Whether you’re beginning therapy for the first time or have been in the process for years, reading can be a supportive way to deepen your understanding. Here are some books my clients often find meaningful

If You’re New to Therapy

These books are approachable and help demystify the therapy experience:

• Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb — A moving and often funny memoir by a therapist about her own time in therapy.

• The Gift of Therapy by Irvin Yalom — Insightful, short chapters offering a behind-the-scenes look at the therapy room.

• How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera — Practical tools for building awareness and self-healing.

• The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown — An encouraging guide to living more fully with vulnerability and courage.

• How to Start Therapy – NPR Life Kit

If You’re Experienced in Therapy

For those who are familiar with the process and want to go deeper:

• Love’s Executioner by Irvin Yalom — Compelling stories from a master psychotherapist about the challenges and breakthroughs of therapy.

• Attachment in Psychotherapy by David J. Wallin — A deeper exploration of how early relationships shape who we are.

• In the Name of the Child by Judith Herman — A powerful and profound look at trauma and recovery.

• Self-Compassion by Kristin Neff — A research-based approach to becoming less self-critical and more kind toward yourself.

• The Healing Connection by Jean Baker Miller & Irene Pierce Stiver — A classic on how healing happens through relationships and connection.