Books Counsellors Recommend
As counsellors we’re always reading, and we love sharing the books we find especially helpful, insightful and inspiring.
Recommended by Ashar Neufeld
The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You
by Elaine N. Aron, Phd.
“This book has been very validating for me in a world where the messaging has been…“Don’t show that you are vulnerable…Life doesn’t have room for your feelings, success is how much you are liked, how much you can achieve, and fitting in is more important than your uniqueness…Don’t be so sensitive”…
The program of fitting in is so powerfully emphasized in this world that it can often take us sensitive folks well into our adulthood before we finally realize it, or that it’s a good thing to be highly sensitive. The research indicates that HSP’s can get more easily overstimulated but studies also show that it is an evolutionary advantage too!” ~ Ashar Neufeld
Recommended by Christa Huntley
The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are
by Brené Brown, Ph.D., L.M.S.W.
“This is a book that was part of my journey of self exploration that began many years ago and helped me understand myself more deeply. I often recommend this to my clients that struggle with people pleasing, self esteem and worries about what others think of them. The book outlines ten guideposts for cultivating a life of courage, compassion, and connection. It emphasizes the importance of self-acceptance, gratitude, creativity, and resilience while shedding perfectionism and the fear of judgment. Worth a read! “~ Christa Huntley
“Love is not something we give or get; it is something that we nurture and grow, a connection that can only be cultivated between two people when it exists within each one of them – we can only love others as much as we love ourselves.” ~ Brene Brown, The Gifts of Imperfection
Recommended by Melanie Behrner
Liberated Love: Release Codependent Patterns and Create the Love You Desire
by Kylie McBeath and Mark Groves
“A great read if you’re ready to really dig into the ways your codependency patterns sabotages connection, healthy interdependence and the freedom that comes from learning to be your true self in relationship. “ ~ Melanie Behrner
Recommended by Jenn Harder
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones
by James Clear
“A great read if you’re ready to really dig into the ways your codependency patterns sabotages connection, healthy interdependence and the freedom that comes from learning to be your true self in relationship. “ ~ Melanie Behrner
Recommended by Melody Hazelton
White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better
by Sairo Rao and Regina Jackson
“I love listening to audiobooks—it’s a great way to multitask while learning something new!
My latest listen, White Women: Everything You Already Know About Your Own Racism and How to Do Better, was truly eye-opening. It challenged me to confront how, as a white woman, I may unknowingly contribute to racism and patriarchy. As a therapist, a woman, and a human being, I strive to live and work from an anti-oppressive, justice-oriented, feminist, and relational perspective, and this book deeply resonated with those values.” ~Melody
Recommended by Alexa McEwen
Grief Ally: Helping People You Love Cope with Death, Loss and Grief by Aly Bird
“Grief Ally by Aly Bird has been an amazing resource for supporting anyone experiencing grief. Sometimes I’ve recommended this to a client who’s family member is grieving and other times I’ve recommended it to a client who is grieving themselves.
I find the language straightforward and approachable. Aly lays out simple meaningful steps around a subject that is rarely talked about but is a part of the human experience.” ~ Alexa McEwen
Recommended by Christa Huntley
Come as You Are: The Surprising New Science that Will Transform Your Sex Life
by Emily Nagoski
“This is a book I often recommend to my clients who are struggling with their own sexuality or sex in their relationship.
In my growing up experience and into adulthood, I found it uncomfortable to talk about sex and was reeaaaalllyyyyyy uncomfortable with the idea of being a sexual person or having sexual needs. I love this book because it helped me look at women’s sexuality (and sexuality in general) through a different lens than what I was taught in my home, school, and through various life experiences.
Come As You Are is worth a read for anyone who might be wanting to have a deeper understanding of themselves or change up their sex life.” ~ Christa Huntley