The List: Therapists Favorite Books 2019
Compass Counseling Therapists Favorite Books
Working with our clients in a therapy setting, we are regularly asked by our clients for books that we would recommend. A therapists bookshelf is typically a very interesting place as interests and specialties are endless. We thought that as part of this mental health awareness month, a few of us would share what we are recommending to our clients right now!
“I love this book. It's written by an elite runner and it tells her life story of struggles and victories (both professional and personal). I highly recommend reading if this book if you struggle with negative self-talk (like myself at times!). I found this book to be very helpful and inspiring! This book is about the power of positive thinking and how it really can enhance your life and help you achieve huge goals and dreams. I love it!”
Sara Sanders LPCC
Compass Counseling, Owensboro.
2. “The State of Affairs: Rethinking Infidelity” by Esther Perel*
“This book focuses on research and work she has done with couples who experience affairs in different ways. It gives good insight into how affairs may begin or what it provides for the person engaged. It also focuses on different routes couples take in healing from, coping with, or separating as a result of these events. I found it super useful! “
Sarah DeLoach, LCSW
Compass Counseling Owensboro
3. “The Prophet” by Kahlil Gibran*
“The Prophet is 26 prose poetry fables written in 1923. Sure, not the most inviting introduction to a book selection...but hang with me. The main character of this book is a, you guessed it, prophet about to leave town. Before he departs the townies ask him questions about many elements of life. Marriage, parenting, work, and giving are among the topics the prophet gives insight into. I was gifted this book and have been inspired by the concise wisdom on major parts of life. I've also recommended it to clients. It’s a good one to own and revisit from time to time. “
Justin Lewis, LMFT
Compass Counseling, Paducah
4. “The Road Back to You: An Enneagram Journey to Self-Discovery” by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile*
I've always been interested in personality profiles, and last year I discovered the Enneagram, which outlines 9 different personality types. This is a helpful tool for self-discovery, but also for improving relationships by understanding others. The book recognizes the fluid nature of personality since circumstances in our lives are always changing. It outlines the healthy, average, and unhealthy characteristics of each personality type and offers practical tips for transformation if you recognize yourself in an unhealthy pattern. This book even details how each personality type presents in childhood so it is helpful for parents who could use the Enneagram an another lens to view childhood behaviors.
Jamie Jit, LPCA
Compass Counseling, Owensboro
5. “The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts” by: Gary Chapman*
This is a classic that I like to recommend to my clients. I find that it is an easy read and it explains how we care for and speak to each other. My clients see a lot about the differences in how we expect to recieve love and how our spouse wants to receive love, and it helps us see results when paired with counseling! It has stood the test of time in my practice and I recommend it often
Scott Long, LPCC
Compass Counseling, Owensboro
6. “Grieving: Your Path Back to Peace” by: James R. White*
I like this book because it is short and to the point. It gives accurate information about the grieving process and also offers hope for those whose lives have been forever changed by loss. I recommend it often to my clients.
Sherry Bone, LPP
Compass Counseling, Paducah
7. “Do Over: Make Today the First Day of Your New Career” by Jon Acuff*
A large part of my practice includes working with individuals in career counseling. Hands down the first book that I recommend is “Do Over” by Jon Acuff. Whether you are starting out, digging in or changing careers, what Jon teaches and encourages are valuable. He has a quick wit and makes reading and learning fun. The book is fun and impactful teaching readers how to invest in their Career Savings Account. If you are looking for something to encourage you at any stage in your career it is a must!
Katie Englert, LPCC-S, BC-TMH
Compass Counseling, Paducah
8. “Change Your Brain, Change Your Life” by Dr. Daniel Amen*
In this book psychiatrist and neuroscientist Dr. Daniel Amen, through the use of brain scans using SPECT imaging, demonstrates and explains various disorders of mental health including depression, anxiety, Bipolar Disorder, ADHD, various addictions, OCD, and dementia. As well as describing and explaining these various disorders, Dr. Amen discusses what can be done about each of these disorders. His recommendations include medication and holistic approaches including specific dietary recommendations, exercise, meditation, and other cognitive and behavioral coping skills. I think this book is perfect for Mental Health Awareness Month as goes a long way to undermining the stigma of mental health disorders, instills hope and optimism, and gives concrete and useful recommendations.
Gary Barker, LPCC
Compass Counseling, Owensboro
9. “The Sun and Her Flowers” by Rupi Kaur*
This book is a beautiful collection of poetry centered around love, loss, identity, hope, and rebirth. The words are simple, but the messages profound. Sometimes I will flip to a random page in the book just to see what inspiration or message lies for me there that day. I often times find poems and illustrations that remind me of loved ones and messages that I would like them to hear as well. This artful book is a wonderful way to help you connect with yourself and others through compassion and understanding.
Jill Terhune, LPCC
Compass Counseling, Paducah
10.“I thought It was Just Me” by Brene Brown*
This is a powerful book that teaches us about shame and vulnerability, and how to recognize our shame triggers, build resilience toward shame and embrace vulnerability. Brene Brown talks about striving to be a "whole-hearted person" and part of that is recognizing that our vulnerabilities are not weaknesses; they are powerful reminders to keep our hearts and mind open to the reality that we all have our own shame messages and imperfections, but that we are in this together.
Megan Meredith, LPCA
Compass Counseling, Owensboro
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