I find myself recommending the same books for clients in my counseling and coaching practice in Denver. Here’s a list of my top-10 book recommendations and why.
Marriage and Relationships
1) The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary D. Chapman
This is an excellent book that can be read quickly by both members of a couple. It helps build common ground quickly, and improves communication almost immediately.
2) The Relationship Cure: A 5-Step Guide to Strengthening Your Marriage, Family, and Friendships by John Gottman
Argubly the #1 Marriage and Family psychology author, John Gottman makes otherwise complicated techniques easy to understand. This book is also versatile enough to be used with all types of couples, friendships, and relational orientations.
Depression
3) The Mindful Way Workbook by John Teasdale and John Kabat-Zinn
This workbook is excellent for near-immediate relief from depression and anxiety. Incorporating an interesting blend of mindfuless and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques, the authors make the sometimes esoteric concepts found within mindfulness easy to apply. It’s also a relatively short curriculum: only 8 weeks.
4) Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David Burns
David Burns’ The Feeling Good Handbook has been a therapist favorite for decades. His techniques give clients a practical, step-by-step approach to combatting depression. Considered by some to be the first major self-help author in battling depression.
Anxiety
5) Loving What Is: Four Questions That Can Change Your Life by Byron Katie
Byron Katie is not a psychologist, counselor, therapist, or even a life coach. In a way, that’s what makes her extraordinary. A pioneer in her field, Byron Katie gives an easy-to-follow 4-step outline for questioning the validity of catstrophic and disturbing thinking.
6) The Tapping Solution: A Revolutionary System For Stress-Free Living by Nick Ortner
Once considered to be too “out-there” for mainstream application, Nick Ortner has researched some of the science behind tapping, or the Emotional Freedom Technique. Based on ideas of accupressure points and meridians of the body, Nick Ortner collaborates with medical doctors to make this tool available as widely as possible. Although it can be used for a variety of ailments, it is especially useful for obsessive thinking and anxiety.
Coaching and Life Change
7) When Everything Changes, Change Everything by Neale Donald Walsh
Neale Donald Walsh is considered to be one of the pioneers in the new-thinking movement. This book is interesting and encouraging. He writes as if he is speaking to a friend, and you almost get the sense that he is speaking directly to you. This book is excellent for dealing with massive shifts such as divorce, marriage, layoffs, and career changes.
8) Excuses Begone! by Dr. Wayne Dyer
Dr. Wayne Dyer was thrust into the mainstream self-help scene with his debut bestseller Your Erroneous Zones. Dr. Dyer, in his compassionate grandpa style, delivers no-nonsense strategies for achieving what you want, when you want it. Dr. Dyer has been on PBS several times sharing his strategies for creating life beyond limits. Personally, I have been fortunate enough to hear him speak in person twice. One of the most inspirational authors in the self-improvement field today.
Self-Care
9) You Can Heal Your Life by Louise Hay
It’s almost impossible to recommend a book by Wayne Dyer without including Louise Hay. Louise Hay discovered a connection between thoughts and body dis-ease. Initially her theories were quite controversial; today, the mind-body concept is accepted and well known. Using a variety of affirmations and self pep-talks, Louise makes self-esteem, health, and wellness accessible, easy, and yes — fun.
10) Ten Days to Self-Esteem by David Burns
The same author as Feeling Good, Dr. Burns focuses on increasing self-esteem and confidence, which can lead to depression and anxiety. Dr. Burns speaks in his typical, easy-to-understand style and promises results within 10 days. And, it’s surprisingly effective.
