Therapist’s Favorite Picks: Books, Self-Care Items, and Podcasts
We all need a little self-care in our lives, and sometimes it's nice to get recommendations straight from someone who understands! As a therapist, I’m always on the lookout for resources that support mental health and well-being. I’ve seen firsthand how small, thoughtful practices can make a big difference.
Whether it’s a book that helps guide you through your thoughts, self-care items that help you relax, or a podcast that brings comfort and inspiration, I’m excited to share some of my top recommendations and personal favorites with you.
Many of these I’ve recommended to clients over the years, and a few I’ve picked up along the way. Let’s dive in and explore some of my favorite picks!
Therapist-Recommended Books for Your Mental Health
Books can be an incredible source of self-reflection, learning, and personal growth. I often suggest these to my clients, and I love how they offer insights to help manage mental health challenges. Here are a few of my favs:
Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Tawwab Glover
This book is a must-read for anyone who struggles with saying no. It offers practical advice on how to set healthy boundaries in all areas of life—work, relationships, family—and teaches the importance of protecting your mental well-being by honoring your limits.
Drama Free by Nedra Tawwab Glover
If family dynamics are a challenge, Drama Free provides clear and compassionate guidance on navigating difficult relationships. Nedra’s wisdom on how to deal with toxic behavior and emotional turmoil is a game-changer for those looking to find peace.
What Happened to You by Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Bruce Perry
This book takes a deep dive into understanding how childhood trauma shapes who we are today. It’s an insightful conversation between Oprah and Dr. Perry that many therapists, including myself, recommend for anyone seeking to understand the lasting effects of trauma.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
If you've experienced trauma or want to understand how trauma affects the body and mind, this is a must-read. As therapists, we often recommend The Body Keeps the Score for its deep exploration of how trauma can get trapped in our bodies and how healing is possible. It’s insightful and empowering for those looking to better understand the effects of trauma.
Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach
This book is a favorite for those struggling with self-criticism or harsh self-judgment. Tara Brach, a psychologist and meditation teacher, offers gentle guidance on how to fully accept yourself and your experiences without judgment. I recommend this book for people seeking to cultivate more compassion and mindfulness in their lives.
Hold Me Tight by Dr. Sue Johnson
This book is a powerful guide to strengthening emotional connections in relationships. Based on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Dr. Johnson explains how couples can overcome conflict, build trust, and create lasting bonds by understanding their attachment needs. It’s a great resource for anyone looking to improve their relationship by fostering deeper intimacy and emotional security.
Fight Right by John and Julie Gottman
In Fight Right, renowned relationship experts John and Julie Gottman teach couples how to navigate conflicts in a healthy, constructive way. Using decades of research, they offer practical strategies for turning arguments into opportunities for growth, understanding, and deeper connection. This book is perfect for anyone who wants to improve communication and strengthen their relationship by learning how to resolve disagreements with respect and empathy.
The Whole-Brain Child by Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson
This insightful book helps parents understand how a child’s brain develops and how they can nurture their emotional and intellectual growth. Siegel and Bryson provide practical strategies for helping children manage emotions, improve behavior, and develop healthy relationships by integrating the left and right brain. It’s a favorite recommendation for parents looking to foster well-rounded development in their kids.
Favorite Self-Care Items for Relaxation and Mental Wellness
When life feels overwhelming, having a go-to self-care item can make all the difference. From calming scents to cozy comforts, here are a few therapist-approved self-care items to help you unwind and take care of yourself.
1. Weighted Blanket
One of the most recommended self-care items is the weighted blanket. The gentle pressure from the blanket can feel like a hug, helping to reduce anxiety and promote better sleep. Many people find that using a weighted blanket helps them feel more grounded and relaxed.
2. Essential Oil Diffuser
Aromatherapy is a popular self-care practice, and using an essential oil diffuser can bring soothing scents into your space. Therapists often recommend calming scents like lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus to create a peaceful environment. Whether you’re practicing mindfulness or just winding down after a long day, a diffuser is a simple way to practice self-care.
3. Journaling
Journals are a therapist favorite because writing can be a powerful outlet for processing emotions. Whether it’s a gratitude journal, like the “One-Minute Gratitude Journal” , a journal for something specific such as difficult family relationships, like My family blames me for everything, or simply a space to jot down your thoughts, writing things out can help you gain clarity and release tension. I often suggest prompts to get started, like “What am I feeling right now?” or “What am I grateful for today?”
4. A Calming Tea
As therapists, we often encourage small rituals that promote relaxation, and sipping on a warm cup of tea can be one of those calming practices. Two of my personal favs are chai tea and peppermint. Making a cup of tea can be a simple yet effective way to take a mindful pause in your day.
5. Pinch Me Therapy Dough
Pinch Me Dough is a fun, calming tool designed to help relieve stress and anxiety. This therapeutic putty allows you to channel nervous energy through touch, making it perfect for fidgeting during tense moments. Infused with calming scents, it offers a sensory experience that helps soothe your mind while keeping your hands busy. Whether you’re at work, home, or on the go, Pinch Me Dough is a convenient, mess-free way to relax and refocus.
Therapist-Approved Podcasts for Inspiration and Support
Podcasts are a great way to learn, feel inspired, and find comfort in the words of others. Many therapists recommend podcasts that cover mental health, personal growth, and wellness. Here are a few top picks that I love:
DBT and Me
Focused on Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), this podcast breaks down DBT skills like mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance. The hosts provide relatable, real-life examples to help listeners manage their emotions and improve their mental health.Therapy for Black Girls
Hosted by Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, this podcast creates a safe space to discuss mental health topics that are often overlooked in the Black community. From self-care to relationships, it offers culturally relevant advice and resources to support emotional wellness for Black women.Therapist Uncensored
This podcast dives into the science of attachment and relationships, offering insights on how to navigate emotional challenges. With engaging discussions on brain science and relational health, it’s a great listen for anyone wanting to deepen their understanding of themselves and their connections with others.ADHD Experts Podcast
This podcast is a go-to resource for anyone looking to better understand ADHD. Hosted by leading professionals in the field, it covers topics like time management, emotional regulation, and strategies for thriving with ADHD. It’s packed with practical tips for adults, parents, and educators.Therapy Chat
Hosted by therapist Laura Reagan, Therapy Chat covers topics like trauma, mindfulness, and self-care. This podcast is perfect for those who want to better understand mental health and learn practical ways to take care of themselves. The conversations are compassionate and informative, making it a favorite among therapists.
The Happiness Lab
Hosted by Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos, The Happiness Lab explores the science of happiness and well-being. Therapists often recommend this podcast for its evidence-based advice on how to live a happier life. From how to manage stress to cultivating joy, this podcast offers practical tools and insights backed by research.
How to Start Your Own Self-Care Routine
Now that we’ve covered some favorite books, self-care items, and podcasts, you might be wondering how to put it all together into a self-care routine. Here are a few therapist tips on how to create a routine that supports your mental and emotional health:
1. Start Small
Self-care doesn’t have to be overwhelming or time-consuming. Even small actions, like reading a chapter of a book or listening to a podcast for 10 minutes, can make a big difference in how you feel. Start with just one or two things that resonate with you and gradually add more as you go.
2. Listen to Your Body
As a therapist, I often remind my clients that self-care is about tuning in to what you need. Some days you might need more rest, while other days you might crave movement or creativity. Pay attention to how you feel and what your body is asking for, and adjust your routine accordingly.
3. Make It a Habit
Consistency is key when it comes to self-care. Try setting aside time each day or week to do something for yourself, whether it’s reading, journaling, or practicing mindfulness. Over time, these small moments of self-care will become a natural part of your routine.
4. Be Kind to Yourself
Self-care isn’t about doing things perfectly; it’s about showing yourself compassion. If you miss a day or forget to follow your routine, don’t be hard on yourself. Therapists often remind their clients that self-care is a lifelong practice, and it’s okay to have ups and downs along the way.
Final Thoughts: Take What Works for You
At the end of the day, self-care is personal, and what works for one person might not work for another. The books, self-care items, and podcasts mentioned here are some of my favorites, but it’s important to find what speaks to you.
Try different things, see what brings you comfort or joy, and remember that taking care of yourself is an ongoing journey. Whether it’s through reading, journaling, or listening to a calming podcast, make sure to carve out time for self-care and prioritize your well-being.
Therapists are always a great resource for finding tools that support mental health, so don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations during your own therapy sessions. You deserve to feel supported, rested, and at peace, so let these therapist picks be a starting point for your self-care journey!
Want more recommendations?
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