Books I Recommend as a Therapist (and Why)

As a therapist, I’m often asked by clients, friends, and even fellow clinicians: “What books do you recommend for mental health, healing, or personal growth?” While no book replaces therapy, the right one can be a powerful companion on your journey.

Here are a few of my most frequently recommended titles and why they stand out.

1. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

Best for: Understanding trauma and how it lives in the body.

This book is a must-read for anyone working through trauma or supporting someone who is. Dr. van der Kolk explains how traumatic experiences affect the brain and body, and why talk therapy alone sometimes isn’t enough. He also explores a range of treatments, from EMDR to yoga, that empower people to reconnect with their bodies and heal holistically.

2. Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller

Best for: Navigating relationships and attachment styles.

Whether you're single, dating, or in a long-term relationship, Attached is an insightful guide to understanding how we connect (or disconnect) from others emotionally. It helps readers identify their attachment style—secure, anxious, or avoidant—and offers practical advice on how to build healthier connections.

3. Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach

Best for: Self-compassion and mindfulness.

Tara Brach, a psychologist and meditation teacher, blends Buddhist teachings with psychological insights to help readers embrace themselves and their experiences with kindness. This book is especially helpful for those struggling with shame, perfectionism, or chronic self-criticism.

4. Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily and Amelia Nagoski

Best for: Managing stress, especially for women.

Written by sisters—one a health psychologist, the other a music conductor—Burnout breaks down why so many people (particularly women) feel overwhelmed, and why “self-care” isn’t enough. The authors offer tools for completing the stress cycle, setting boundaries, and reclaiming joy.

5. Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

Best for: Finding purpose through adversity.

This timeless classic, written by a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist, explores the importance of meaning in the face of suffering. It’s a deeply human and philosophical book that has helped many of my clients reframe their struggles and find purpose during difficult times.

For Kids and Teens

• The Invisible String by Patrice Karst – A gentle way to talk to children about separation, loss, or anxiety.
• What to Do When You Worry Too Much by Dawn Huebner – A workbook that makes anxiety management skills accessible to kids.

Final Thoughts

Books aren’t therapy—but they can open doors to healing, spark insight, and give language to what you're feeling. I always recommend reading with self-compassion: you don’t have to agree with every word, and you can always put it down if it doesn’t resonate. If you find yourself needing support or are curious about starting therapy, our team at In My Heart Psychology and Counseling is here to help. You can reach us at (281) 962-6025 or email info@imhcounselingandpsychservices.com to get connected with a licensed therapist who fits your needs.