Therapeutic Reflections
A weekly 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?
“I will be taking a break from uploading new book reviews during the month of September while I take some time off. I look forward to reading with you again in the Fall! #selfcareseptember”
Originally released on 02/07/25
Drama Free: A Guide to Managing Unhealthy Family Relationships
Nedra Glover Tawwab, LCSW outlines the complexities of navigating family dynamics by outlining toxic patterns, offering anecdotal examples, and providing self-reflective prompts at the end of each chapter. At the heart of it all are boundaries, a sense of agency, and assertive communication. How can we as therapists help our clients feel safe and differentiated enough to navigate challenging (or even toxic) family dynamics as part of their individual healing process?
Originally released 04/11/25
Not Drinking Tonight: A Guide to Creating a Sober Life You Love
Amanda E White, LPC has created a very informative book to help the reader evaluate their relationship with alcohol in the format of a novel that is fun to read and therefore more accessible. By expanding the definition of “sobriety” or “recovery” the reader is encouraged to make an informed choice about the role of alcohol in their life. How can we, as therapists, titrate our approach to challenging topics with our clients to make it more accessible to address them?
Scheduled to release on 11/01/24
Extreme Ownership: How U.S. Navy Seals Lead and Win
Jocko Willink and Leif Babin are taking the principles of all of their leadership training as US Navy Seals and applying to various leadership structures; and at the core of the training is total and complete humility. How can we apply these leadership skills in our roles as therapists, as well as help clients apply them to support their recovery?
Originally released on 01/03/25
The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing an Epidemic of Mental Health
Jonathan Haidt, PhD makes some VERY sweeping claims about the “causation” between the introduction/use of smartphones and social media on the onset of the “mental health crisis” of the Gen Z generation. How can we as therapists support the cultivation of healthy boundaries and safety precautions around the use of technology/social media, continue to provide appropriate social-emotional psychoeducation when needed, and/or ensure we are at the table to advocate regarding topics affecting mental health? Disclaimer: Put your critical thinking cap on before reading.
Originally released on 05/30/25
Love, Pamela