Many of my clients ask me about how they can get the most out of therapy. There are so many ways to continue your journey outside of a therapist's office and truly augment the benefits of therapy. Some people find it helpful to journal, read educational or self-help books, fill out workbooks, watch documentaries, join support groups, or listen to podcasts on relevant topics. These kinds of activities facilitate learning, reflection, and insight--all of which are essential to the process of personal growth and better relationships. 

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So, if you are interested in doing more for yourself outside of your therapist's office, I recommend picking up any of the following titles at your local library. I have been compiling this list of therapist-recommended books and resources for several years. This list is based on my own reading, as well as the input of my clients, other therapists, graduate school professors, friends and family members. I have only included titles that I or someone I personally know has found extremely helpful.

 

It is important to note that these suggested books cannot serve you as well as getting professional help. I encourage you to reach out to a licensed therapist and seek mental health treatment if you are struggling.

 

Marriage/Relationships

 

Passionate Marriage by David Snarch

 

Hold Me Tight by Susan Johnson

 

Boundaries in Marriage by Henry Cloud & John Townsend

 

Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs

 

7 principals For Making Marriage Work by John Gottman

 

Getting the Love you Want by Harville Hendrix

 

Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel

 

Love Sense by Susan Johnson

 

Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman

 

How We Love by Milan and Kay Yerkovich

 

What Makes Love Last by John Gottman & Nan Silver

 

Not Just Friends by Shirley Glass

 

The Science of Trust by John Gottman

 

Wired for Love by Stan Tatkin

 

The Lost Art of Listening by Michael Nichols

 

The Man’s Guide to Women by John Gottman

 

Dance of Anger by Harriet Learner

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Shattered Vows by Debra Lasser

 

 

 

Parenting 

  

It’s Nobody’s Fault by Harold Koplewicz

 

Driven to Distraction by Edward Hallowell & John Ratey

 

Raising Your Spirited Child by Mary Sheedy Kurcinka

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See Jane Hit by James Garbarino

  

The Explosive Child by Ross Greene

 

Raising Boys by Steve Biddulph

 

The Anxiety & Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne

 

Helping Your Anxious Child by Sue Spence et al.

 

The Grieving Child: A Parent’s Guide by Helen Fitzgerald

  

The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families by Stephen Covey

 

The Mother Dance by Harriet Learner

 

Odd Girl Out by Rachel Simmons

 

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen and Listen So Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish

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Depression and Suicide

Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255

Depression and Mental Health Social Community Support Groups

Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy

Overcoming Depression: A Cognitive Therapy Approach Workbook (Treatments That Work)

Mastery of Your Anxiety and Worry: Workbook (Treatments That Work)

The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook

I Don't Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression

Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life: The New Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (A New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook)

 

Confidence and Self-Esteem

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You're Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are

Year of Yes: How to Dance it Out, Stand in the Sun, and Be Your Own Person

The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

The Self-Esteem Workbook

Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living

You are a Badass: How to stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start Living an Awesome Life

The Compassionate-Mind Guide to Building Social Confidence: Using Compassion-Focused Therapy to Overcome Shyness and Social Anxiety (The New Harbinger Compassion-Focused Therapy Series)