THOSE BOOKS THAT HIT HOME: THE TOP FIVE FAVORITE BOOKS I RECOMMEND TO CLIENTS
(in no particular order)
Some of my clients just love to read. The more self help books I can throw at them (figuratively) the better. Others...not so much. (“Can I skip around to the good parts?”)
I catch myself recommending a few books over and over to people. Not just clients. I may also tell friends and family “Hey! You gotta check out this book.”
So here are five books I really liked for one reason or another. (I don't’ get paid for this. I just like them,)
The Five Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts By Gary Chapman
We want our partner to feel loved. We also want to feel loved back. Have you ever asked yourself “Why do they do that when all i want them to do is ___?” It’s because they are not speaking your love language. As a physical touch person I automatically give physical touch to my partner. But my partner may be an acts of service person. So I might be thinking they need to have physical touch to feel loved but they may be more apt to feel loved if I took their car in for an oil change.
Chapman’s book puts our needs into five categories (Love Languages). He explains these and how to give what our partner needs to feel loved and therefore likely improve our relationship.
I feel EVERY COUPLE can get something from this book.
2. ATTACHED: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find and Keep Love By Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
If you have ever taken Psyc 101 you have heard about John Bowlby and our attachment as children. Well, these authors get into our attachment style as adults. They divide our attachment styles into four categories: Anxious, Avoidant, Secure, and Anxious-Avoidant. The authors explain the attachment styles and help you to figure out which attachment style fits you and your partner. By reading this book you may learn why you both act and feel a certain way and how you can move to a more secure attachment style.
3. 101 Nights of Grrreat Romance By Laura Corn
This is a creative book for those that might need some help in the creativity department of their romantic relationship. The book is divided into sections: For Her Eyes Only and For His Eyes Only. The pages are sealed so no surprises get ruined. Each one gives some information and a scenario that can be planned for the other partner. The author gives each one a little code so before you open it you know if there is a cost to it (for times when money is tight) or if you might need to travel to a destination. Below is a link to the kindle version. There is also a paperback and hard cover.
4. After the Affair: Healing the Pain and Rebuilding Trust When a Partner Has Been Unfaithful By Janis Abrahms Spring
Hopefully you are not in the need for a book like this. But if you are, good for you for trying to make improvements in your life. The author goes through a lot of those questions you may be asking yourself. She covers regaining trust, can/should you recommit with that person, why it might have happened, and is forgiveness possible among other things. This may be one of those books that really hits home and helps you with those thoughts that go through your head.
5. Women Who Think Too Much By Susan Nolen-Hoeksema
Now this is a book that EVERY TIME I have suggested it and the person reads it they say “Oh My Gosh!!! That is soooo me.” (Or something like that) Even though it says for women there is some information in it that would be helpful for men. But women are notorious for ruminating and the author talks about some specifics for women.
6. A Heart Pounding Guide to Passionate Sex By Dr. Stephanie Beuhler
I read this book in a sex therapy training. I liked how it was brief, to the point, and provided much information for couples. It explains various aspects about sex and also gives some exercises to try.
7. Come As You Are. By Emily Nagoski, PhD
This is a book every woman and every man that is in a relationship with a woman should read. She explains women’s libido or sex “drive” by explaining about a woman’s “brakes and accelerators”. This book will help you to understand what might be hitting your brakes and pushing your accelerator.
https://www.amazon.com/Come-You-Are-Surprising-Transform/dp/1982165316/ref=sr_1_1?crid=385W5QXU54WQT&keywords=come+as+your+are&qid=1690050914&sprefix=come+as+your+ar%2Caps%2C209&sr=8-1
I hope this list is helpful to you. There are many other books about various topics that I have found helpful over time but the above are some I find myself often suggesting to others. Enjoy!
