30 Books Worth Reading, According to a Trauma Therapist — Dear Self Trauma Therapy in Arizona

Dear Self,

As a trauma therapist, I encounter countless people who ask me for book recommendations (imagine how awkward that would be if I didn’t read!). Here are some books that have added value to my life, and I think are worth reading. There’s something for everyone, with topics covering self-discovery, trauma healing, self-compassion, parenting, goal-setting, mindfulness, intuitive eating, self-love, relationships, divorce, children of narcissists, forming habits, and more.

Let me know what your favorite book is.

Enjoy!

Daring Greatly book by Brene Brown which discusses finding courage and confidence

Brene Brown… I think every therapist loves her.

The Gifts of Imperfection book by Brene Brown about embracing your authentic self and letting go of perfectionism

Self-Compassion book by Kristin Neff on being kind to yourself

Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff, Ph.D. is all about being kind to yourself.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb discusses therapy from a therapist's perspective

Hilarious. Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb discusses therapy from a therapist's personal perspective as she seeks therapy herself.

Attached book by Amir Levine, M.D., and Rachel S. F. Heller, M.A. discusses attachment theory and finding love.

Attached by Amir Levine, M.D., and Rachel S. F. Heller, M.A. discusses attachment theory and finding love.

Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine helps those healing from traumatic experiences find hope.

The Power of Now book by Eckhart Tolle helps readers discover their deepest self and spiritual enlightenment.

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle helps readers discover their deepest self as they embark on a journey of spiritual enlightenment.

How to Do the Work: Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from Your Past, and Create Your Self book by Nicole LePera.

How to Do the Work: Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from Your Past, and Create Your Self by Nicole LePera is a holistic psychologist’s guide to creating lasting change in your life.

Good Morning, I Love You: Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Practices to Rewire Your Brand for Calm ,Clarity, and Joy by Shauna Shapiro dives into the science and the practice of self-kindness.

A classic. Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom is a memoir discussing forgiveness, death, grief, and what makes life meaningful.

It’s Ok That You’re Not Ok: Meeting Grief and Loss in a Culture That Doesn’t Understand by Megan Devine challenges societal norms surrounding grief.

Elizabeth Cronin, Psy.D.’s Mindfulness Journal for Mental Health: Prompts and Practices to Improve Your Well-Being includes reading material and journal prompts for writing.

For anyone raising a child - The Conscious Parent: Transforming Ourselves, Empowering Our Children by Shefali Tsabary, PhD.

Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works by Evelyn Tribole, M.S., R.D., and Elyse Resch, M.S., R.D., F.A.D.A., C.E.D.R.D.

If you struggle with eating habits and wish to make peace with food, here’s a resource to support you - Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Program That Works by Evelyn Tribole, M.S., R.D., and Elyse Resch, M.S., R.D., F.A.D.A., C.E.D.R.D.

The Self-Love Workbook for Women: Release Self-Doubt, Build Self-Compassion, and Embrace Who You Are by Megan Logan, MSW, LCSW includes reading material and journal prompts for writing.

The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz is a spiritual guidebook offering principles for personal freedom and transformation based on ancient Toltec wisdom. The Mastery of Love discusses how the foundation of love lies within oneself and how self-love is essential before one can truly love others. Ruiz explores the concept of the "Voice" as the internal dialogue that shapes our perceptions, beliefs, and relationships in The Voice of Knowledge.

The Voice of Knowledge by Don Miguel Ruiz

For anyone who has been through a divorce and doesn’t want to be angry at the world forever - Spiritual Divorce by Debbie Ford.

The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra offers principles and practices for achieving success and fulfillment.

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin explores various themes related to happiness, including gratitude, mindfulness, simplifying, and cultivating meaningful relationships.

For the mommy issues - Mother Hunger by Claire Bidwell Smith, LCPC supports adult daughters who experienced a lack of nurturing or connection with their mothers.

For more mommy issues - Will I Ever Be Good Enough: Healing the Daughters of Narcissistic Mothers by Karyl McBride, Ph.D. specifically dives into ways daughters of narcissistic mothers can heal and move forward.

If you are interested in simple living - Love People, Use Things is a book by Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus all about embracing minimalism.

The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

For those who wish to declutter their mind by decluttering their space - The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing and Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up by Marie Kondo.

Spark Joy: An Illustrated Master Class on the Art of Organizing and Tidying Up by Marie Kondo

The Power of Less: The 6 Essential Productivity Principles That Will Change Your Life by Leo Babauta outlines practical principles for increasing productivity, reducing stress, and achieving greater fulfillment by simplifying one's life.