As we cozy up and prepare for the arrival of winter, we are reflecting on what books have helped us learn and grow over the past few months. We would like to share with you what some of the members of our team are reading for comfort, exploration, growth, and knowledge with the hope to instill some inspiration!
Jessica Coors, LCPC, PMH-C
I’m currently reading: Burnout: The Secret To Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski. This book describes the importance of moving through the stress cycle and practical ways of doing so. It felt incredibly timely given the pandemic and holiday season approaching. I find the authors’ feminist-lens refreshing.
Chrissy Ellis, LCSW, PMH-C
I’m currently reading: Caste: The Origins of Our Discontents by Isabel Wilkerson. This incredibly powerful book examines the concealed caste system in America through gripping personal narratives and historical data. Dwight Garner of The New York Times captures it perfectly: “It’s a book that changes the weather inside a reader.”
Kate Ernstrom, LCSW, PMH-C
I’m currently reading: Sensate Focus in Sex Therapy by Linda Weiner. This book explores how to utilize and integrate Sensate Focus into clinical work to address sexual difficulties and to enhance intimate relationships. Unrelated to clinical work, I also just finished reading The Murmur of Bees by Sofia Segovia. This is an absolutely fantastic magical realism fiction book from Mexican author, Sofía Segovia. I highly recommend this book!
Aga Grabowski, LCSW, CST, PMH-C
I’m currently reading: Reclaiming Your Sexual Self: How You Can Bring Desire Back Into Your Life by Kathryn Hall, Ph.D. This book sheds light on the struggles many people experience with low sexual desire and discusses how to rekindle passion and intimacy. Additionally, unrelated to clinical work I am reading Beloved by Toni Morrison.
Eden Himidian, LCSW, RYT
I’m currently reading: How to be an Antiracist by Ibram X. Kendi. It is a challenging, inspiring and thought-provoking read. It provides a balance of history and present day accounts to help the reader examine the course of racism and the importance of becoming antiracist. Ibram speaks to his own experiences and challenges the readers to reflect on their life and role in race relations. I also just finished At a Loss: Finding Your Way After Miscarriage, Stillbirth or Infant Death by Donna Rothert, PhD. This book is a must-read for any clinician working with clients experiencing perinatal loss. Written for bereaved parents, it is also a gentle yet direct resource for parents suffering a loss. It allows the reader space to grieve while providing shared experiences and helpful skills and rituals for healing.
Anna Odarczenko, BS
I’m currently reading: Nourishing Wisdom: A Mind-Body Approach to Nutrition and Well-Being by Marc David. This book dives into the psychology of food and allows you to explore your relationship to it. It offers reflections throughout to deepen your understanding of how your mind and body responds to nutrition.
Marco Renzi, LSW
I’m currently reading: What Every Mental Health Professional Needs to Know about Sex by Stephanie Buehler. This book is an easy-to-read, down-to-earth approach; the text provides plentiful information, tools, and exercises to increase the confidence and comfort of mental health professionals treating sexual issues.
