To say that 2020 has been difficult is to underestimate, well, the year. between unprecedented shutdowns and personal losses, nationwide protests against injustice, and unfiltered political clashes, most of us are still reeling from the start of the new decade. many of these events also served as a humble reminder that the only actions we can control are our own. With that in mind, we look ahead to examine how we can shape our own paths in 2021.
As these crucial 12 months draw to a close, we’re excited to begin a new chapter with these 15 books. some are recommendations from the zencare team; others are readings that our therapists often suggest to clients. we hope they help you start your 2021 on the right foot.
You are reading: Best books for therapists 2021
Want more book recommendations? We also put together reading lists for 2019 and 2020!
Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
recommended by lisa curtis and michael kinsey
This fascinating read is perfect for anyone “seeking an excellent introduction to the inner workings of therapy and the psychotherapeutic process,” says Dr. Kinsey.
gottlieb is a therapist who recounts her clients’ therapeutic journey in parallel with her own perspective as therapist and patient. the author details the complexities of therapy sessions using a simplified clinical framework. As we follow the author through these journeys, we come to learn that the goal of therapy is not to heal or achieve ultimate happiness, but rather to create awareness and understanding.
Braving the Wilderness by Brene Brown
recommended by stacy donn cristo
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“‘Confronting the wild’ is about true belonging,” says stacy, “which is very similar to your own true nature, which is something I talk about.” Brown offers a four-step process for achieving true belonging through authenticity, courage, trust, and vulnerability. the author discusses the idea of nonconformity and the commitment to live in one’s own truth. therapists suggest this reading if:
- want the courage to do or say the right thing
- seek community or wonder how to build a connection with others
- want to be more understanding of the people you they are different from you
- you are already an “outlier” and stand up for what you believe in, even if that means you are alone. this book is a celebration of you!
- you think the world needs to change and be a kinder place
brown is a favorite of many zencare therapists; Jess Adam, LMHC also recommends his book, “Hardly Daring,” as well as his tedtalk, “The Power of Vulnerability.”
Man’s Search for Meaning by Victor Frankl
recommended by megan connell, jennifer abcug, elizabeth mcmurray, and joseph atanasio
“This book has a wonderful way of helping us look beyond our experience, at our values, and find what matters in our lives,” says Connell.
In this riveting memoir, frankl, a psychiatrist and holocaust survivor, describes life in the nazi death camps and its lessons for spiritual survival. Frankl argues that we cannot avoid suffering, but we can decide how to deal with it, find meaning in it, and move forward with renewed purpose.
frankl developed a theory known as logotherapy, which posits that the main human drive is not pleasure, but the search for purpose and meaning.
When Things Fall Apart by Pema Chödrön
recommended by christy merriner
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In this book, Buddhist author Chodron encourages readers to accept difficult and painful situations and emotions in order to cultivate wisdom, compassion, and courage. The author promotes the idea of turning endless suffering into continuous joy, as she believes in the resilience of the human mind and spirit.
Codependent No More by Melody Beattie
recommended by hillary schoninger
Do other people’s problems become your own? Do you prioritize meeting the needs of others over your own? In this book, Beattie helps readers understand codependency and its debilitating impact using life stories, personal reflection, exercises, and self-assessments. beattie provides a simple and straightforward roadmap for a path to freedom from codependency.
Self Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff
recommended by debbie ramirez and christy merriner
dr. neff suggests that people who exhibit greater self-compassion lead healthier and more productive lives than those who are self-critical. self-compassion intervenes precisely when we fall, allowing us to get up and try again, giving us security and self-esteem.
In this book, Dr. neff helps readers understand that compassion is not just something we should extend to others. she debunks the idea that self-criticism leads to better motivation and productivity. dr neff shows readers how to put aside their debilitating self-criticism and finally learn to be kind to themselves through solid empirical research, personal stories, humor, and dozens of practical exercises.
Difficult conversations by Douglas Stone
recommended by livia freier
This book is a practical guide to effectively navigate difficult conversations. the authors offer solutions on how to turn difficult conversations into learning opportunities. the authors’ goal for readers is power:
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- decipher the underlying structure of every difficult conversation
- start a conversation without being defensive
- hear the meaning of what is not said
- staying poised in the face of hostility
- moving from emotion to productive problem solving