Recommendations I Return to Again and Again
As a trauma-informed therapist, I’m often asked for book and podcast recommendations to support emotional wellness, healthy relationships, and navigating burnout. Whether you're in therapy or just exploring on your own, these are the resources I return to again and again. From communication skills to meaning-making, these books and podcasts offer insight, validation, and tools for everyday life.
I hope you find something that meets you right where you are.
Burnout
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle
by Drs. Emily and Amelia Nagoski
A must-read for women navigating burnout in any role. This book breaks down the biological mechanisms of stress and gives practical, accessible tools to complete the stress cycle. Bonus: Each chapter ends with a TL;DR summary — perfect for the truly crispy among us.
Trauma Stewardship
by Laura van Dernoot Lipsky with Connie Burk
Essential reading for anyone in the helping professions. It puts words to the emotional toll of holding space for others, from ER staff with intrusive thoughts to social workers overwhelmed by systemic trauma. You’ll feel seen — and guided.
Relationships
Hold Me Tight
by Dr. Sue Johnson
The book I recommend to nearly every couple. Rooted in attachment theory, it explains why we fight with the person we love most — and how to reconnect. Deep, emotionally attuned, and just as meaningful for individuals as it is for couples.
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
by Dr. John Gottman & Nan Silver
Classic Gottman wisdom. Research-backed tools to navigate conflict, build trust, and strengthen your relationship. A great foundation if you're starting therapy or want practical communication tools.
The Love Prescription
by Drs. John & Julie Gottman
A quick read packed with small, doable steps to foster everyday connection. Great for couples who don’t love long books but want meaningful shifts.
Bonus: Gottman Institute Website — start with their Four Horsemen article if you're curious about communication patterns.
General Mental Health & Meaning
Man’s Search for Meaning
by Dr. Viktor Frankl
A life-changing read. No summary does it justice — just read it.
The Happiness Trap
by Dr. Russ Harris
Helpful for folks who struggle with intrusive thoughts or feeling stuck. It’s more skills-based than emotional, but it offers solid tools for anyone working with avoidance or motivation.
Braving the Wilderness
by Dr. Brené Brown
A book I gifted to every family member one Christmas. It's about belonging, courage, and staying soft in hard conversations — especially with those you disagree with. Still one of my personal favorites.
Podcasts
Father Richard Rohr – Parts 1 & 2
Even if you’re not religious (I’m not), these are profound reflections on surrender, ego, and transformation. His book Breathing Underwater also deeply moved me.
Strong Backs, Soft Fronts, Wild Hearts
Pairs perfectly with Braving the Wilderness. Helps you find that tender, grounded place between boundaries and connection.
Drs. John & Julie Gottman – Parts 1–3
Accessible, research-based wisdom on how we love and how we fight.
Karen Walrond on The Lightmaker’s Manifesto – Part 1 & 2
This podcast moved me. I haven’t read the book yet (it’s on my list), but the message is powerful — how to stay engaged in activism while still caring for yourself.
📝 Worksheets
Brené Brown’s Values Worksheet
Free and simple — yet profound. This worksheet helps you clarify your core values and start living more intentionally.
She also has a podcast episode that pairs beautifully with it.
It even inspired me to create my own version —
-> Download my Values-Informed Relationships Worksheet and sign up for my newsletter!
💌 Join the Monthly Letter
My newsletter is a once-a-month note with gentle journal prompts and resources like these. It’s for the quiet moments, the curious minds, and the hearts that want to grow softly.
-> Sign up here
💬 Ready to Go Deeper?
If something here resonated with you and you’d like to take the next step, I’d be honored to support you.
-> Reach out to schedule a free consult — let’s talk about where you are and what kind of support could meet you there.
P.S. I’m slowly building something I’ve wanted to offer for a long time —
No Answers Necessary is a reflective journal for those curious about what shaped them — not to fix themselves, but to witness.
It’s not live yet, but you can get a soft preview and sign up to be notified when it’s ready.