One of the main tools I use in therapy is suggesting readings for clients. Below are five books I have suggested many times over the years. There is a book about trauma I read this past year and found it profound. There are two books about self-care that I’ve recommended to a lot of my clients. There is a book on codependency that everyone should read. And finally, a book on substance abuse. If you think you have a problem or think a family member might have a problem, please read this book.
I have included the websites where these books are available as well as the quotes from the websites about the books. Enjoy!
Trauma
The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
“Trauma comes in all forms, from near-death experiences to unexpected loss. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses recent scientific discoveries to reveal how trauma doesn’t just impact the mind, but also the body.”
https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/mental-health-books#our-picks
Self-Care
When Things fall Apart by Pema Chödrön
• Using painful emotions to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and courage
• Communicating…to encourage others to open up rather than shut down
• Practices for reversing habitual patterns
• Methods for working with chaotic situations
• Ways for creating effective social action
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/687278.When_Things_Fall_Apart
The Four Agreements – A Practical Guide To Personal Freedom – A Toltec Wisdom Book by Don Miguel Ruiz
“In The Four Agreements, bestselling author don Miguel Ruiz reveals the source of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy and create needless suffering. Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offer a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love.”
Codependency
Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself by Melody Beattie
“Is someone else’s problem your problem? If, like so many others, you’ve lost sight of your own life in the drama of tending to someone else’s, you may be codependent–and you may find yourself in this book.
The healing touchstone of millions, this modern classic by one of America’s best-loved and most inspirational authors holds the key to understanding codependency and to unlocking its stultifying hold on your life.”
Substance Abuse
“Alcoholics Anonymous, also known as the “Big Book,” presents the A.A. program for recovery from alcoholism. First published in 1939, its purpose was to show other alcoholics how the first 100 people of A.A. got sober. Now translated into over 70 languages, it is still considered A.A.’s basic text.”