Therapy Reading List

A curated list of honest, inclusive, and trauma-informed books on therapy, healing, and mental health.

Foundations of Therapy

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
A therapist shares her experience as both clinician and client. A funny, moving intro to the human side of therapy.

The Gift of Therapy by Irvin Yalom
Bite-sized wisdom from a legendary therapist. Ideal for students, new clinicians, or anyone curious about the therapy process.

What Happened to You? by Oprah Winfrey & Dr. Bruce Perry
A compassionate, neuroscience-based exploration of childhood trauma and healing.

Trauma and Healing

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
The trauma classic. Deep dive into how trauma lives in the body — and how we begin to heal.

My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem
Explores racialized trauma and how to heal through somatic (body-based) practices. A must-read for culturally informed care.

Healing the Shame That Binds You by John Bradshaw
How shame is internalized, how it holds us back, and how to move through it.

Therapy Approaches and Modalities

Internal Family Systems Therapy by Richard Schwartz
Explains the powerful IFS model in an accessible way. Great for clients and clinicians alike.

DBT Skills Training Handouts and Worksheets by Marsha Linehan
Core DBT skills for emotion regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance — hands-on and practical.

Cognitive Behavior Therapy: Basics and Beyond by Judith Beck
The go-to CBT guide, rooted in evidence and clearly written for students and therapists.

Attachment and Relationships

Attached by Amir Levine & Rachel Heller
Intro to adult attachment styles and how they shape our romantic relationships.

Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
Practical and empowering. Helps you identify where your boundaries are missing — and how to build them.

Polysecure by Jessica Fern
Blends attachment theory and trauma awareness with a look at secure relationships — whether monogamous or not.

Cultural Identity and Inclusive Therapy

Decolonizing Therapy by Dr. Jennifer Mullan
Calls for a radical reimagining of therapy as a tool for liberation, especially for BIPOC communities.

The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health by Dr. Rheeda Walker
Breaks down mental health stigma, coping strategies, and systemic barriers in Black communities.

Permission to Come Home by Dr. Jenny Wang
Explores the mental health struggles of Asian Americans through an affirming, culturally sensitive lens.

Grief, Compassion, and Emotional Healing

It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine
A grief book that doesn’t sugarcoat or "fix" your pain — just meets you where you are.

Self-Compassion by Dr. Kristin Neff
Backed by research and filled with tools, this book helps you treat yourself with the same kindness you offer others.

Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
A guide to understanding your emotional language — and how to build more connection with yourself and others.

Burnout, Anxiety, and Overwhelm

Burnout by Emily and Amelia Nagoski
Explains the stress cycle and how to complete it — especially helpful for women, caregivers, and helping professionals.

Unwinding Anxiety by Dr. Judson Brewer
Learn how habits drive anxiety and how to retrain your brain for calm.

Personal Favorites:

Out of the Shadows: Reimagining Gay Men’s Lives by Walt Odets

The Velvet Rage by Alan Downs