Resources

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