Resources
Recommended Reading
Growing up Resilient
Tatyana Barankin, a child and adolescent psychiatrist and Nazilla Khanlou, a psychiatric nurse and educator
It clarifies what resilience is, why it’s so important for us to have this quality, how young people can develop it and how adults can support them in doing so. It’s a thin volume, packed with important information. I like it because it promotes resilience, which is a protective factor against the development of mental illness and addiction.
The Drama of the Gifted Child
Alice Miller
I read this book early on in my practice and have found it invaluable in understanding how children of narcissistic parents end up both overly-sensitive to the needs and feelings of others and out of touch with their own emotional reality. A must-read for anyone trying to make sense of their compulsion to help others.
How Mumbo Jumbo Conquered the World
Francis Wheen
An interesting book that bashes all our current and past sacred cows of politics, religion and the personal growth movement. It’s irreverent, thought-provoking and extremely refreshing. Wheen is a bit of a trouble-maker, which is my kind of writer.
Dark Nights of the Soul
Thomas Moore
Moore looks at the moments of suffering and loss in our lives and tries to find meaning in them. He talks about using these times as points of reflection on who we are and what we really want out of life. He sees the difficult times as having the potential for creating positive transformation in the person’s life. I like it because it recognizes that in life there will always be pain but that we have a choice about how we respond to it.
Musicophilia, Tales of Music and the Brain
Oliver Sacks
This book talks about everything having to do with music and the mind, our moods, our abilities and disabilities with regard to music. Sacks is a brilliant writer with a lot of fascinating things to say on the topic. As a music lover, I appreciate having this compelling take on the whole subject of music.
The Seven Daughters of Eve, The Science That Reveals Our Genetic Ancestry
Bryan Sykes
In this book, Sykes, a professor of genetics at Oxford University, uses archeology and molecular biology to trace our human genetic make-up back to seven prehistoric women. Pretty amazing stuff.
Sacred Therapy: Jewish Spiritual Teachings on Emotional Healing and Inner Wholeness
Estelle Frankel
Using Hasidic and Kabbalistic teachings combined with her knowledge of psychotherapy, Frankel explores how spirituality and healing come together. For people who are interested in doing their inner work from a spiritual perspective.
Moral Clarity
Susan Neiman
She talks about how we’ve lost sight of the basic tenets of morality and helps us get back on track. An important book.
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts
Gabor Mate
Mate has worked extensively with drug addicts in Vancouver’s roughest neighborhoods and shares his insights and experiences in this book. He has a depth of understanding of the problem that’s rare, and has enormous compassion for the people he works with.
Embracing the Wide Sky
Daniel Tammett
Tammett is an “autistic savant.” He has taught himself how to interact with ordinary people and has to a great extent, overcome a significant disability. His book is touching and inspiring.
Flourish
Martin E.P. Seligman, PhD
This book explores how to move beyond mere contentment into a deeply meaningful existence.
The Love Response
Eva M. Selhub, MD
Tips on how to reprogram your brain to decrease stress and increase health and happiness.
Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking
Susan Cain
Explains the benefits of reflection and contemplation.