On My Bookshelf
Below are a few of my favorite books that I like to recommend to clients. I’ve given you the Amazon link, but you can get them at your library, or wherever you get print or audio books.
For Couples
Featuring the therapeutic work of Reena Bernards
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The Attachement Effect: Exploring the Powerful Ways our Earliest Bond Shapes Our Relationship and Lives by Peter Lovenheim
Chapter 7 of this book is devoted to couples therapy, as illustrated by a couple I treated who were generously willing to be interviewed by the author. The chapter describes all the steps we went through with the Emotionally Focused Therapy model.
Here is a quote about the impact of our work together:
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“It was a hard situation on my husband and I as a couple. But everything we learned with Reena really helped us through that time. We ended up moving into our own place and are very happy now.” Former Client
No-Drama Discipline: The Whole-Brain Way to Calm the Chaos and Nurture Your Child's Developing Mind by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, PH.D.
This book gives wonderful ideas on how to connect with your child when they are dysregulated, and how to “connect, then correct.” Great illustrations!
The Chocolate-Covered Cookie Tantrum by Deborah Blumenthal
This beautifully illustrated book can be enjoyed by young children and adults. It teaches parents how to live through a tantrum with love, kindness, but without giving in.
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Emptying the Nest: Launching your Young Adult Toward Success and Self-Reliance by Brad E. Sachs, Ph.D.
An excellent guide for what can be a difficult moment in parenting.
For Individuals
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It Wasn’t Your Fault: Freeing Yourself from the Shame of Childhood Abuse with the Power of Self-Compassion by Beverly Engel, LMFT
Self-blame is a natural but painful result of a difficult childhood. This book speaks to ways to release yourself from shame.
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Comfortable with Uncertainty: 108 Teachings on Cultivating Fearlessness and Compassion by Pema Chodron
A Buddhist teacher addresses our existential reality, and offers ways to thrive in uncertain times.
My Grandmother’s Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Pathway to Mending our Hearts and Bodies by Resmaa Menakem
Dr. Menakem, an African American psychologist, speaks of the traumatic effect of intergenerational racism, primarily on Blacks, and also impacting Whites and law enforcement agents. Written with a non-blaming perspective, the book provides exercises aimed at
healing for all.