Abby's Book List
A few years ago I made it a professional goal to read more books to help me grow as a therapist. Since then, I have read some really fantastic books that have provided useful information and guidance to my practice. I have a growing list of books to read with topics sourced from my own curiosity and interest (like the impact nutrition has on the brain and mental health) and, noted areas that clients often ask about. In addition to looking at particular topics and authors I have 2 other criteria for my book list:
Easy to understand- I want plain English that a 3rd grader could understand. There is A LOT involved with understanding the human brain and body. When something isn’t going right or isn’t optimal in the brain or body (or both) the last thing anyone needs in their efforts to understand and improve it is scientific jargon and wordiness.
Useful information to apply- The book version of a party favor… you want to walk away with something! It could be a clearer understanding of how things work, why something happens, or tangible options to try whether it is a diet change, coping strategy, supplement, medication, exercise routine, communication technique, testing or assessment option, or knowledge of an organization or resource.
As I was just reading a book on ADD last night and had my highlighter tape out (that stuff is great to use for library books by the way) I was thinking how helpful it would be to have a space on my website to feature these books. It will definitely help me remember them but my hope is that it is also helpful to others, like you, when looking for a recommended book on a certain topic. So- I did that. I will continue to add to this blog over time.
If you see a book that you are interested in on this list you can also head over to my Instagram Page: @lancastertherapycenter and click on the book highlights to see screen shots from some of the books listed. Email me if you have any great recommendations for this list and keep checking back for new additions!
Book List
Title: The End of Mental Illness: How Neuroscience is Transforming Psychiatry and Helping Prevent or Reverse Mood and Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, Addictions, PTSD, Psychosis, Personality Disorders, and More
Author: Daniel Amen, MD
Main Topics: Prevention and treatment regarding all disorders listed in title
Summary: This book is easy to understand and presents a number of considerations regarding preventing and responding to risks. Dr. Amen educates on a vast number of ways to address aspects of mental health including but not limited to diet, exercise, biological factors, medical interventions etc. Highly recommend.
Title: Happiness is a Serious Problem: A Human Nature Repair Manual
Author: Dennis Prager
Main Topics: Happiness, gratitude, self-esteem, religious components
Summary: I really love this book and reference it a lot in sessions. My favorite components from the book discuss happiness and gratitude. The book gives great examples of things we do that lowers our likelihood for happiness and points out what we can do to expand happiness. The book encourages thinking and reflection while providing ideas for application. There are religious components through the book that would likely make impactful connections for believers however, this book would still be of great use to someone who does not hold religious beliefs. Highly Recommend.
Title: Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain
Author: John J. Ratey, MD
Main Topics: Anxiety, mood, physiology of anxiety, benefits of exercise
Summary: I loved this book! It has one of the best descriptions of the fight or flight response I have ever read. Spark is very educational in terms of helping you to learn more about anxiety, why we have it, and how to reduce it in situations where anxiety is not needed. I also thought the focus on exercise was really uplifting and encouraging. Great book to learn from to get a better understanding and strategies.
Title: Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
Author: James Clear
Main Topics: Habit building, organization, executive functioning, motivation
Summary: Fantastic book! Highly recommend. Plain and simple terms, concepts, and instructions to help you be more successful with your habits. Helps with increasing habits or decreasing unproductive habits. Great for all ages! He also has a workbook and writes a newsletter that you can find here.
Title: Healing ADD: The Breakthrough Program That Allows You To See and Heal The 7 Types of ADD (Revised Edition)
Author: Daniel Amen, MD
Main Topics: ADD, executive functioning, testing/diagnosing/treating ADD
Summary: A book in plain English that is easy to read and understand. This book gives thorough descriptions and examples of the different types of ADD. Amen provides information about diagnostic tools including but not limited to SPECT scans and educates how imaging in the brain in addition to self-reports, reports from others and a thorough history are important elements to correct diagnosis to inform accurate treatment. Dr. Amen also discusses treatment options converting aspects of behavioral modifications, prescription medicine, diet, and supplementation. Highly Recommend this book.
Title: Smart but Scattered Teens: The “Executive Skills” Program for Helping Teens Reach Their Potential
Author: Richard Auare, Peg Dawson, Colin Guare
Main Topics: ADHD in teens, executive functioning, parenting advice
Summary: Helpful information on ADHD and executive functioning as it pertains to teens. Offers suggestions and information on options to help address struggles. Some good suggestions for parents on how to handle teenage responsibilities like homework and driving.
Title: ADHD 2.0: New Science and Essential Strategies for Thriving with Distraction—from Childhood through Adulthood
Author: Edward M. Hallowell M.D. & John J. Ratey M.D.
Main Topics: ADHD, executive functioning
Summary: Informational book on ADHD that looks at the strengths and abilities of those with ADHD. They discuss strategies and options for treatment and management at home, school or work.
Title: Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents
Author: Lindsay C. Gibson PsyD
Main Topics: Family dynamics, narcissism, family relationships, boundaries
Summary: Another favorite of mine. This quick and easy to read book packs a lot of helpful information about people who are difficult to have a relationship with. The book is aimed at adult children who have emotionally immature (selfish, manipulative, childish) parents but the information and strategies are easy to apply to other relationships, too. Offers easy to relate to descriptions and stories and strategies on how to better manage these challenging relationships.
Title: The Comfort Crisis
Author: Michael Easter
Main Topics: Resilience, appealing to men
Summary: Great book. There is a nice storyline through the book of his outdoor hunting adventure. Through telling his adventure story Easter weaves important concepts in along the way. He offers important reminders about how being too comfortable is problematic and how we need to experience challenge and discomfort and to intentionally seek it out. I think this book would be particularly appealing to men.
Title: When Bad Things Happen to Good People
Author: Rabbi Harold S. Kushner
Main Topics: Grief, religion, healing
Summary: Through sharing the story of the loss of his son, Kushner presents the perspective that bad things aren’t a punishment or a test from God. He also discusses what God can provide to someone experiencing loss or tragedy.
Title: Bad Therapy: Why the Kids Aren’t Growing Up
Author: Abigail Shrier
Main Topics: Anxiety, mood, parenting, schools/education, social emotional learning (SEL), independence, enabling, resilience
Summary: Fantastic book. PACKED with information and need-to-consider information. The book focuses on well-intended ideas, programs, initiatives, and practices that are taking place at home and in school and shines a spotlight on the failures of these efforts. Would be valuable for any parent reading and, additionally, valuable for teachers and coaches to read. Information is straight forward, well researched, and well written.
Title: The Anxious Generation: How the Great Rewiring of Childhood is Causing and Epidemic of Mental Illness
Author: Jonathan Haidt
Main Topics: Anxiety, depression, social media/technology, independence, parenting, mental health
Summary: Highly Recommend! Such an important read for any parent. Haidt highlights the epidemic that has been caused by children having access to the internet, video games, apps (including educational ones AKA EdTech), iPads, smart phones, social media etc. He presents research, observations, and evidence pointing out to the outcomes of giving kids access to this technology coupled with the removal of childhood basics and essentials like going outside and engaging in imaginary play. He also encourages parents what to do to help your kids be less anxious, happier, and more independent. Great for teachers to read too, to better understand the use of “educational” apps and one-to-one devices in the classroom.
Title: The Amazing Generation: Your Guide to Fun and Freedom in a Screen-Filled World
Author: Jonathan Haidt, Catherine Price
Main Topics: Kids book, parenting, technology use, importance of play, independence, relationships, mental health
Summary: A follow up from the Anxious Generation but written for kids. A cute graphic novel type book that encourages kids to be REBELS with their use of technology. The authors do a great job of educating about concepts like dopamine, attention, and addiction and highlight that this is exactly what tech companies are trying to do. They offer reminders of the importance of being a kid and encourage tech free play. Every school library should have a copy and it is a great book for kids to read on their own or for parents to read with kids and discuss further. I read it with my kids and at the time of us reading it and me writing this they do not have phones or iPads. We had a lot of good discussions about my childhood (child of the 90s) as compared to childhood now and how it’s way more fun to make real authentic organic memories with friends in person.
Title: The Coddling of the American Mind: How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas are Setting Up a Generation for Failure
Author: Greg Lukianoff, Jonathan Haidt
Main Topics: Psychological principals, cultural observations and implications
Summary: A First Amendment expert and a social psychologist join forces to look at the rising trends taking place mostly with young adults and on college campuses. They look at the impact of a laser focus on safety and emotions and the implications on individuals and culture.
Title: The New Perimenopause: An Evidence-Based Guide to Surviving the Zone of Chaos and Feeling Like Yourself Again
Author: Mary Claire Haver, MD
Main Topics: Women’s health, perimenopause
Summary: Educational book on perimenopause symptoms that discusses options for treatment/management with a focus on prevention.
Title: Brain Energy: A Revolutionary Breakthrough in Understanding Mental Health—and Improving Treatment for Anxiety, Depression, OCD, PTSD, and More
Author: Christopher Palmer
Main Topics: Mental health, biology, genetics, diet
Summary: This book is very science-y and packed full of information about genetics, brain, biology, food, medication and more. It looks at important questions into the cause of mental illness. There is a large focus on some key components like the mitochondria, ketogenic diet and other areas. Chris Palmer is doing a lot of research on these areas and questions and there is definitely a need to understand underlying and root cause to better inform treatment. See book below for a book that uses this philosophy in terms of diet and nutrition.
Title: Change your Diet Change Your Mind: A Powerful Plan to Improve Mood, Overcome Anxiety, and Protect Memory For a Lifetime or Optimal Mental Health
Author: Dr. Georgia Ede M.D.
Main Topics: Nutrition, the brain
Summary: A thorough overview of nutritional concepts and how nutrition impacts the body including your brain. She also goes over several diet types. Lots of information. Georgia Ede and Chris Palmer (Brain Energy-book listed before this one collabarate and work together on these concepts)
Title: Together: The Healing Power of Human Connection in a Sometimes Lonely World
Author: Vivek H. Murthy M.D.
Main Topics: Importance and value of human connection and relationships.
Summary: Together has a strong focus on the importance of human connection. It offers some good reminders, research findings, and stories highlight the need for community and what can happen when we lose that. One point that I cite to clients in this book who are looking to improve relationships, self-esteem, and mood is the value of serving others.