LaShandra Shepard, LCMFT
Journey of Faith Counseling, LLC.
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
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
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