Summer Reads

Summer Reads

summer reads

Our latest blogposts is on our top picks for summer reads.  If you go to a therapist, chances are they are going to recommend a book for you to read.  Bibliotherapy, or reading books between sessions, is a common recommendation from therapists.  This week, we decided to ask our team of therapists their favorite self-help books.  This is a perfect summer ready list for you!



# 1 Amanda Patterson, LMHC, CAP, NCC

Qualified Supervisor in Broward

I’ve written blogposts about my favorite book, The Feeling Good Handbook before.  I can’t say enough about how amazing this book is at helping you to learn about your depression and anxiety.  In fact, I recommended this book to a client this week.  My specialty is depression and anxiety, so my favorite self-help book is going to address those symptoms. The best thing about this book is there is a whole section on ways to deepen relationships with people. The book provides you with a lot of information but there is also a workbook format for you to fill in your answers.

I highly recommend this book for therapists to read, as well.  In the back section of the book, there is a lot of information on dealing with difficult clients and ways to collect feedback from clients.  This book is a must-read for new and seasoned professionals.

If you are struggling with feelings of depression and anxiety and are looking for a book to use, The Feeling Good Handbook is the best bang for your buck.  It will teach you Cognitive Behavioral Therapy strategies that are an amazing supplement to therapy.

474-1


Amanda Patterson, LMHC, CAP decided to become a therapist while attending Nova Southeastern University. She saw the need to help people achieve the life they wanted to live, while creating a life of her own. She completed her master’s in Mental Health Counseling and started a career in the juvenile justice arena. Since then, she has started a private practice in Pembroke Pines, Florida, specializing in depression, anxiety relationship issues, and substance abuse. Amanda is a believer in holistic treatment and she practices veganism, meditation and yoga in her life. Find out more about her practice here. For a free 15-minute consultation, call or text Amanda at 954-378-5381 or email her at amanda@amandapattersonlmhc.com.



#2 Dani La Barrie, LCSW, QS, CAP

dani
One of my favorite self help books is the Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. In this book he talks about gaining freedom from our lives by following four simple agreements: 1.) Don't take things personally 2.) Don't make assumptions 3.) Be impeccable with your word and 4.) Always try your best. Though these agreements are simple, they're actually pretty difficult when you're trying to make a daily practice of them. It has impacted me by becoming more aware of tendencies I have and has guided me in becoming more in control of my life, as well as holding myself more accountable.
I suggest this book because it's an "easy read" yet powerful in its message. Ruiz's style of writing gives the reader many real life examples. This is a book that you wouldn't just read once in your life either. It's something I would suggest reading once or twice a year, especially for someone who is really working on themselves.

Dani La Barrie, LCSW, QS, CAP has fulfilled the role of clinical director at multiple substance abuse treatment centers that provide partial hospitalization programming, intensive outpatient programs,outpatient programs, and aftercare services. Assisting in start-up treatment centers, helping to build programs from the ground up, as well as being hired to improve programs that were running inefficiently has provided Dani the knowledge and skill set to provide accurate assessments and consultation to treatment facilities --- allowing her to branch out and utilize what she has learned to do (and not do) in order to have a successful center that also assists clients in being the best they can be.

"Why Does He Do That?: Inside the Minds of Angry and Controlling Men" by Lundy Bancroft. This is great book to help a client understand how to improve and survive an abusive relationship. It brings a description of different types of abusive men, am analyzing myths in society and more. I've used it with my clients many times and it was really helpful. images

Luna Medina-Wolf is a licensed mental health counselor and a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. She completed her B.A. in Psychology at Florida Atlantic University and continued there in receiving Dual Masters of Education in Mental Health Counseling and Rehabilitation Counseling. Luna is fluent in English, Spanish and Hebrew. Luna continues her professional development with the American Counseling Association, American Mental Health Counselors Association, and Florida Counseling Association in order to bring the best and most current practices to her clients. Currently, she is finalizing the process of becoming a certified addiction professional. Luna has a strong background in working with individuals who are struggling with substance abuse, who have experienced trauma and those with disabilities. Luna enjoys helping clients both in an individual and in a group setting. Luna’s approach to counseling pulls from several theories. She incorporates motivational approaches, cognitive behavioral therapy, as well as solution focus and positive psychology. Luna believes that change is possible and that each client has the power and can learn the skills needed to better their lives.



For more book recommendations, visit:

Caring Therapists of Broward