Recommended Readings for Mind, Body, and Soul
I’ve compiled a list of recommended readings that can be helpful both in the daily round of life and as a support during therapy. While much of our work occurs in session, many patients find thoughtful reading a meaningful way to continue the process between appointments. These book recommendations are drawn from my experience and from what I’ve seen genuinely help patients, supporting insight, perspective, and deeper self-reflection.
Books for Mindfulness, Stress, Anxiety & Depression
These mindfulness books are most helpful when you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or low, and are looking for practical ways to steady yourself and find relief.
Full Catastrophe Living: Using the Wisdom of Your Body and Mind to Face Stress, Pain, and Illness by Jon Kabat-Zinn This book on stress and mindfulness stress reduction is a classic in the field. It gives an excellent understanding of the effects of ongoing stress and anxiety and how to begin to work with them through mindful awareness and meditation.
The Wise Heart: A Guide to the Universal Teachings of Buddhist Psychology by Jack Kornfield This is a companion book to Kabat-Zinn’s. It goes deeper into awareness and meditation and gives wonderful clues to working on yourself.
Thoughts Without A Thinker: Psychotherapy from a Buddhist Perspective by Mark Epstein This is a connection book to the last two. Dr. Epstein is a psychoanalyst who shows what everyday therapy can look like using awareness.
The Feeling Good Handbook by David D. Burns A book for cognitive behavioral therapy enthusiasts. Dr. Burns does an excellent job of showing how thoughts and ideas are connected to feelings and how they can lead to depression and anxiety when not recognized. He gives useful exercises to begin working with depressive and anxious moods.
An End to Panic: Breakthrough Techniques for Overcoming Panic Disorder by Elke Zuercher-White This is an excellent book for those suffering with Panic Disorder. Its section on breathing, the connection to panic and the teaching on breathing retraining are the best out there.
Books for Emotional Healing & Therapy Support
These books help therapy clients better understand their emotions, patterns, and relationships, complementing the insights gained during sessions.
The Relationship Cure: A 5 Step Guide to Strengthening Your Marriage, Family, and Friendships by John Gottman Considered by many to be the premier couples therapist when communication is the main sticking point. This book is wonderful for exercises and methods to work on communication skills with your significant other.
Timeless Healing - The Power and Biology of Belief (Integration of Body, Mind and Soul) by Herbert Benson M.D. Dr. Benson has done a wonderful service in showing the connection that all forms of meditation have with the "relaxation response". It is a must-read book in the field of psycho-somatic medicine and the deep connections of mind, body and healing.
Body and Soul: The Other Side of Illness (Studies in Jungian Psychology by Jungian Analysts) by Albert Kreinheder Every time I read this small little book, tears come to my eyes. In a world of psychobabble and overly intellectualized explanations of psychological theory, Kreinheder's words are "food for the soul." His work is very connected to Mindell's in finding ways to work with and understand illness and physical symptoms imaginatively. A must read!
Jungian Psychology Books & Dream Work
These readings are particularly useful if you’re curious about dreams, symbols, and the unconscious, and want to explore the deeper psychological processes that shape your inner life.
Way of the Dream (Shambhala Pocket Classics) by Marie-Louise von Franz, Fraser Boa A wonderful book to start understanding dreams by the dream master Dr. von Franz.
Working with the Dreaming Body by Arnold Mindell PhD This is Mindell at his best. He shows how symptoms experienced in the body can be worked with and open us to psychological insight and change.
Riding the Horse Backwards: Process Work in Theory and Practice (Foundation series) by Arnold Mindell PhD, Amy Mindell This is a wonderful book by Arny and Amy Mindell. It is a beautifully clear presentation of their work about dreams and the connection to the body as seen in a weekend long seminar taught at the Esalen Institute.
Little Course In Dreams - Basic Handbook Of Jungian Dreamwork by Robert Bosnak I love this dream book. Bosnak is amazingly creative and practical in his advice on working with your dreams. He is also one of the best at "sticking to the image". If you can only read one dream book, this book is the one.
Memories, Dreams, Reflections by C.G. Jung Hard to say enough about this book. It is a one of a kind biography. It shows and tells of Jung's genius from the introverted side of life. A look at this great man's dreams and visions and how he struggled to live them. The chapter on his "Confrontation with the Unconscious" is a master class in the how-to of working with your deep self. I consider this one of the most important books written in the last century and keep it always by my bedside.
Man and His Symbols by Carl Gustav Jung Dr. Jung’s last book. This is a very readable book by one of the great geniuses of the last century in psychiatry and psychology. His first chapter is a must read for all patients who are beginning to try to understand and come to grips with the unconscious.
While Psychiatry Slept: Reawakening the Imagination in Therapy by George Mecouch I have to recommend my own book! It is written as fictional stories based on cases from my career and it reads like a novel. It is filled with ways of working on dreams and furthering the creative imagination.
Depth Psychology, Imagination & the Soul: Recommended Reads
This collection is ideal for those seeking insight, meaning, and personal growth, offering guidance for reflection and self-discovery beyond symptom relief.
Care of the Soul: A Guide for Cultivating Depth and Sacredness in Everyday Life by Thomas Moore This is an incredible book on how to live your life in a way that cares for your inner values and feeling part of the world. A how-to book for everyone.
Saved by a Poem: The Transformative Power of Words by Kim Rosen An amazing book on the transformative power of poetry and image. I cannot recommend this book enough.
Healing Fiction by James Hillman This is my favorite work of the great psychologist James Hillman. He was the master of speaking for the psyche. This book shows a psychology of imagination through reflections on the psychological giants of the last century: Freud, Jung and Adler. A must read for any serious student of psychology and psychotherapy. A wonderful lesson on the primacy of imagination.
Psyche Speaks by Russell Lockhart This is a brilliant book based on a series of lectures Dr. Lockhart gave in New York City. It is filled with the soul’s voice and is a must read for anyone interested in the depth of the psyche.
Think of these books as companions to the work we do in therapy, not a requirement. If one resonates, we can always explore it further in session. If you’d like to learn more about my approach, you’re welcome to visit the About page, explore Mental Health Tips, or get in touch.