Richard’s Reads
I love bibliotherapy. Mainly because it’s just a super fun word to say. I mean, who doesn’t smile at least a little bit when saying “bibliotherapy…”
Come on, try it, you know you want to. “Bibliotherapy…” Fun, right?
Oh, and the books are great, too!
Since I can’t stop reading, and nobody likes a bad book, let me wade through the waste for you! Here are my absolute favorite books on a wide variety of therapeutic (or just generally great) topics. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
ACT Therapy
This is my therapeutic modality and I just can’t express how much I love it. What a gift to truly be able to live your life saying: “I am, here now, noticing my thoughts, accepting my feelings, and doing, what’s important to me.” And once you read these (or we work together, of course), you’ll understand the importance of all of those commas. I strongly recommend these as the foundational literature on what ACT is and how it can help you live the life you want. Just know, the first two recommendations are written for everyone, while the last two are specifically for fellow clinicians (and, as fair warning, the last one ain’t for dabblers…).
Trauma
Statistically, trauma is something that sadly affects each and every one of us, if not personally, then relationally. While this was by far my hardest list to narrow down as it’s my most passionate subject (and let’s be honest, I’ll probably put more up here soon), the fact is that these are my favorite books for bringing learning how to heal out of the realm of fantasy and into your reality. In this section, please note that the first three are written for anyone and the last is for fellow clinicians.
Relationships
Let’s face it, relationships are hard. We all might have longed for a single kiss and a lifetime of bliss, but the truth is, a good relationship, like all precious gems, is found by being willing to dig through the dirt. These four books are brilliant at breaking down simple strategies for helping love last a lifetime. Please note that, in my biased opinion, these books are applicable to all couples of all flavors - the full Baskin Robbins line-up. That said, you might notice a certain…demographic…that these are aimed towards (except Nonviolent Communication, of course). I’m currently reading through some recommendations specifically written towards the unique joys and challenges faced by our LGBTQIA+, non-monogamous, polyamorous, and Trans friends out there, so stay tuned for more in this section coming soon.
Sex
It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. Sex can be nourishing, revitalizing, health-promoting and joyful…or…you know, not those things. If you fall more into the latter than the former, or just want to make the good stuff even better - look no further than these masterpieces from some of the best researchers and clinicians in the game. And despite the science, they’re as entertaining as they are informative!
The Brain
Remember everyone, your brain is the most important organ in your body…according to your brain. Hold on…that…might mean something. If you’ve ever wondered what’s going on between your ears (seriously, the Doublemint Gum song, now?!? Knock it off, brain, I’m trying to write here…), these four books will have you thinking in a whole new way. Full disclosure, the last one is an absolute beast of a book…there’s a documentary (and a couple of podcasts) if right now just isn’t the right time for a dive into the deep.
All for one and one (of these) for all!
If I ruled the world (and what a headache that would be), the one good thing that would happen is that everyone would read at least one of these books. What am I saying, if I ruled the world, ice-cream would be free and all women’s pants would have working pockets (alright, I might be pandering a bit with that last one). But the truth is, read these books. They’re not always easy, but they’ll teach you something profound. And I promise, the world will look just a little different after you do.
