Recommended Reading
Recommended Therapy Books
27 therapist-selected books and workbooks for anxiety, panic, depression, ADHD, trauma, relationships, emotional regulation, parenting, and clinical practice.
Books can be a helpful way to continue reflection and skill-building between therapy sessions. These recommendations are organized by topic so you can find a resource that fits what you are working on right now.
These readings are optional resources, not assigned homework unless we have discussed them directly.
Browse by topic
Recommended reading
Anxiety and Worry
Resources for chronic worry, overthinking, avoidance, perfectionism, and anxiety that feels difficult to turn off. You can also learn more about online anxiety therapy in Florida.
The Worry Trick
Current edition
An approachable explanation of chronic worry and why fighting anxiety can strengthen it.
The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Anxiety
Third Edition (2025)
An ACT-based workbook that closely fits an acceptance, mindfulness, and values-oriented approach.
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook
Eighth Edition
A comprehensive resource covering worry, panic, phobias, exposure, health anxiety, and coping skills.
Recommended reading
Panic and Physical Symptoms of Anxiety
Books for panic attacks, fear of body sensations, health anxiety, and physical symptoms such as a racing heart, dizziness, chest tightness, or shortness of breath. You can also explore therapy for stress-related physical symptoms.
DARE: The New Way to End Anxiety and Stop Panic Attacks
Current edition
An accessible and encouraging method for responding differently to panic and intense anxiety.
Panic Attacks Workbook
Second Edition
A practical CBT and exposure-based workbook built around understanding and reversing the panic cycle.
Rewire Your Anxious Brain
Second Edition
An approachable explanation of the brain science behind fear, panic, and physical anxiety symptoms.
Recommended reading
Depression and Self-Criticism
Resources for low mood, hopelessness, self-criticism, motivation struggles, shame, and patterns of withdrawal.
The Mindful Way Through Depression
Second Edition (2024)
A mindfulness-based cognitive therapy resource for relating differently to depressive thoughts and moods.
Feeling Great
Current edition
A practical CBT-oriented guide to identifying and changing depressive and self-defeating thinking patterns.
The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook
Current edition
Especially useful for shame, harsh self-judgment, perfectionism, and chronic feelings of inadequacy.
Recommended reading
ADHD and Executive Functioning
Resources for attention, organization, procrastination, emotional reactivity, planning, time management, and follow-through.
Taking Charge of Adult ADHD
Second Edition
A research-informed guide combining treatment information with practical strategies for adult ADHD.
How to ADHD
Current edition
An accessible, ADHD-friendly guide to routines, environments, executive functioning, and self-understanding.
The Adult ADHD Tool Kit
Current edition
A structured CBT-based guide for procrastination, organization, time management, and follow-through.
Recommended reading
Trauma and Nervous System Regulation
Resources for understanding trauma responses, body-based coping, safety, and nervous system regulation. Trauma-related reading can bring up strong emotions, so approach it gradually and consider discussing it with a therapist.
Transforming the Living Legacy of Trauma
Current edition
A practical trauma resource with worksheets and accessible explanations of regulation and trauma responses.
The Body Keeps the Score
Current edition
A widely recognized overview of how trauma can affect the body, emotions, relationships, and behavior.
Trauma and Recovery
Updated 2022 edition
A foundational account of trauma, safety, remembrance, reconnection, and trauma's broader social context.
Recommended reading
Relationships and Boundaries
Resources for communication, attachment patterns, boundaries, people-pleasing, conflict, and relationship stress.
Set Boundaries, Find Peace
Current edition
A clear general-audience guide to recognizing, communicating, and maintaining healthy boundaries.
Hold Me Tight
Current edition
An attachment-focused guide for couples seeking to understand emotional needs and recurring conflict cycles.
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
Current or revised edition
Research-informed exercises for communication, friendship, conflict, and maintaining connection.
Recommended reading
Emotional Regulation
Practical resources for managing intense emotions, impulsive reactions, shame, anger, distress, or overwhelm.
The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook
Second Edition
A strong skills-based option covering emotion regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and relationships.
Emotional Agility
Current edition
Guidance on making space for difficult emotions while choosing actions aligned with personal values.
Permission to Feel
Current edition
A practical guide to recognizing, labeling, understanding, expressing, and regulating emotions.
Recommended reading
Parenting and Teens
Books for parents, caregivers, and teens seeking guidance on anxiety, emotions, communication, and developmentally appropriate coping. You can also read about online therapy for teens in Florida.
The Emotional Lives of Teenagers
Current edition
A parent-facing guide to normal adolescent emotions, supporting teens, and recognizing when help may be needed.
How to Talk So Teens Will Listen & Listen So Teens Will Talk
Current edition
Practical communication strategies for reducing defensiveness and improving parent-teen conversations.
The Anxiety Workbook for Teens
Second Edition
Exercises written directly for teens dealing with fear, worry, physical anxiety, and coping.
Recommended reading
Books for Therapists
Clinically oriented reading for therapists, counselors, students, and clinicians. Additional professional resources are available on the For Therapists page.
The Gift of Therapy
Current edition
Reflective guidance on the therapeutic relationship, presence, authenticity, and the therapist's use of self.
ACT Made Simple
Second Edition
A practical ACT introduction with exercises, metaphors, scripts, case examples, and trauma applications.
Motivational Interviewing: Helping People Change and Grow
Fourth Edition
An authoritative resource for working with ambivalence, engagement, motivation, and behavior change.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are these books a substitute for therapy?
No. These books may support reflection or skill-building, but they do not replace therapy, medical care, medication management, crisis support, or individualized clinical guidance.
How should I choose which book to read first?
Start with the topic that most closely matches what you are working on now. If you are in therapy, you can also ask your therapist which resource fits your goals and readiness.
Do I need to buy these books to work with you?
No. Every book on this page is optional. Some people enjoy using books or workbooks between sessions, while others prefer to focus only on therapy sessions.
Why are there Amazon links?
These are Amazon affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission from qualifying purchases. This does not change the price you pay.
Can therapists use this page too?
Yes. Therapists may find these books useful for professional reading or possible bibliotherapy ideas. Clinicians should use their own judgment, scope, and ethical guidelines.