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 Fall 2026!
I’ll see you again in the winter! ”
Review released on 10/13/26
If Women Rose Rooted: A Life-Changing Journey to Authenticity & Belonging
With the support of Celtic Mythology, Dr. Sharon Blackie uses the stories of her ancestors to help us remember the value of the wisdom of the feminine as she guides the reader on their own Heroine’s Journey to reconnect with their authentic energy to offset the imbalances of the “Wasteland” that has become dominated by the imbalance of masculine qualities.
How can we, as therapists, support our clients to connect with their authetnic sense of Self in a way that embraces a balance of both the Masculine and the Feminine?
Review released 10/16/26
Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving
Celeste Hardlee collates research to highlight the trajectory of the engrained societal belief that idleness is laziness, that our value is determined by how busy we are, our professions become our identities, and that ‘time is money’. As such, it has created a widespread scarcity mindset, unrealistic expectations that the answer lies in doing more or having the right gadget, and chasing the ever elusive proverbial carrot — disconnecting us from opportunities to thrive such as connection, creativity, and rest.
How can we, as therapists, help our clients heal negative beliefs of ‘never enough-ness’ and ground into experiences of community, rest, and play?
Review to be released on10/30/26
Too Much: A Guide to Breaking the Cycle of High-Functioning Codependency
Terri Cole, LCSW, divides her book into to two parts: the first exemplifying the variety of ways that co-dependent patterns can present in any and all possible relationship dynamics (not just romantic ones) as she defines her self-coined term “high-functioning codependent (HFC")”; and the second provides guidance and resources for how to initiate your own HFC recovery process with the goal of developing inter-dependent patterns in relationships with others.
How can we, as therapists, help our clients cultivate healthier inter-independent relationship patterns through both the healing of interpersonal trauma and developing healthier skills around both intrapersonal and interpersonal relationships?
Review to be released on 07/24/26
You With the Sad Eyes: A Memoir