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?

 
 

Scheduled to release 06/06/25

The Extended Mind: The Power of Thinking Outside the Brain

Annie Murphy Paul, a science writer, compiles multi-disciplinary research to support the notion that our intelligence is exemplified by a more dynamic expression of mind that incorporates body, space, and collaborative relationships in contrast to the cultural value of the more static brain-based concept. How can we, as therapists, utilize this concept to bring more dynamic, creative, and collaborative approaches to the therapeutic process to foster healing?

 

Scheduled to release 06/13/25

Healing Through the Vagus Nerve: Improve Your Body’s Response to Anxiety, Depression, Stress, and Trauma Through Nervous System Regulation

Amanda Armstrong, M.A., is a life coach that approaches regulation of symptoms of anxiety and depression due to having a “full bucket” through an understanding of the parasympathetic nervous system and nervous system regulation tactics. How can we, as therapists, continue to identify ways to incorporate the body in our approach to healing and/or supporting our clients in finding some relief from symptoms of mental health?

 

Scheduled to release on 06/20/25

This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol

Annie Grace is an advertising/marketing executive that shares an approach she created (that helped her cease use of alcohol) based on a foundation of cognitive restructuring/cognitive re-framing. By highlighting the social/cultural impact (aka advertising) on how we perceive alcohol use and replacing with facts and research that refute, Grace believes we can reverse this trend and encourage a healthier culture of people. How can we, as therapists, support our clients in making mindful choices to support their healing process?

 
 

Scheduled to release on 06/27/25

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle

Written for a female-identifying audience, sisters Emily Nagoski, PhD, Amelia Nagoski, DMA help us re-frame our understanding of how our social system is contributing to our stress, highlighting the internal and external resources we have available to us, as well as how to leverage them to influence internal, interpersonal, and social shifts to support relief from the stress of being a self-identified woman in our culture. How can we, as therapists, help our female-identified clients to hone their internal resources and create supportive social connections to help them thrive?