Books I recommend for client's

This article is a space for me to share books that I recommend for clients with specific interests to read. These cover a variety from existential themes to relationships.

Staring at the sun by Irvin Yalom

Irvin Yalom is not only a superb Existential Psychotherapist, but a brilliant writer. His works of Non-Fiction and Fiction are underpinned by a warm human touch despite dealing with the challenging existential themes of life. Staring at the sun is his book focused on death and is a must read for those interested in appreciating the depths of life.

The life impossible by Matt Haig

Matt Haig is a very popular contemporary author and for good reason. If mental health and existential struggles are something you are drawn to, he is one of the best. While I could have chosen his also brilliant previous novel, "The Midnight Library" which is very "It's a wonderful life"-esque, I believe "The Life Impossible" has been overlooked. It is an encouraging and hopeful story that shows there is always time for change. I believe the less said the better in regard to this book so I shall leave it to you to discover.

The Tibetan book of living and dying by Sogyal Rinpoche

Regardless of your religious/faith persuasions, I believe exploring different views can greatly widen our understanding. This particularly is true regarding different culture lenses as the East has very different values to those in the West. This is one of many factors as to why I recommend this book; as it contains lots of great wisdom from Buddhism which offers lots of fresh perspective compared to that which many in the UK would have grown up with. It covers the topics of living and dying but also approaches to manage this such as meditation. Much of modern wellbeing and wellness is influenced from Buddhism, so it is interesting to understand it from its original source, which I would argue has greater depth.

Man's search for meaning by Viktor E. Frankl

This book is focused on Viktor's experience in concentration camps during the second world war. This however is not only a piece that gives us insight into that experience; Man's search for meaning explores why are some people able to carry on through incredibly challenging circumstances. This is certainly a journey which gives off new information on every new read through.

Families and how to survive them by Dr Robin Skinner and John Cleese

A great introduction into psychology and understanding relationships. While some of the ideas have been evolved since the publication of this book, it is nevertheless a good starting place, as it balances psychoeducation and humour. Written as an interview between the two authors, including the profoundly funny John Cleese and his former Psychiatrist Dr Robin Skinner, it is an easy read due to its entertainment value.

Getting the love you want by Harville Hendrix

This is an easy recommend for me when it comes to books about relationships. It is written from a highly experienced, specialist therapist who embeds these techniques in their own relationships. Not only does this provide useful insight into the psychology of relationships and their dynamics, it also includes exercises and a plan to follow to improve your relationships. This certainly is a book which will challenge, but in Harville's own words, "The more difficult a particular exercise seems to you, the more potential it contains for growth".