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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.

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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.

Book cover for Trauma: The Invisible Epidemic by Paul Conti, MD. Cream background with green leaf patterns at top and bottom. Foreword credited to Lady Gaga at the top. Title in large black serif font, subtitle in smaller gray text: "How Trauma Works and How We Can Heal From It."

"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.

Book cover for When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress by Gabor Maté, MD. Features a large golden leaf disintegrating into sparkling particles on a cream background. "INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER" in small gold text at the top. Title in bold black sans-serif font, with "BODY SAYS NO" and "HIDDEN STRESS" emphasized. Below, a quote: "A most important book, both for patient and physician. It could save your life." attributed to Dr. Peter Levine, Bestselling Author of Waking the Tiger.

"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.

Book cover for "The Wisdom of Your Body" by Hillary L. McBride, PhD. Features a minimalist blue silhouette of a seated human figure forming the outline of the title text. Subtitle reads "Finding Healing, Wholeness, and Connection through Embodied Living."

"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.

Book cover for Every Memory Deserves Respect: EMDR, the Proven Trauma Therapy with the Power to Heal by Michael Baldwin and Deborah Korn, PsyD. Large white title text on a purple-gray background, with a quote from Bessel van der Kolk praising the book. In the foreground, a partially disassembled set of colorful Russian nesting dolls lies scattered, symbolizing layers of memory and healing. Authors’ names appear at the bottom. Michael Baldwin and Deborah Korn, PsyD

"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.

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"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.

Book cover for Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by Dr. Sue Johnson. Teal background with large white serif title text, a thin red-brown rope knotted horizontally across the middle, and cream subtitle below. Top lime-green band reads "MORE THAN 1 MILLION COPIES SOLD." Author credited as developer of Emotionally Focused Couple Therapy. Dr. Sue Johnson

"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.

Book cover for When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress by Gabor Maté, MD. Features a large golden leaf disintegrating into sparkling particles on a cream background. "INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLER" in small gold text at the top. Title in bold black sans-serif font, with "BODY SAYS NO" and "HIDDEN STRESS" emphasized. Below, a quote: "A most important book, both for patient and physician. It could save your life." attributed to Dr. Peter Levine, Bestselling Author of Waking the Tiger. Esther Perel

"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.***

Book cover for the New York Times bestseller The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman, Ph.D., and Nan Silver. White background with elegant black serif title text, two interlocking gold wedding rings forming the "o" in "Work," a green "Completely Revised and Updated" badge in the top left, and "OVER A MILLION COPIES SOLD" at the top. Subtitle reads "A Practical Guide from the Country's Foremost Relationship Expert." Author names appear on a lime-green band at the bottom.

"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.

Book Cover: Come as You Are

"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

"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

Book cover for Parenting from the Inside Out by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., and Mary Hartzell, M.Ed. Blue-gray background with large white title text at the top. Features a black-and-white close-up photo of a smiling baby’s face. Subtitle in white: "How a Deeper Self-Understanding Can Help You Raise Children Who Thrive." A yellow starburst notes "OVER 150,000 COPIES SOLD." Bottom black band reads "10TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION" with "Includes a new preface by the authors."

"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.

Book cover for Raising an Emotionally Intelligent Child: The Heart of Parenting by John Gottman, Ph.D., with Joan DeClaire. Purple and white design with a large decorative "R" at the top. Features a black-and-white photo of five smiling young children of diverse ethnicities huddled together. Foreword by Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence. Author names appear on a purple band at the bottom.

"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

Book cover for the updated edition of Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck, Ph.D. Large bold blue title "mindset" dominates a white background, with subtitle "How We Can Learn to Fulfill Our Potential" on a purple-to-green gradient band. Highlights applications in parenting, business, school, and relationships. Features a gold badge "2 MILLION COPIES IN PRINT" and a quote from Bill Gates praising Dweck's research.

"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?

Book cover for the #1 New York Times bestseller Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don't Know by Adam Grant. White background with large black title text incorporating a wooden matchstick with a blue water splash "flame" on the "I" in "AGAIN." Blue subtitle at top and a quote from Nobel Prize winner Daniel Kahneman at the bottom.

"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.

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"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

Book cover for Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization by Scott Barry Kaufman, Ph.D. Features a swirling abstract spiral pattern in blue-green gradients with a small sailboat icon at the edge. Includes a quote from Susan Cain praising it as a groundbreaking new psychology of humanity. Author noted as host of The Psychology Podcast.

"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.

Book cover for the national bestseller Chatter: The Voice in Our Head, Why It Matters, and How to Harness It by Ethan Kross. Minimalist white background with scattered colorful circles (yellow, cyan, purple, black) and overlapping Venn-diagram-style rings in the center. Large bold black title "Chatter" at the top, subtitle in smaller black text, and author name at the bottom. Includes a quote from Adam Grant praising its impact on self-conversation.

"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.

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"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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Monica Johnson

Short and practical advice and psychoeducation from talented professionals. Different hosts offer perspectives on a variety of topics on psychology

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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 🙂

Colorful circular emotion wheel on a cream pillow, resembling Plutchik's Wheel of Emotions. Divided into six primary pie slices in a gradient spectrum: Surprise (yellow), Happy (light yellow), Sad (orange), Disgust (red-brown), Anger (dark blue), Fear (purple). Each slice expands outward with related sub-emotions in varying intensities, such as: for Happy - Joyful, Peaceful, Powerful, Accepted; for Sad - Depressed, Lonely, Bored, Abandoned; for Fear - Terrified, Anxious, Insecure, Rejected; and many more like Ecstatic, Optimistic, Guilty, Ashamed, Furious, Hateful, Shocked, Confused.

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.

Cartoon illustration of an "emotion pizza" on a blue background, depicting a wheel of human feelings as a cheesy pizza divided into six main slices labeled in red: MAD (with sub-emotions like Annoyed, Rage, Disgust), SURPRISE! (Overwhelm, Amazed, Shock, Excited, Eager, Awe, Curious), HAPPY (Proud, Fierce, Content, Kind, Love, Hope, Gentle, Safe, Calm), SAD (Down, Missing Someone, Lost, Lonely, Jealous, Hate), BAD (Unsafe, Afraid, Nervous, Scared, Awkward, Guilty, Shame), and SCARED (Afraid, Nervous). Sub-emotions appear on red pepperoni circles. Created by Lindsay Braman.

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.

Alt text: Product photo of "Feelings in a Flash" emotional intelligence flashcards by Pint-Size Scholars. A colorful box labeled "100 Cards" and "6+ YRS." sits next to scattered cards showing illustrated children with emotions such as Angry, Afraid, Sad, Smart, Creative, and Confident. One card reads "How would you feel if..." with an open-ended scene. The set includes 50 emotions & coping strategies plus 50 family/school scenarios.

Flash Cards Game

A great game for children to develop the vocabulary and the strategies to deal with varied situations.