Resources

Forgiveness Is Really Strange

By Masi Noor & Marina Cantacuzino

Forgiveness Is Really Strange is one of many in the “Really Strange” series (more to come on the others); with a comic book flair it’s a pretty easy read generally speaking. The authors educate the reader about forgiveness by using real life examples and exploring health benefits of forgiveness, which are all science based. While providing psychoeducation on forgiveness the authors address the elephants in most rooms when it comes to this topic:

1. Do I need an apology to forgive?

2. If I forgive, does it mean that I agree with what happened?

3. Will it hurt more to forgive?

4. If I forgive, will I hurt less?

5. Why should I forgive?

6. Forgiveness seems like it’s for the other person; what’s in it for me?

7. How can I become motivated to forgive?

The answers to these questions and much more are in the short and straight forward book appropriate for readers ages 12 and up. If you are struggling to forgive and would like support while you navigate, definitely check this out and also feel free to reach out to our office to make an appointment with one of our skilled therapists.

Jami Smithson, LPC, CCTP

Lead Therapist

Man's Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl

A heavy but necessary read, especially during difficult and scary times. Written by a survivor of the Holocaust, this book is full of existentialist ideals about the limits of the human condition (i.e. how every single human can expect suffering during their lifetime). Dr. Frankl details his experiences in concentration camps whilst exploring the true power of love and the resilience of the human spirit; and above all else, the deep wantingness to live that exists inside us, even in the darkest of times under uncertain and hellish circumstances. This book inspires hope in that despite enduring unimaginable loss and hardship, we as humans can and will fight for life.

Julia Wellons, Resident in Counseling

Therapist

Fair Play – A Game-Changing Solution for When You Have Too Much to Do (and More Life to Live)

by Eve Rodsky

Rodsky discusses her own frustrations with keeping her family’s lives and household running when she felt unsupported by her husband and overwhelmed by society's expectations for mothers. Rodsky explores larger society gender messages, such as the “shefault parent” and how unpaid invisible work has historically and disproportionally fallen on women to bear. She also explores why the default parent often believes they ‘should’ be ‘doing it all.’ Out of a desire for a more equitable division of the mental load and invisible labor within her home, Rodsky created the Fair Play “game” which she outlines in this book. This game was designed to help couples identify, share, and create standards for household tasks, child-rearing tasks, and invisible work tasks. Due to Rodsky having a specific audience in mind when writing this book (i.e., married mothers with children in the home who believe there is an imbalance in task division), it would be the most beneficial for this audience.

Jenna Ham, LPC, CSAC

Therapist

In a world where clickbait articles are commonplace, Oster breaks down what the research really says and how to deduce if a study is trustworthy. An economist by day, Oster covers the research on topics such as breastfeeding, daycare, sleep training, and language acquisition. This book is for all the parents/caregivers out there that enjoy having data to corroborate parenting decisions.

Jenna Ham, LPC, CSAC

Therapist

Jabari Jumps

By Gaia Cornwall

A great book to help kiddos ages K-2 overcome their fears. “I’m jumping off the diving board today,” Jabari tells his dad, filled with excitement and fear. Watching the other kids he tries to convince himself that it will be easy and he isn’t scared at all; after watching his son trying to muster up the courage dad suggests maybe he should take a rest all the while encouraging and offering reassurance that it’s ok to feel scared. Young readers are able to relate to Jabari, the exciting & scary new activity he is about to experience, and the emotions that come along with it all, parents will find guidance provided by the examples given on how to encourage their little ones, and both readers will love the realistic yet whimsical illustrations. ENJOY!

Jami Smithson, LPC, CCTP

Lead Therapist

There Might Be Lobsters

by Carolyn Crimi

A book that is surely to help the littles, ages K-2 identify both fear and courage. To Sukie, a little black and white dog, everything at the beach seemed so big. Naturally, when her toy Chunka Munka was washed out to sea with the tide, Sukie was scared but it was time for her to be brave so she jumped in and brought her beloved pal back to safety. This reassuring story illustrates how fear can hold us back if we allow it to but love and empathy can save the day. Parents and little ones alike will enjoy this story about facing fears and the good feelings that ensue in overcoming them. Enjoy!

Jami Smithson, LPC, CCTP

Lead Therapist

How to Relax

by Thich Nhat Hanh

"An simple and essential mindfulness guide" are the first words that come to mind in describing this book. If you're like me, there's constant chatter inside your head and you may struggle with quieting your mind. It can feel impossible. This is why I personally love this book, and think you will too. It's short, easy to understand, and small so you can keep it with you in your bag and refer to it when you need it. It's filled with snippets of wisdom, delightful quotes, and super simple exercises to help you just be present in this moment. Thich Nhat Hanh is a renowned Buddhist monk, poet, teacher, and peace activist who offers us all a unique gift through his writing---how to achieve peace. He writes in a way that can help us all (novices  included!) understand the purpose and benefits of relaxation + mindfulness, and how it can literally change your brain and your life.

Julia Wellons, NCC, CCTSI

Therapist

Jancee Dunn is vulnerable, honest, and hilarious in this part self-help part memoir. Dunn is candid about her own struggles with her marriage after having her daughter and details her and her husband’s journey to improving their relationship. This book includes realistic, real-world advice from respected therapists and even an FBI hostage negotiator. The advice and techniques are applicable for couples struggling to find the correct balance of household duties, parenting duties, and time for themselves.

Jenna Ham, LPC, CSAC

Therapist

Sometimes Therapy is Awkward

By Nicole Arzt

This is a book I recommend for those early on in their career of being a therapist whether they are in the beginning of stepping into the mental health field, in graduate school, or completing their residency for licensure. I believe it could also be a great way to begin to explore the unknown of the therapy room for those who are curious to know what it is like as a first-time “client”. It reminds us that, well, therapy is awkward. It’s a read written from a stance of somewhere between humility and mastery of the craft. It’s a necessary reminder of what not to expect, what to hope for, and what will likely occur from both chairs in the therapy room.

Sydney Horton, LPC

Therapist

Neurobiologically Informed Trauma Therapy with Children and Adolescents: Understanding Mechanisms of Change

By Linda Chapman

This is a book I would recommend for anyone curious about the intersections of neurobiological development and the impacts of trauma. This book provides an in-depth understanding of the way in which our brains are hardwired while simultaneously providing tangible routes of change. Its evidence based information sparks hope for all in a space of healing—parents, loved ones, clinicians, and those resiliently coping through life since childhood.

Sydney Horton, LPC

Therapist

Atomic Habits

By James Clear

This one is an easily digestible book for all who come across it. This book can invoke a multitude of feelings if you are someone who wants sustainable change in your life. This book contains straight forward information, step by step examples, and loads of research to help the reader understand and make goals for lasting change. This book helps readers understand and come to know the 4 laws for change, (1) Make it Obvious, (2) Make it Attractive, (3) Make it Easy, and (4) Make it Satisfying.

Cassidy Van De Graaf, LPC

Therapist

Wherever You Go, There You Are

By Jon Kabat-Zinn

This one forces you to sit with yourself and reflect on the present moment. This one holds a lot of valuable information and if you’re ready to dive deeper into “being” instead of “doing,” this one is a great place to start. It is an easy read with many examples and challenges that will make you want to practice the art of mindfulness more in your daily life.

Cassidy Van De Graaf, LPC

Therapist

What Am I Thinking? Having a Baby After Postpartum Depression 

By Karen Kleiman

Karen Kleiman, MSW, has written multiple pronounced books focusing on perinatal mood disorders. In What Am I Thinking? Having a Baby After Postpartum Depression Karen highlights the specific fears women who have lived through perinatal mood disorders may experience when thinking about having another child. This book combines real world stories from women and workbook style reflections to assist the reader in creating a hands-on plan to prepare for pregnancy and having another child.

Jenna Ham, LPC, CSAC

Therapist

I'm Glad My Mom Died

By Jeannette McCurdy

This one is for all the young adults who grew up knowing and loving the nickelodeon show icarly. Jennette McCurdy (aka Sam on icarly) reveals so much of herself in this read including mental illness, complicated familial relationships, eating disorders, and much more. This book can be greatly appreciated for its raw honesty and openness on topics that may sometimes still appear as “taboo” to talk about.

Cassidy Van De Graaf, LPC

Therapist

The Wounded Woman

By Linda Schierse Leonard

This is an honorable mention for all women, survivors of generational trauma, that have been wounded within the relationships that are most innately yearned for deep within the bones of the feminine psyche. In this book you’ll be taken to explore the inner wounds of women who have been impacted by the wavering, conditional, dismissive, absent presence of men and the masculine roles in your waking lives.

Sydney Horton, LPC

Therapist

Whole Brain Child 

By Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D.

A must read for any parent or caregiver looking to understand the brain structure and development of their young child. The authors provide reader-friendly, real world examples to help manage a multitude of challenging parenting situations from toddler tantrums to grade school fears. Twelve key strategies are outlined with easy to understand resources to review with children to help teach them impactful skills such as self-regulation, engagement, and mindfulness.

Jenna Ham, LPC, CSAC

Therapist

Say What You Mean

By Oren Jay Sofer

This one discusses at length the importance of Non-Violent Communication. This book is so user-friendly (and client / therapist friendly) with its rich examples that you may find a multitude of answers on how to handle certain communication difficulties in your life. This book will leave you wondering and preparing for your next effective interpersonal encounter.

Cassidy Van De Graaf, LPC

Therapist

Set Boundaries, Find Peace

By Nedra Glover Tawwab

This one is an all-time favorite, because who doesn’t need boundaries in their life? This book breaks down boundaries in the most simplistic way and helps guide you through what this may look like in your own life and relationships. With a topic this important, it is vital to take this book slowly as you consider how to apply each of the tips/tricks/advice/information given.

Cassidy Van De Graaf, LPC

Therapist

The Body Keeps the Score

By Bessel Van Der Kolk, M.D.

She’s dense with rich new information ready to turn “ah-ha” moments

into lasting insight. If you’re looking to learn more about not just the psychological impacts of trauma but the way in which it impacts your body down to a cellular level, this is the book for you. A book filled with information supported by interdisciplinary quantitative and qualitative research that will bring you back to your body with a deeper understanding of how resilient you really are.

Sydney Horton, LPC

Therapist

101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think

Brianna Wiest

I highly recommend "101 Essays That Will Change the Way You Think" by Brianna Wiest. 101 sounds like a big number, but each essay is short and sweet. I firmly believe that this book encourages self-exploration and is filled with words that people need to hear who are struggling with where they are at in life. A lot of people my age talk a lot about feeling lost in life and confused. Brianna Wiest is a clever writer, and there have been many moments when I read this book and felt shocked at the new perspectives I had developed. 10/10 would highly recommend!!

Cloey Bibbs, B.S.

Clinical Mental Health Intern