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Therapists' Top Picks for Books: Recommendations for Relationships, Parenting, and Wellness

Christine Willing, M.Ed.
Nov 21, 2024
2 min read

Updated: Oct 13


Holiday dinner spread with glazed ham, pecan pie and side dishes

The holiday season is quickly approaching and it is hard to believe that Thanksgiving is right around the corner. That “to do” list is often extra long during this time, whether you are preparing to host family or friends or are planning to travel out of town for the festivities. While Thanksgiving is a day where we focus on gratitude and surround ourselves with people we care about, it is also important to acknowledge that holiday gatherings can be stressful and even painful. Difficult family dynamics and grieving the loss of loved ones are just some of the challenges people face. Whatever situation you find yourself in this Thanksgiving, we hope that you can take some time for yourself. While traveling or relaxing at home, perhaps you can even sneak in some time for reading. In the spirit of the holiday season, our therapists submitted their top picks for books focusing on relationships and healthy boundaries, parenting, and health and wellness topics. With 20 book recommendations in total, there are several options to choose from. Happy reading!


Relationships & Setting Healthy Boundaries


Drama Free: A Guide to Managing Unhealthy Family Relationships by Nedra Glover Tawwab, MSW, LCSW



Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Finding Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab, MSW, LCSW



The Book of Boundaries by Melissa Urban, Co-Founder of the Whole30



You are the One You've Been Waiting For by Richard C. Schwartz, PhD



Mating In Captivity by Esther Perel, MA, LMFT



Nonviolent Communication by Marshall B. Rosenberg, PhD



The Art of Communicating by Thich Nhat Hanh, who is a world renowned Zen Master and Buddhist monk 



The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work by John M. Gottman, PhD and Nan Silver



Parenting


Good Inside by Becky Kennedy, PhD



No Drama Discipline by Daniel Siegel, MD and Tina Payne Bryson, PhD



Smart but Scattered Teens: The “Executive Skills” Program for Helping Teens Reach Their Potential by Richard Guare, PhD, Peg Dawson EdD, and Colin Guare 



The Explosive Child: A New Approach for Understanding and Parenting Easily Frustrated, Chronically Inflexible Children (Sixth Edition) by Ross W. Greene, PhD



The Power of Showing Up by Daniel Siegel, MD and Tina Payne Bryson, PhD



Raising a Kid Who Can by Catherine McCarthy, MD, Heather Tedesco, PhD, and Jennifer Weaver, LCSW



Health & Wellness


Good Energy by Casey Means, MD and Calley Means



Why Zebras Don’t Get Ulcers (Third Edition) by Robert M. Sapolsky, PhD



The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD



I Don't Want to Talk About It by Terrence Real, LICSW



Heal Your Nervous System by Linnea Passaler, MD



Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb, LMFT



Let us know your thoughts on these recommendations. Post in the comments below or contact us here. We would love to hear from you! 


A dog resting its nose in an open book on a blanket

Comments


Educational only, not a substitute for care from a licensed clinician. In a crisis, call or text 988.

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