Homework and Bibliotherapy
Homework is an important part of counseling. As with everyone else in life, how much work you put in to something matters a great deal. Just like with school, both going to class and learning with the teacher, as well as practicing what’s learned in class, are both very important.
I know, most people still despise hearing the word homework even after being out of school for years, much less those who are in still school. The therapy session is extremely important but growth and change doesn’t begin and end there. The topics that are discussed and processed in session need to be worked through in the real world, which is where homework comes in. Homework can include an unlimited number of different ideas or activities and it is individualized to the person, couple, or family, I find myself often recommending several of the same books as part of homework.
Recommendations
Anxiety and Depression
Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David D. Burns, M.D.
Feeling Good explains Cognitive Behavioral Therapy to address a wide variety of issues including depression, guilt, and anger. It uses great examples and gives concrete tools to help the reader, as opposed to a lot of self-help books that simply discuss concepts and ideas
Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund Bourne, Ph.D.
If you have anxiety or phobias, this book provides easily understandable and implementable activities to help reduce or eliminate symptoms.
Relationships
Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself by Melody Beattie.
The book uses great illustrations and examples to help explain what codependence is, how it affects people, and what to do about it. It is easy to understand and helps tackle one of the biggest issues that I see as a therapist.
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert by John Gottman, Ph.D.
Dr. Gottman is an originator of scientifically researched approaches to couples counseling and has been writing about it since the 70s. He uses a clear and concise approach to fixing almost any intimate relationship.
Self-Love
Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
Embrace your thoughts, emotions, and self with love and acceptance. Step away from judgment over what we cannot control.
Shame
Homecoming: Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child by John Bradshaw
Are you outwardly successful but inwardly do you feel like a big kid? Do you aspire to be a loving parent but all too often “lose it” in hurtful ways? Do you crave intimacy but sometimes wonder if it’s worth the struggle? Or are you plagued by constant vague feelings of anxiety or depression?
If any of this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing the hidden but damaging effects of a painful childhood. Carrying within you a “wounded inner child” that is crying out for attention and healing.
Healing the Shame That Binds You by John Bradshaw
Shame is the motivator behind our toxic behaviors: the compulsion, co-dependency, addiction and drive to superachieve that breaks down the family and destroys personal lives. This book has helped millions identify their personal shame, understand the underlying reasons for it, address these root causes and release themselves from the shame that binds them to their past failures.