15 Books Therapists Should Already Have on Their Shelves
Clinical resources addressing trauma, psychopharmacology, ethics, and more
PESI Team
Whether you're looking to brush up on skills learned in school, gain expertise in a new area, or find new resources to share with clients, here are 15 books you need to have on your shelf. These essential reads cover topics like CBT, art therapy, personality disorders, ethics, and more. Happy reading!
Trauma Treatment Toolbox: 165 Brain-Changing Tips, Tools & Handouts to Move Therapy Forward
An exceptional collection of material that teaches clinicians how to take that brain-based approach to trauma therapy, showing how to effectively heal clients’ brains with straightforward, easy-to-implement treatment techniques."A marvelously concise yet comprehensive collection of tools for the trauma therapist. Dr. Sweeton describes the techniques in just the right level of detail to enable the reader to both deliver the intervention and provide a cogent, motivating rationale for its use. There's something in here to help every patient!"
~ Alex Jordan, PhD, Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital
~ Alex Jordan, PhD, Harvard Medical School and McLean Hospital
Attachment: 60 Trauma-Informed Assessment and Treatment Interventions Across the Lifespan
Dr. Christina Reese, a recognized attachment and trauma professional, has created a comprehensive guide that explains attachment over a lifetime and offers trauma-informed approaches to treat attachment at any age."This was a wonderful read. Recommend to caregivers [as well as] professionals. There is so much to learn about caring for our loved ones here."
~ Megan Vincent, Amazon customer
~ Megan Vincent, Amazon customer
The Complex PTSD Treatment Manual: An Integrative, Mind-Body Approach to Trauma Recovery
Combining the science and art of therapy, Dr. Arielle Schwartz seamlessly integrates research-based interventions with the essentials of healing to create a whole-person approach to trauma treatment."Arielle Schwartz has written THE guidebook for clinicians seeking to understand complex PTSD and how to treat it! On every page, she interweaves up-to-date theoretical ideas with practical clinical wisdom. Every word of this book can easily be implemented by therapists regardless of their training or approach."
~ Janina Fisher, PhD, author of Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma: A Workbook for Survivors and Their Therapists
~ Janina Fisher, PhD, author of Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma: A Workbook for Survivors and Their Therapists
Diversity in Clinical Practice: A Practical & Shame-Free Guide to Reducing Cultural Offenses & Repairing Cross-Cultural Relationships
In his debut book, Lambers Fisher expertly provides a framework for professionals to better understand the experiences of cultural groups with whom they are not personally or professionally familiar."In my over 35-year career in the human services field, Lambers is the finest trainer on cultural diversity and competency I have encountered, and I am thankful that he has captured his deep wisdom to share with helping professionals."
~ Tim Walsh, MA, DPA, vice president of Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge
~ Tim Walsh, MA, DPA, vice president of Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge
Psychopharmacology: Straight Talk on Mental Health Medications
The go-to desk reference for professionals is back in its fourth edition, made for professionals who want to expand their knowledge of pharmacological treatment on mental health issues."This realistic, applicable, and updated perspective is not only timely to an ever-changing world, but it also tackles the subtle nuisances of care and treatment considerations masterfully. This is a MUST-HAVE addition for every competent provider and the clients who want to understand and take control of their treatment."
~ Dr. Pamela Balentine, PhD, LPC, NCC, CFBA, CFMHE, BC-TMH, NBCCH, DMHC, CATP
~ Dr. Pamela Balentine, PhD, LPC, NCC, CFBA, CFMHE, BC-TMH, NBCCH, DMHC, CATP
The Millennial Mental Health Toolbox: Tips, Tools, and Handouts for Engaging Gen Y in Therapy
A generation as diverse as Millennials demands a therapeutic toolbox that sheds light on the intricacies and complexities in working with and treating this unique population."Dr. Goali Saedi Bocci's latest workbook is the perfect addition to the growing niche of texts on millennials and mental health. This toolbox is full of handy ways to engage a millennial audience in crucial conversations that promote positivity."
~ Dr. Rebecca Housel, author of Survive Anything for Psychology Today
~ Dr. Rebecca Housel, author of Survive Anything for Psychology Today
250 Brief, Creative & Practical Art Therapy Techniques: A Guide for Clinicians and Clients
Using simple materials like paper, pencils, and markers, these 250 art exercises increase self-esteem, self-awareness, and a feeling of success in expression and communication."I love this book! It's easy to execute the activities and the prompts included with them are a great jumping off point for discussion."
~ AJ, Amazon customer
~ AJ, Amazon customer
The Comprehensive Clinician’s Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This accessible guide will help you teach clients effective coping skills, which builds their confidence and eliminates self-doubt—the most crucial part of treatment."This is a marvelous addition to the literature supporting therapists in learning and applying Cognitive Behavioral Therapy written by two master clinicians and educators. The client worksheets alone would be worth the purchase of the book, even for experienced clinicians."
~ Donna M. Sudak, MD, immediate past president, American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training
~ Donna M. Sudak, MD, immediate past president, American Association of Directors of Psychiatric Residency Training
High Risk Clients: Evidence-based Assessment & Clinical Tools to Recognize and Effectively Respond to Mental Health Crises
Crises are never scheduled, convenient, or easy. But they happen, and you need the best tools at your disposal to effectively intervene and keep clients safe."A straightforward, no-excuses tool for clinicians working in a variety of settings. Paul’s style is authentic and approachable, and his anecdotes and lessons from his own years of experience are engaging and memorable. This will be a reference for me throughout my practice."
~ Ansley C, Amazon customer
~ Ansley C, Amazon customer
Co-Occurring Disorders: A Whole-Person Approach to the Assessment and Treatment of Substance Use and Mental Disorders
A must-have clinical resource that has a place on every clinicians’ shelf, this book serves as a guide through the complexities of co-occurring disorders, providing clarity where many clinicians find themselves stuck."As a person that has lived with bipolar disorder for many years and has proudly disclosed my personal journey of recovery, I know there are many people who would greatly benefit from the treatments suggested in this powerful book. Co-occurring services are rarely done in such a comprehensive way."
~ Karen A. Kangas, EdD
~ Karen A. Kangas, EdD
Narcissistic Personality Disorder Toolbox: 55 Practical Treatment Techniques for Clients, Their Partners & Their Children
Daniel Fox, PhD has created a specialized three-sectioned approach, filled with unique worksheets, checklists, and impactful exercises, to help clients with narcissistic personality disorder."If you are a therapist, you need this book in your library. I use it ALL THE TIME for children with narcissistic parents or partners of narcissist. They really break down [narcissistic personality disorder] and offer great worksheets!"
~ Amazon customer
~ Amazon customer
Telemental Health: The Essential Guide to Providing Successful Online Therapy
Virtual care is the new normal. Are you prepared? Therapist and certified telemental health trainer Joni Gilbertson discusses the entire virtual treatment process, from intake to termination."It is simple, practical, easy to use, inexpensive, and provides great templates. I will use it to practice, supervise, and teach. Thanks to the author Joni Gilbertson for being one step ahead of the field in providing a great resource for the "new normal" of counseling practice."
~ Amy Ford, Amazon customer
~ Amy Ford, Amazon customer
Legal and Ethical Issues for Mental Health Clinicians: Best Practices for Avoiding Litigation, Complaints and Malpractice
Psychologist and attorney Susan J. Lewis, PhD, JD, uses easy-to-understand language to highlight 30 engaging case examples, illustrating how to overcome legal and ethical challenges that arise in your practice."This is a well written book, easy to follow and understand. The case studies are interesting and beneficial to understanding the concepts presented."
~ Todd R., Amazon customer
~ Todd R., Amazon customer
The Group Therapy Card Deck: 99 CBT, DBT, ACT and Positive Psychology Tips and Tools
Offering 99 therapeutic exercises that support impactful group sessions, this card deck includes unique activities that draw from the most effective approaches in therapy."The cards are concise, easy to understand and will expand your effectiveness with clients. You will wonder how you ever did group therapy without this card deck. You can use these cards with your individual clients as well."
~ Deb Burdick, LCSW, Amazon customer
~ Deb Burdick, LCSW, Amazon customer
Shame-Informed Therapy: Treatment Strategies to Overcome Core Shame and Reconstruct the Authentic Self
In this resource, Dr. Patti Ashley uses her 40 years of experience to help clinicians crack the code on the often unseen and unspoken aspects of core shame and develop more effective treatment for even their most resistant clients."This is the workbook I have always wanted and never been able to find! I love how it relates shame to the body and polyvagal theory. It is full of great information, helpful diagrams, and amazing client handouts! I have bought a lot of books and workbooks this year and this one is by far my #1!"
~ Becky, Amazon customer
~ Becky, Amazon customer
Topic: Book Club
Tags: Advice | Ethics | Personality Disorders | Race in therapy | Reading | Shame | Trauma | Wisdom
