Book Recommendations for Growth, Healing, and Connection

As both a therapist and a lifelong book lover, I’ve found that the right book can offer comfort, insight, and hope during life’s most challenging moments. Whether you’re navigating grief, managing anxiety, or supporting your child’s emotional growth, these books have been meaningful both in my personal life and in my work with clients.

Each recommendation is chosen for its ability to guide, soothe, and empower readers to better understand themselves and the people they love.

For Grief, Loss, and Hard Times

Broken Open by Elizabeth Lesser

A beautiful book about transformation through pain. Lesser reminds us that we are not alone in our struggles and that light can emerge from even the darkest times.

On Grief and Grieving by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross

A compassionate guide for anyone who has experienced loss. This book normalizes the many emotions that accompany grief and offers gentle, practical strategies to help you move forward.

Light on the Other Side of Divorce by Dr. Elizabeth Cohen

A psychologist shares her own journey through divorce, blending personal experience with therapeutic tools and insights to help others heal and rebuild.

For Anxiety and Mental Well-Being

The Happiness Trap by Dr. Russ Harris

Grounded in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), this book helps you live a more meaningful life by focusing on your values, reducing the impact of unhelpful thoughts, and building psychological flexibility.

Self-Compassion by Dr. Kristin Neff

A powerful and research-based guide to learning how to treat yourself with kindness. This book can help you develop a more compassionate inner voice and care for yourself as you would for a dear friend.

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown

An inspiring read about embracing your authentic self. Brown encourages readers to let go of perfectionism and live with courage, compassion, and connection.

For Parenting

The Whole-Brain Child by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

An engaging and accessible look at how children’s brains develop. This book offers clear, science-based strategies for helping children manage emotions and build resilience.

No-Drama Discipline by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson

A companion to The Whole-Brain Child, this book explores connection-based discipline and teaches parents how to guide their children with understanding and empathy.

The Emotional Lives of Teenagers by Dr. Lisa Damour

An essential resource for parents of teens. Damour offers insight into the emotional world of adolescents and provides practical advice for fostering connection and calm during these important years.

A Final Thought

Books can’t replace therapy, but they can be powerful companions along the way — offering language for your feelings, stories that resonate, and gentle reminders that healing is possible.

If you’re struggling with anxiety, grief, or relationship challenges, or if you’d like to explore therapy with someone who takes a compassionate and evidence-based approach, I offer virtual therapy across Ontario for individuals aged 16 and older.

I'm happy to connect with you for a free 15-minute consultation if you are interested in seeing how we can work together.

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