Here’s an ever-evolving list of books and electronic media that are relevant to topics that come up often in therapy.
Depression
The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression by Andrew Solomon
Solomon blends personal experience with cultural and scientific research, examining the challenges of defining depression, contending with it, and treating it.
Neuroscience
The Science of Emotions: Jaak Panksepp at TEDxRainier
Jaak Panksepp was a neuroscientist who devoted his career to understanding the science of emotions, also called affective neuroscience, a term he’s credited with coining. In this 17-minute talk, Panksepp explains what drives our emotional life, in plain talk.
Far From the Tree: Parents, Children, and the Search for Identity by Andrew Solomon
This wide-ranging book is about many things, including neurodiversity—the idea that brain differences aren’t deficits. Solomon’s work chronicles families who grapple with the challenges presented by all manner of divergence, including transgender kids, schizophrenia, autism, Down syndrome, deafness, and multiple severe disabilities.
Psychotherapy
Schopenhauer’s Porcupines by Deborah Anna Luepnitz
Though written by a therapist, this book reads like good fiction. It features five case studies of patients from very different backgrounds.
That Was Then, This is Now by Jonathan Shedler
This in-depth essay, by a modern psychoanalyst and teacher, explains psychodynamic therapy. It was written for doctoral students, but is really for anyone interested in depth therapy, with authoritative prose that’s as easy-to-read as it is insightful.
The Gift of Therapy by Irvin Yalom
A collection of 85 short chapters offering insights for patients and therapists, from a therapist who has been practicing for more than 50 years.
Relationships
Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel
In this book, a well-known couples therapist offers guidance for couples navigating the tension between the need for security and the desire for freedom.
Where Should We Begin by Esther Perel
Perel’s podcast offers us an ear into one-time therapy sessions with actual couples facing real-life relationship challenges. The podcast’s website offers helpful themes to listen for during each episode.
Sexuality
Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski
This book was written for women looking to get more comfortable with their sexual selves. It’s a supportive, insightful explanation of female sexuality that’s backed up by science and geared for non-scientists.