Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl: This book is a MUST READ for anyone and everyone. Whether you are in this field or not, you will appreciate it just as much. Frankl is a famous Psychiatrist and founder of logotherapy and in his book, he describes his mental toughness and how he was able to survive 3 concentration camps in the Holocaust. He even found humor during his time there! He is proof that the human mind is the most powerful force and that with the right attitude, we can defeat any difficult situation. You will not be disappointed!

The Gift of Therapyby Irvin D. Yalom: I consider this book to be a conversation/supervision session with the great Irvin D. Yalom and his audience. Through this book, Yalom teaches us what he has learned over his time as a psychiatrist and therapist, what has changed and what hasn’t and how important it is to remember: your work is a gift; treat it as such. Great book for young professionals as well as the seasoned therapists.

Girl Interruptedby Susanna Kaysen: Yes, just like the movie! I found the book to be just as entertaining as the movie and very insightful (being that the movie is based on the book, I wish I would have read the book first!) It is a memoir that speaks from the perspective of  a young woman who was admitted into a psychiatric hospital after attempting suicide. Diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder, she walks us through hell and glory and rehashes her experience and what it meant to her. This book can serve as a great resource for you as a therapist as well as for caregivers and family members who have experienced something similar to this story with a loved one.

Love’s Executionerby Irvin D. Yalom: One of my favorite books of all time.  For us, this is a magical journey through the therapist’s psyche and reminds us that through it all, we remain human. This book takes us through 10 true tales of psychotherapy between the famous Yalom and his patients. I can guarantee that his book will remind you of your love for this field and the passion required to be a part of it. You will fall in love with Love’s Executioner. When you are done, give it to your family and friends; it will help them appreciate what you do.

Mind Gymby Gary Mack and David Casstevens: If you are an athlete or a sports advocate and fan, you will enjoy this book. It is a quick read, yet full of valuable take home information and tips. Many of your favorite athletes and coaches have read this book over and over to help remind them that 90% percent of the game is mental. The messages in this book can be applied to every day life and can serve as a good resource for your clients.

The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugsby Jack M.Gorman: This is a great resource for therapists and those who have not studied pharmacology or psychiatry in depth. It is very easy to read and sift through and provides the essential information about the latest psychiatric drugs. The author is a no-bs- type writer that speaks honestly and bluntly. It lays out the pros and cons, proper dosage, what it is commonly used for, etc. Keep it on your desk at work so that you can use it as a reference.

Once a Warrior, Always a Warrior by Charles W. Hodge, MD, Colonel, US Army: Described as “the essential handbook for anyone who has ever returned from a war zone, and their spouse, partner, or family members,” this book lives up to its promise. Written by a psychiatrist who currently treats service members, veterans and family members, he writes about what you need to know as a mental health professional as well as a vet or civilian. Topics throughout the book include PTSD, TBI, how to navigate the mental health care system, how to navigate your role as a family member and/or caregiver, life skills, how to deal with stressors and situations, and how to live with losses.  Even when judging a book by its title, we can surely see that this is a  valuable book we can all undoubtedly learn from.

What I Talk About When I Talk About Runningby Haruki Murakami: Super interesting/unique book! I like how Sports Illustrated described it: “A brilliant meditation on how his running and writing nurture and sustain each other…With spare, engaging prose…Murakami shares his runner’s high.” This is a memoir about running and writing–two of the author’s strongest passions. It reminds us of the connection between mind, body and soul and how to healthily balance our lives in order to reach what we define as “success.” Think of it as a book of visualization exercises–yet far more entertaining.

Veronika Decides to Die by Paulo Coelho: This Brazilian author stuns me once again! If you read Spanish or Portuguese, read it in those languages. Without giving too much away, I must say this is an enthralling book of genius thoughts. Taking place in a mental hospital, it allows us to question the mental health system. Who is truly “crazy?” Are we all? What happens to our psyche when deemed mentally ill? Should we bow our heads and follow pecking order or should we remain skeptical and defiant? This is a great story about awakenings and the joy of simple everyday life. His words are poetic psychological philosophy.