Therapeutic Reflections
A seasonal book review of clinical (and some non-clinical) book from the lens of a therapist.
In the world of self-help and/or clinical development, there are just TOO many books out there to read! How do you decide which ones are going to be worth your time? Which ones will resonate with your personal experiences? Which ones might support your healing? Which ones will help you to hone your professional specialties? Or maybe you need to expand your awareness into a new topic?
Let me help you with that!
I have a library card and am an avid reader (aka audiobook listener). I like to read the books my clients are reading and apply them as tools in our work together; I also like to recommend books to my clients to supplement our work together. I've spent the better part of my adult life reading books for coursework and to support research. And, let's face it, I'm passionate about my work as a therapist and I'm just plain curious about new, old, or emerging topics.
While I specialize in trauma, addiction, and dance/movement therapy, I find that my practice can benefit from expanding my awareness on a diversity of topics.
Need to catch up on past reviews?
“Here’s what I’ve been reading this summer 2026!
I’ll see you again in the fall! ”
Review released on 06/05/26
Scattered Minds: The Origins and Healing of Attention Deficit Disorder
Dr. Gabor Maté reviews the topic of ADD in an effort to provide a more comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the condition from his lived experience integrated with a synthesis of research that highlights the value of assessment of the person-in-environment.
How can we, as therapists, consider both biological predispositions and environmental factors when treating our clients who fit diagnositic criteria for ADD/ADHD?
Review released 06/19/26
Fawning: Why the Need to Please Makes Us Lose Ourselves—and How to Find Our Way Back
Dr. Ingrid Clayton review the 4th F: Fight, flight, freeze, and FAWN—a trauma response where we sacrifice the Self to prioritize the connection for survival. Dr. Clayton uses personal and client-based anecdotes to exemplify how fawning presents in Part 1, and how to un-fawn in Part 2, citing therapeutic techniques to help folks reclaim their Self.
How can we, as therapists, help our clients heal from trauma and embody a sense of Self to increase their sense of safety both individually and relationally in the context of the therapeutic relationship?
Review to be released on 07/10/26
Getting Naked: The Quiet Work of Becoming Perfectly Imperfect
In an act of courageous vulnerability, actress Valerie Bertinelli literally and metaphorically strips down and shares her experience of healing via dismantling of facades/working through shame and trama to connect with a sense of peacef and alignment.
How can we, as therapists, help our clients heal from trauma and stand securely enough in alignment with their core sense of Self?
Review to be released on 07/24/26
Already Enough: A Path to Self-Acceptance
Lisa Olivera, a licensed marriage and family therapist, aims to help us identify our negative beliefs (or stories) and guide us along a healing journey wherein we confront, explore, and re-write our narratives with more agency and empowerment in a way that feels aligned with our sense of Self and encourages us to show up in the world exactly as we are.
How can we, as therapists, help support our clients through the tough journey of confronting their negative beliefs in order to shift and ultimately release them?
Review to be released on 08/07/26
Attached. The New Science of Adult Attachment and How it Can Help You Find—and Keep—Love