Mental health affects every aspect of our lives, from how we feel and think to how we make decisions and behave. It impacts our physical health, with poor mental health associated with various chronic physical conditions and most notably, depression and anxiety.
Mental health professionals help clients develop better emotional and cognitive skills, minimize symptoms of mental challenges, and teach people to effectively cope with challenging issues.
Therapists enjoy learning ways to improve their skills including thru professional development and by reading stimulating books. We’ve compiled 10 of the best books all mental health therapists should read. Their purpose is to help therapists cope with daily stressors and boost their expertise.
Let’s dive in!
10 of the best Mental Health books for therapists
As Groucho Marx – an American Comedian – once said, “outside a dog, a book is man’s best friend.” Well, this is very true when it comes to mental health and people’s general well- being. A book has what it takes to transform therapists’ lives and empower them to help their clients.
Here are 10 books to help all therapists live healthily while helping others:
- Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl
To some people, life is all about accumulating money and power, while others view it as a never-ending search for pleasure. To Frankl, however, life is all about searching for meaning. He states that it’s within our power to find the meaning of life regardless of our wealth, health, or circumstances.
The main lessons from the book can be crucial for therapists in their daily job. For instance, Frankl believes that how we react to suffering is what matters the most. This lesson can be crucial in enhancing the recovery of people with mental health issues.
- Becoming Supernatural: How Common People Are Doing the Uncommon by Adam Boyce
This is one of the greatest books for mental health therapists. Written by Dr. Joe Dispenza and narrated by Adam Boyce, this book helps us understand the metaphysical side of ourselves and the universe.
The book combines ancient wisdom and scientific information to allow individuals to tap into a more spiritual realm that brings peace and health. Topics covered throughout the book allow people to achieve peace and general well-being.
- The Making of a Therapist: A Practical Guide for the Inner Journey by Louis Cozolino
The book is intended for beginner psychotherapists. It provides its readers with an idea of what most therapists beginning their career feel – confusion, uncertainty, and fear. In the book, Lous Cozolino also provides therapists with advice and strategies to deal with problems most therapists face in their line of duty.
The book has a 3-stage structure, which begins with “Getting Through Your First Sessions,” then “Getting to Know Your Clients,” and finally, “Getting to Know Yourself.”
- Maybe You Should Talk to Someone: A Therapist, HER Therapist, and Our Lives Revealed by Lori Gottlieb
In this thought-provoking book, veteran and beloved psychotherapist, Lori Gottlieb, takes us into her own inner world of therapy. In a disarmingly funny way, the book equips its readers with knowledge regarding what it means to be human.
Lori discusses some of the truths and lies we tell ourselves and examines the harm they can cause if left to take control. Regardless of your occupation, this book encourages you to “talk to someone” as people are willing to listen. Lori opens the curtains in a deeply honest narrative of her own process.
- DBT® Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets, Second Edition by Marsha M. Linehan
In this book, Marsha Linehan offers over 200 easy handouts and exercises that therapists can use to learn and practice Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). DBT is known as one of the best interventions for Borderline Personality Disorder and related health issues.
The handouts and worksheets function like the DSM to therapists in the psychotherapy field. It caters to the needs of individuals and has complete instructions for therapists. This makes a perfect choice for both beginners and professionals in the field.
- Maps of Meaning by Jordan B. Peterson
Jordan Peterson explains that stories and myths have a high unseen value in human life in this book. He argues that the myths played an important role in the foundation of stable, large, and successful civilizations that lasted for millenniums.
What makes the book even more interesting is the argument that myths provide us with time-tested wisdom to help us fight evil in the world. You don’t want to miss the arguments raised in this book.
- Crystals for Healing: The Complete Reference Guide with Over 200 Remedies for Mind, Heart & Soul by Karen Frazier
This one is very out of the box but has gotten some solid attention. The author details how you to unlock the healing capability of crystals using more than 200 crystal healing remedies. According to Frazier, healers can use crystals and colors to cure more than 90 common conditions people struggle with.
The book also offers its readers a guideline to create grids to further “harvest” the positive energy of gemstones and crystals. It details how you can use mantras and meditations to heal and unearth the connection between the body, mind, and spirit.
- Many Lives, Many Masters: The True Story of a Prominent Psychiatrist, His Young Patient, and the Past-Life Therapy That Changed Both Their Lives by Brian L. Weiss
Do you believe in supernatural power or reincarnation? Maybe yes, maybe not. Well, Dr. Weiss didn’t believe in either until he came across messages that changed his belief. The book features his journey, detailing what played a part in a change of heart regarding supernatural powers and reincarnation
This book is one of the most exciting reads you can ever come across, mainly because it’s based on a true story. It’s perfect for therapists that are interested in past lives.
- No Bad Parts: Healing Trauma and Restoring Wholeness with the Internal Family Systems Model by Richard Schwartz
We all have some part of the inner selves we wish wouldn’t exist, right? It could be that addiction you’ve been trying to stop, the inner critic, or the bad habit that you feel has compromised your integrity. Unfortunately, leaving this behavior or addiction is almost impossible, leaving us with an inner struggle.
In this book, Richard Schwartz teaches a method to help us understand and relate well with ourselves. His approach has been believed to bring people the inner peace they need to deal with trauma and restore wholeness.
- Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of a Buddha by Tara Brach
As a therapist, extending your compassion to your clients is what you do daily. But do you ever struggle to extend the same to yourself? Self-compassion involves being understanding and warm to ourselves when we fail or suffer.
In this book, Tara Brach develops an approach to help people relate to their emotions and experiences better. Tara uses guided meditation exercises and stories to enable you to become a friend with your thoughts and overcome the feeling of failure or deficiency.
The bottom line
Let’s face it: reading and listening to audiobooks can make a difference in how we think and see things. Whether you’re just starting your therapist career or have been in the field for years, reading therapy-related books can add a new dimension to your thoughts and widen your perception.
This post provides all therapists with books that will help them gain or upgrade their skills. The bottom line is improved customer service and self-care. For more related posts, visit Core Wellness today!
SOURCE
https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Books-Popular-Psychology-Psychotherapy/zgbs/books/11203
