EASTERN PHILOSOPHY
The Untethered Soul, by Michael Singer
This book is beautifully and simply written. Singer provides the reader with a plan to help us rid ourselves of the negative thoughts in our head and replace them with kindness and truth. This is the ultimate goal of any self help book and he handles it with directness and gentle humor.
Books by Deepak Chopra
Dr. Chopra has published extensively. Some are dense and the writing is complex, others, like the 10 Spiritual Laws of Success, are very readable.
For a sampling of his point of view, try subscribing to his website (www.chopra.com). Several times a year he offers free 21 day 15-minute meditation downloads. They are well worth it.
Start Where You Are, by Pema Chodron
This very small-sized book is written by a Buddhist nun (from the West). Among its many gems are ways to reconsider how you think and feel about your “negative” or undesirable qualities. It suggests “acceptance” but without complacency, emphasizing curiosity and openness over” the small world of the ego”. For example, she poses the question of when shot in the heart by an arrow, is it best to yell at the person who shot you, or attend to your wounded heart?
Pema has published dozens of books and lectures extensively. She is well worth reading.
LOSS OF A PARENT
Motherless Daughters, by Hope Edelman
This was one of the first books written on this subject (there have been several since) and is still one of the best.
COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY
Any early book by Dr. Albert Ellis
Dr. Ellis was trained in analytic therapy, but broke with tradition and began the whole field of Cognitive Therapy.
See an explanation of The Institute for Rational Emotive Therapy (his NY Institute) under “On and Off-line Resources“.
BI-POLAR DISORDER
Why am I still depressed? by Jim Phelps
One of the best books describing the newest thinking on the bi-polar “spectrum”. This spectrum now encompasses a wide range of mood fluctuations.
COUPLES COUNSELING
How to Get the Love You Want, by Harville Hendrix
This is his early book. It emphasizes communication as the key to a well-adjusted, mature relationship. It offers some excellent, practical exercises.
The New Rules of Marriage, by Terrence Real
This is a recent book which offers some concrete ideas on how to make a marriage work. He offers some important ideas on handling the trauma of infidelity.
CHILDHOOD TRAUMA
Toxic Parents, by Susan Forward
There are many books about destructive and Narcissistic parents. This was one of the first and, I believe, it coined the term “toxic”.
The Drama of the Gifted Child, by Alice Miller
This book is a classic for those whose dysfunctional parents paid TOO much attention to them. Miller has also written other, very worthwhile, books.
ADD
Driven to Distraction, by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D.
One of the best on the topic. There are lots of examples and resources for ADD coaching.
CODEPENDENCY
Codependent No More, by Melodie Beatty
This is the original, the best and the simplest read on this topic. Codependent behavior can be conditioned in any dysfunctional family, not just an alcoholic one.
