As we move into summer, we are reflecting on what books have helped us learn and grow over the past few months. We’re sharing what some of the members of our team are reading for comfort, exploration, growth, and knowledge with the hope to instill some inspiration!
Natalie Breitmeyer, MA, LPC, R-DMT, RYT
Right now I am reading The Creative Habit: Learn It And Use It For Life by Twyla Tharp. This book shares perspectives and inspirations on how to work to make creativity a part of everyday life. This book is filled with practical exercises based on lessons Twyla has learned throughout her career. I would highly recommend this book for anyone looking to expand ways to build creativity into their lives.
Chrissy Ellis, LCSW, PMH-C
I am currently reading The Course of Love by Alain de Botton. This is a novel that explores how love can survive and thrive in the long-term taking twists and turns through fictional, philosophical, and physiological components. A lovely summertime read that provides a non-clinical yet wise and relatable view on modern relationships.
I am also reading The Power of Showing Up by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson, an incredible resource for parents. Based on neuroscience and attachment research, this digestible book provides helpful, tangible tips for cultivating healthy emotional development in our children.
Kate Ernstrom, LCSW, PMH-C
Over the past few months I read Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life by Christie Tate. This book was a very fun read that explores one person’s experience with group psychotherapy and how to work to cultivate the amazing power of vulnerability and intimacy with others. Interspersed throughout are hilarious anecdotes and moving emotional moments of vulnerability.
I also just recently finished reading Becoming Myself: A Psychiatrist’s Memoir by Irvin Yalom. This book explores the life, with all its twists and turns, of Irvin Yalom, as well as some of his experiences with famous contributors to the field of psychotherapy and psychology over the years. This was a fun and interesting read for me as I have been so fascinated with Yalom’s works throughout the course of my career.
Aga Grabowski, LCSW, CST, PMH-C
Right now I am re-reading Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman. This book is a phenomenal book exploring the impact of trauma and the importance of building emotional safety in a therapeutic relationship. This book has been particularly pertinent to revisit as a compliment to recent EMDR training. If interested, you can read more about EMDR here.
Eden Himidian, LCSW, RYT
At the moment I am reading Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson, PsyD. This book explores how growing up with emotionally distant and unavailable parents may create lingering feelings of anger, loneliness, and abandonment. This book explores how to work to create more positive and healing relationships.
Next up on my list is The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson after a recent recommendation as it integrates ACT-based skills in a fun and lighthearted way. If you’re interested, you can read more about ACT here.
Nicole Ness, MA, LCPC
I am reading Body Respect: What Conventional Health Books Get Wrong, Leave Out, and Just Plain Fail to Understand about Weight by Lindo Bacon. Dr. Bacon is a researcher on the topics of social justice, health, weight, and nutrition. This book works to debunk myths about body weight, diet, and exercise including misconceptions that BMI indicates health. Additionally, this book integrates how poverty, oppression, racism, homophobia, and classism can all impact our bodies and our metabolisms. If you’re looking for a book to explore fact-based science on body weight, diets, metabolism, and exercise, this book is for you!
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.
I am also reading Forgiving What You Can’t Forget – Discover How to Move On, Make Peace with Painful Memories, and Create a Life That’s Beautiful Again by Lysa TerKeurst. This book explores how to move forward in life through painful past events to work to create a life that’s freer from the hurt of your past as well as to create ways to build trust and vulnerability with others.
Marco Renzi, LSW
At the moment, I am reading Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR Therapy by Francine Shapiro. I am planning to attend EMDR training in the near future, and this book is recommended for clinicians interested in starting their EMDR journeys. In this book you explore EMDR skills, techniques, and strategies that are all relatively easily accessible for folks.
I am also reading ACT with Love by Russ Harris. This book focuses on utilizing ACT for couples therapy in a way that is easily accessible for everyone.
