Book Listing
Books
Recommended Reading for Healing and Growth
Books can be powerful companions on your journey toward healing and personal growth. Below you'll find resources I often recommend to clients addressing specific challenges. Each selection offers valuable insights, practical strategies, and compassionate guidance.
For Couples
Rebuilding After Infidelity
"Not Just Friends" by Shirley Glass
Often called the 'godmother of infidelity research,' Dr. Glass provides groundbreaking insights into how affairs happen and offers a clear path to healing.
"After the Affair" by Janis Abrahms Spring
A compassionate guide for both the unfaithful partner and the betrayed spouse, offering step-by-step guidance through the recovery process.
"How to Help Your Spouse Heal from Your Affair" by Linda J. MacDonald
A concise, practical guide for the partner who strayed, outlining specific actions needed to rebuild trust and repair the relationship.
Strengthening Your Relationship
"The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work" by John Gottman and Nan Silver
Based on Dr. Gottman's pioneering research, this book offers practical principles to strengthen friendship and manage conflict in your relationship.
"Hold Me Tight" by Dr. Sue Johnson
The definitive guide to Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), helping couples understand the attachment needs driving their interactions and fostering deeper connection.
"Wired for Love" by Stan Tatkin
Using neuroscience to explain how our brains are wired for connection, this book offers practical tools for creating a "couple bubble" of safety and security.
For Individual Growth
Breaking Free from Codependency
"Codependent No More" by Melody Beattie
The classic that helped millions identify codependent behavior and begin the journey toward healthy relationships and reclaiming their lives.
"The Language of Letting Go" by Melody Beattie
Daily meditations that encourage mindfulness, acceptance, and growth for those recovering from codependency.
"Facing Codependence" by Pia Mellody
Explores the connection between childhood experiences and adult codependent behaviors, offering a path to recognizing and healing these patterns.
Building Self-Worth and Boundaries
"Boundaries" by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
An essential guide to understanding what personal boundaries are, why they matter, and how to establish them in relationships.
"Self-Compassion" by Kristin Neff
Learn to extend the same kindness to yourself that you offer others, fostering resilience and emotional wellbeing.
"The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brené Brown
A warm, encouraging guide to releasing perfectionism and embracing your authentic self with courage and compassion.
For Trauma Recovery
Understanding Trauma
"The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk
A groundbreaking exploration of how trauma reshapes the body and brain, offering innovative approaches to healing.
"Trauma and Recovery" by Judith Herman
A fundamental text on understanding psychological trauma and the stages of recovery, validating survivors' experiences.
"What Happened to You?" by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey
Shifts the question from "What's wrong with you?" to "What happened to you?" in understanding behavior shaped by early experiences and trauma.
Practical Approaches to Healing
"It Didn't Start with You" by Mark Wolynn
Explores how inherited family trauma shapes our lives and offers a step-by-step approach to healing these patterns.
"Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving" by Pete Walker
A comprehensive guide for understanding and healing from childhood trauma, written with compassion and clarity.
"Getting Past Your Past" by Francine Shapiro
Written by the creator of EMDR therapy, this book offers practical exercises to identify and heal from disturbing life experiences.
For Spiritual Growth in Times of Challenge
"Life of the Beloved" by Henri Nouwen
A profound exploration of spiritual identity and finding meaning during difficult times.
"When Things Fall Apart" by Pema Chödrön
Buddhist wisdom on moving toward painful emotions rather than avoiding them, finding peace amid difficulty.
"Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief" by David Kessler
Building on Elisabeth Kübler-Ross's work, Kessler adds a vital sixth stage to the grief process—finding meaning—offering a path beyond pain.