begin therapy.
BOOKS ON RELATIONSHIPS & SEXUALITY
Most couples wait too long before they seek help with their relationships. By the time they decide to go to therapy, they are so hurt, they feel so unheard that there is very little the therapist can do to help them. SO…if you feel something isn’t quite right with your relationship but don’t know if therapy is the right place for you, these books are a good place to start.
"Attached" by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
We all love in different ways and we want to be loved in a certain way…I know it sounds confusing, but once you understand your attachment styles and that of your partner, life and love get a lot easier.
"Hold Me Tight" by Sue Johnson
We are hardwired for emotional connections with other human beings. When we enter into a relationship with someone, we are in a relationship with their attachment style. It is interesting how our patterns of relating to our caregivers are replicated with our significant other. The science of attachment plays a great role in our romantic life.
"Mating in Captivity" by Esther Perel
Modern love looks nothing like it used to be. Exploring desires, urges ideas, eroticism and your own personal way to look at and understand your sexuality. She covers it all.
***This site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you click on these links to purchase these therapy books and podcasts.***
"7 Principles for Making Marriage Work " by John and Julie Gottman
He is a couples researcher by excellence with more than 30 years of research on marriage and family. This great guide is something you can use at home with your partner and it has a companion workbook.
"Come as You Are" by Emily Nagoski
Women have been so wronged throughout the years in so many ways, and our sexuality is not the exception. Emily will help you challenge myths, understand physiology and more importantly understand yourself as a sexual being. You can also share these insights with your partner.
"The State of Affairs" by Esther Perel
Infidelity is an intriguing and fascinating side of relationships. We have a lot of misconceptions regarding why people cheat and why people stay with people that cheat…it is a lot more complex than we think. Esther Perel uses powerful insights to look at infidelity from all perspectives
***This site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you click on these links to purchase these therapy books and podcasts.***
BOOKS ON PARENTING
"Parenting From the Inside Out" by Dan Siegel
When we become parents we basically have two options, to parent from lack of awareness or to parent with awareness of our own attachment style. This book is a MUST read for anyone who wants to be the best version of themselves for their children.
"Brain Storm" by Dan Siegel
The adolescent mind is not all about hormones as many believe. It is a time for confirming our life script, reconstructing ideas and challenging the status quo. It is a necessary stage for the evolution of humankind, and yes, it is also frustrating and exhausting. He explains why to all of the above.
"Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child" by John Gottman
Somehow emotional intelligence became a “soft” skill and took a back seat to Math, History, Physics, etc. But there is absolutely nothing soft about being courageous enough to recognize and accept our feelings, being vulnerable and compassionate when we recognize feelings in others. This should be taught in elementary school.
***This site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you click on these links to purchase these therapy books and podcasts.***
BOOKS ON PERSONAL GROWTH AND FOR THE PSYCHOLOGY ENTHUSIASTS
"Mindset" by Carol Dweck
This book is based on the idea that as we grow up, we cement one of two mindsets, a fixed or a growth mindset. One offers you enough emotional and psychological flexibility to challenge yourself and develop skills that you did not have before, the other one keeps you stuck on patterns that reinforce rigidity. Which one would you rather have?
"Think Again" by Adam Grant
This is a fascinating book that addressed the way we communicate with each other. Adam Grant had hit in the head the nail of the cause for the current divisiveness and ‘we-vs-them” mentality that has led to the dissolving of the social paradigms we have grown used to. A must-read for anyone who values acceptance and growth.
"Daring Greatly" by Brené Brown
In my opinion, this book is her best work. Maybe is the melancholy that it was the first one (of her many) that I read but in this book she exposes the key to emotional maturity, courageous living and the full acceptance of the fact that we are emotional beings
"Transcend" by Scott Barry Kaufman
Did you know that Maslow never intended his hierarchy of needs to be plotted into a pyramid? A marketing company did that. In this book, Scott proposes a new way of looking at what the hierarchy stands for and our need for self-actualization.
"Chatter" by Ethan Kros
Our inner voice…or is it? Sometimes our inner voice is not actually ours. Sometimes it is the combination of the voices of cynicism, fear, self-doubt, etc. of our parents, siblings, grandparents, teachers etc. The way you speak to yourself does not necessarily come from you.
"Self-Matters" by Phil McGraw
This is an old one, I know but in all honesty, this is the book that first opened my eyes to the world of psychology. When I first read this book, I was desperate for answers about my life and my upbringing. I did not know much about psychology or counselling, so I leave it here hoping it would do the same for you.
***This site contains product affiliate links. We may receive a commission if you click on these links to purchase these therapy books and podcasts.***
PODCASTS
Learning On The Go
I don’t have as much time to read as I used to, so I rely a lot on Podcasts when I am driving and doing chores around the house. Here is a list of the ones I find are evidence-based and provide valuable information that can get you going on your healing journey
Scott Barry Kaufman
Great way to nerd out on what is going on in the world of psychological research, human potential, self-actualization, social issues and so much more.
Mark Hyman
Great way to nerd out on what is going on in the world of psychological research, human potential, self-actualization, social issues and so much more.
Andrew Huberman
Great way to nerd out on what is going on in the world of psychological research, human potential, self-actualization, social issues and so much more.
Kim Mills and the APA
Great way to nerd out on what is going on in the world of psychological research, human potential, self-actualization, social issues and so much more.
Lori Gottieb & Guy Winch
Lori and Guy work closely with guests that are real people, and help them through the issues they are struggling with.
Hillary McBride
Have you ever wondered what goes on during a therapy session. This is how to find out. Different therapists use different approaches but we all want what is best for the client.
Esther Perel
She works in intense sessions with couples, and then she calls them to follow up on their progress. All topics are on the table, all inclusive, love is love.
Monica Johnson
Short and practical advice and psychoeducation from talented professionals. Different hosts offer perspectives on a variety of topics on psychology
Adam Grant
Great way to nerd out on what is going on in the world of psychological research, human potential, self-actualization, social issues and so much more.
Allan Crossley
Great way to nerd out on what is going on in the world of psychological research, human potential, self-actualization, social issues and so much more.
Tara Brach
Great way to nerd out on what is going on in the world of psychological research, human potential, self-actualization, social issues and so much more.
Lilly Balch
Great way to nerd out on what is going on in the world of psychological research, human potential, self-actualization, social issues and so much more.
Miscellaneous Items
Items for Emotional Literacy
Some of these items you can find in my office and some are items that use personally in my own life. Please be patient as I populate this page 🙂
Wheel of Emotions
A great resource to help find the right word at the right time. If you have ever been in my office you know that it is well used. I encourage you to grab one (or two) and try it at home as well.
Feeling wheel for Children
Simple yet powerful. Giving your children the capacity to express how they are feeling will allow them to develop a vocabulary that can help with tantrums, conflict resolution and empathy.
Flash Cards Game
A great game for children to develop the vocabulary and the strategies to deal with varied situations.
Conscientia Counselling
- 403-313-6802
- Suite 520 at 222, 58th Avenue SW, Calgary, AB T2H 2S3
- info@conscientiacounselling.ca
We offer in-person and remote sessions.
