Books

The following is a partial list of books (in no specific order) that either clients have told me they have found informative and/or useful, or that I myself have read and find interesting and worthwhile.

BRAIN AND BIOLOGY:

The Brain That Changes Itself:
Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science
by Norman Doidge M.D.
This book describes and explains "Neuroplasticity" – the ability of the brain to change and grow even in the structures and functions – in understandable language, and true stories of remarkable recoveries.

Change Your Brain, Change Your Life:
The Breakthrough Program For Conquering Anxiety, Depression, Obsessiveness, Anger, and Impulsiveness
by Daniel Amen M.D.

The Biology of Belief:
Unleashing the Power of Consciousness, Matter and Miracles
by Bruce Lipton
This book introduces the concept of epigenetics –­ the science of how our genes are not "fixed blueprints" that are activated to "express" themselves through an ongoing, interactive process with our environment, including the environment within our bodies, including our thoughts and emotions. This book will demonstrate to you that no one is ultimately defined or limited by their genetic makeup.

Mindsight
Daniel J. Siegel, M.D.
This is a groundbreaking book, from one of the global innovators in the integration of brain science with psychotherapy. From anxiety to depression and feelings of shame and inadequacy, from mood swings to addictions, OCD, and traumatic memories, most of us have a mental “trap” that causes recurring conflict in our lives and relationships. Through his synthesis of a broad range of scientific research with applications to everyday life, Dr. Siegel has developed novel approaches that have helped hundreds of patients free themselves from obstacles blocking their happiness. By cultivating mindsight, all of us can effect positive, lasting changes in our brains—and our lives.

 

CHILDHOOD ABUSE AND TRAUMA:

Betrayal Trauma: The Logic of Forgetting Childhood Abuse
By Jennifer J Freyd

The Drama of the Gifted Child: 

The Search for the True Self
by Alice Miller
A classic book describing how we become disconnected from our true, authentic selves as children as we try to adjust to this functionality in our family environments.

 

DEPRESSION & ANXIETY:

Feeling Good:
The New Mood Therapy
By David Burns M.D.
This book is a self-help classic for the treatment of depression through Cognitive Therapy.

I Don't Want to Talk about It:
Overcoming the Secret Legacy of Male Depression
By Terrence Real
An excellent book on men, depression, father-son relationships and addictions.

 

MINDFULNESS:

Mindfulness for Beginners:
Reclaiming the Present Moment--and Your Life
by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Wherever You Go, There You Are:
Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life
by Jon Kabat-Zinn
A book for furthering and deepening your understanding of mindfulness meditation and practice.

The Power of Now: 
A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment
By Eckhart Tolle
An excellent book, that has fast become a classic, describing how our thoughts, our beliefs, and unresolved issues from the past interfere with fully being in the present moment.

 

RELATIONSHIPS:

No More Drama:
A Practical Guide to Healthy Relationships
by Gregory J Boyce

How Can I Get through to You:
Closing the Intimacy Gap between Men and Women
By Terrence Real

Why Is It Always about You?:
The Seven Deadly Sins of Narcissism
by Sandy Hotchkiss
A book that helps you identify and clarify issues of dealing with a self-centered partner or family member.

Disarming the Narcissist:
Surviving and Thriving with the Self-Absorbed
By Wendy Behary
A book specifically intended to help partners of highly self-centered (narcissistic) people who choose to remain in relationship with them.

After the Affair:
Healing the Pain and Rebuilding Trust When a Partner has Been Unfaithful.
By Janis Abrahms Spring

 

STRESS:

Full Catastrophe Living:
Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness
by Jon Kabat-Zinn

 

OTHER:

The Four Agreements:
A Toltec Wisdom Book
by Don Miguel Ruiz
A small, simple but profound book on changing how you interact with yourself and with others, and which offers "a powerful code of conduct that can rapidly transform our lives to a new experience of freedom, true happiness, and love."

Phrases to Freedom
by Willem Lammers
This book introduces Logosynthesis as a self-help method, written by the originator of the method.