Book recommendations for different issues (from a book-loving therapist)
- pippa
- 7 days ago
- 3 min read
As those who know and work with me will know - I really 💛 books!
It stems from being a (often) shy bookworm as a child, then doing my first degree in English literature, followed by my first career in publishing.
I thought I’d share a selection of some of the books I’d recommend to clients who are struggling with issues around self esteem and challenging or abusive relationship dynamics - with partners, colleagues, family members and / or friendships.
I’m a passionate advocate of the idea that knowledge = power. I strongly believe that therapy is relational: in order to feel safe and supported, I’m happy to share some of my experiences, resources and exercises that have helped me the most to overcome those patterns.
It’s why I always encourage clients to journal in between sessions, as well as to try out some of the ideas and techniques - such as noticing times they’ve paused and not responded with a learned nervous system response.
It’s never about striving for perfection, but to be brave and dip their toe into the discomfort of trying to do or say something to set a boundary or express a preference.
The journey of self discovery is a unique and beautiful one. I always feel in awe of being able to witness these moments of excitement and pride, changing unhealthy patterns of thoughts or behaviours.
It’s often the first step to finding your voice and being empowered to set healthy boundaries and learn about your hopes, dreams and plans for the future.
So anyway, enough waffle... here are the book recommendations!
Narcissism, abuse and controlling relationships:
Power: Surviving and thriving after narcissistic abuse by Shahida Arabi
The highly sensitive person's guide to dealing with toxic people: how to reclaim your power from narcissists and other manipulators by Shahida Arabi
Should I stay or should I go? by Dr Ramani Durvasula
It's not you: how to identify and heal from narcissistic abuse by Dr Ramani Durvasula
Gaslighting and narcissistic abuse recovery by Don Barlow
Conquering shame and codependency: 8 steps to freeing the true you by Darlene Lancer
Mother hunger: how adult daughters can understand and heal from lost nurturance, protection and guidance by Kelly McDaniel
Adult daughters of narcissistic mothers: quiet the critical voice in your head, healf self esteem and live the life you deserve by Stephanie M. Kriesberg
Narcissistic fathers: dealing with a self-absorbed father and healing from narcissistic abuse by Andrea Hart
The covert narcissist: recognizing the most dangerous subtle form of naricissism by Dr Theresa J. Covert
Inner child healing
Adult children of emotionally immature parents: how to heal from distant, rejecting and self-involved parents by Lindsay C. Gibson
Reparenting your wounded inner child: discover what drives you, build empathy and trust, embrace self love by Cheryl B. Rowder
Homecoming: reclaiming and championing your inner child by John Bradshaw
Attachment and relationships
Attached: are you anxious, avoidant or secure? How the science of adult attachment can help you find and keep love, by Amir Levine
The power of attachment: how to create deep and lasting intimate relationships by Diane Poole Heller
The state of affairs and Mating in captivity by Esther Perel
Nervous system regulation and trauma recovery
The body keeps the score: brain, mind and body in the healing of trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
Anchored: how to befriend your nervous system using polyvagal theory by Deb Dana
Polyvagal exercises for safety and connection by Deb Dana
Healing trauma: a pioneering programme for restoring the wisdom of your body by Peter A. Levine
Neurodiversity, Autism and ADHD
Scattered Minds: the origins and healing of attention deficit disorder by Gabor Maté
Self care for autistic people: 100+ ways to recharge, de-stress and unmask! by Megan Anna Neff
Adult autism essentials: a step-by-step guide to navigating relationships, professional life and finding resources, while celebrating our strengths by Jason Jones
This is just a snapshot of books... I also have a plethora of other resources in the form of podcasts. youtube videos, audiobooks, workbooks and articles that I can pass on.
Please just ask!
Pippa x
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