Recommended Reading

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Books can’t replace therapy, but they can offer language, perspective, and companionship while you reflect on your experiences. Here’s a list of books I often recommend, organized by theme.

How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk — Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
Practical tools for communicating with children, encouraging cooperation, and handling big emotions.

How to Talk So Little Kids Will Listen — Joanna Faber & Julie King
Focused on younger children, with relatable strategies for tantrums, big feelings, and everyday parenting.

Good Inside — Becky Kennedy
A connection-focused approach to understanding children’s behaviour and helping them build resilience.

The Whole-Brain Child — Daniel Siegel & Tina Payne Bryson
Explains how children’s brains develop and how caregivers can support emotional regulation and connection.

It’s OK That You’re Not OK — Megan Devine
Honest, compassionate reframing of grief as a natural response to love and loss.

It’s OK That You’re Not OK Journal — Megan Devine
A companion workbook with prompts and exercises to process loss at your own pace.

The Grieving Brain — Mary-Frances O’Connor
Explores the neuroscience of grief and attachment, helping us understand why loss can feel so disorienting.

No Bad Parts — Richard Schwartz
Introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS), helping you understand your inner “parts” with curiosity and compassion.

When the Past Is Present — David Richo
Insight into how early experiences shape adult relationships, with mindfulness and practical strategies.

What Happened to You? — Bruce Perry & Oprah Winfrey
Explores trauma through neuroscience and lived experience, focusing on “What happened to you?” rather than “What’s wrong with you?”

The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook — Kristin Neff & Christopher Germer
Exercises and meditations for building self-compassion, resilience, and emotional well-being.

Mother Hunger — Kelly McDaniel
Explores unmet early maternal needs and their long-term impact on identity and relationships.

Mothers Who Can’t Love — Susan Forward
Guides adults who grew up with emotionally unavailable mothers toward healing and healthier boundaries.

Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents — Lindsay Gibson
Practical advice for understanding emotionally unavailable parents and reclaiming your sense of self.

One Bad Mother — E.J. Dickson
A witty, relatable look at the messy realities of motherhood, challenging cultural myths and celebrating imperfect parenting.

Say What You Mean — Oren Jay Sofer
Mindful communication strategies to speak honestly, listen deeply, and navigate difficult conversations.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace — Nedra Glover Tawwab
Practical guidance for creating and maintaining healthy boundaries in all types of relationships.

The Wealthy Barber — David Chilton
A Canadian classic teaching saving, investing, and budgeting through storytelling.

The Psychology of Money — Morgan Housel
Explores the emotional and behavioral side of money, including how beliefs and habits shape decisions.

I Will Teach You to Be Rich — Ramit Sethi
Practical guidance for managing money, building systems, and long-term financial habits.

Money for Couples — Ramit Sethi
Helps partners talk about money, understand each other’s financial perspective, and set shared goals.

Man’s Search for Meaning — Viktor Frankl
Reflections on resilience, purpose, and the human search for meaning, even in the hardest circumstances.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone — Lori Gottlieb
A therapist’s memoir blending her own experiences with client stories, exploring growth and human connection.

The Gifts of Imperfection — Brené Brown
Encourages embracing authenticity, courage, and connection instead of perfectionism.

Every book here is a stepping stone toward self-awareness, healing, and growth. Your commitment to reading is a testament to your curiosity and desire to live more fully—keep turning the pages!