Resources

The Book Nook

Trauma & Recovery

• When the Body Says No by Gabor Maté

Here's why I recommend it: It beautifully explores the links between chronic stress, emotional patterns, and physical health, highlighting how we sometimes disconnect from our own needs. I think it's especially helpful for clients who are starting to understand how their survival strategies might still influence their bodies and lives today. 

• My Grandmother's Hands by Resmaa Menakem

Here's why I recommend it: It gently guides you through understanding trauma, especially how racialized stress and survival patterns can be passed down through generations. I recommend it to clients who want to see trauma not just as an event, but as something that influences their feelings of safety, connections, and how they experience their own bodies. 

• Break the Cycle by Mariel Buqué

Here's why I recommend it: It offers a gentle look at how intergenerational trauma and family patterns can shape our relationships, emotions, and sense of self. It's especially helpful for clients who are starting to notice these inherited patterns and want to learn ways to transform them. 

Relationships

• Codependent No More by Melody Beattie

Here's why I recommend it: It offers a heartfelt exploration of over-functioning, boundaries, and how we often shape our lives around others' emotions and needs. I believe it's especially helpful for clients who are discovering that caring for someone doesn't mean taking on all the responsibility.

• How to Be the Love You Seek by Nicole LePera

Here's why I recommend it: It gently explores how our first relationships influence our expectations, attachment styles, and how we connect with ourselves and others. I think it's especially helpful for clients curious about why longstanding relationship patterns can feel so hard to change—even when we realize they're not working well. 

Identity & Culture

• Mask Off by JJ Bola

Here's why I recommend it: It explores important topics like masculinity, identity, vulnerability, and how social expectations influence how we see ourselves and share ourselves with others. I think it's especially helpful for clients wondering which parts of their identity feel truly authentic, and which parts may have been shaped by expectations they've learned to cope with. 

• Hood Feminism by Mikki Kendall

Here's why I recommend it: It broadens perspectives on what feminism and social justice truly mean by exploring how race, class, food insecurity, healthcare, education, and other daily experiences connect. I think it's a great choice for clients who want to understand how identity and relationships fit into the larger social and cultural picture. 

The Listening Lab

• Anatomy of Marriage 

Why I recommend it: I really appreciate this one because it embraces the beautiful complexity of relationships rather than suggesting they can be perfected. It highlights the authentic, human journey through conflict, communication, intimacy, and healing. The hosts thoughtfully share both their professional insights and personal experiences when discussing marriage. 

• The Happiness Lab

Why I recommend it: Hosted by Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos, this podcast offers an engaging way to explore psychological research and discover practical strategies for enhancing well-being. It's a great resource for clients who love exploring the reasons behind their feelings and actions. 

• Latinx Therapy

Why I recommend it: This engaging bilingual podcast offers a heartfelt exploration of mental health within the Latinx community, highlighting personal experiences and cultural perspectives. I recommend it to clients seeking thoughtful conversations that consider culture, family, identity, and the stigma often associated with seeking help. It’s a wonderful resource to foster understanding and support. 

• Therapy for Black Girls

Why I recommend it: Hosted by knowledgeable and compassionate licensed psychologist Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, this inspiring podcast invites you into heartfelt conversations about mental health, relationships, self-care, and personal growth through the genuine experiences of Black women and girls. 

• Men's Therapy Podcast

Why I recommend it: This engaging, explorative podcast delves into topics like mental health, masculinity, emotional intelligence, relationships, and generational patterns through meaningful conversations rooted in psychology and neuroscience. I especially recommend it to men who want to reflect more deeply on how they've learned to understand emotions, vulnerability, and relationships. 

• All Black Men Need Therapy

Why I recommend it: The hosts of this podcast have created a special place for open, honest conversations about mental health, emotional well-being, relationships, and the unique experiences of Black men. I highly recommend it as a valuable resource for clients seeking discussions that truly reflect their experiences, rather than overlooking the importance of culture.