Helping others and getting help has been an integral part of my life and career. Over 30 years in the mental health world allowed me to explore many books, individuals and the simple ones are the best. They get to the core of change quickly which is vital sometimes to keep people alive. Supporting others is my passion and the truth is reading has allowed me to continue without burnout and some of my reading list are my go to books when this feels like it maybe coming.
I wrote
Sh*t Creek to Somewhere Else: The options to change even when all the odds are against you
I love this book it recognises the dynamics we all play using the simple structure of the wind in the willows book to make and important point.
I read this every year without fail and if you have ever had a problem in your family about who is bossing you about and how to get through this as an adult then have a read.
'Toad', the famous character in Kenneth Grahame's The Wind in the Willows is in a very depressed state and his good friends Rat, Mole and Badger, are 'worried that he might do something silly'... First they nursed him. Then they encouraged him. Then they told him to pull himself together... Finally, Badger could stand it no longer. That admirable animal, though long on exhortation, was short on patience. 'Now look here Toad, this can go on no longer', he said sternly. 'There is only one thing left. You must have counselling!' Robert de Board's engaging account of Toad's experience of…
I was taught many years ago to live a day at a time this book cements the principles of this in a lovely story something that attracts me. I give this book to everyone I know and never had a bad review oh that’s a lie one person said it wasn’t long enough.
This concise and brilliantly readable parable can teach you how to live in the present and reset your approach to life to achieve happiness and contentment.
From the multimillion-bestselling author of WHO MOVED MY CHEESE? and perfect for fans of Derren Brow, Mark Manson and Glennon Doyle.
What Readers are saying: ***** - 'A wonderful book which makes you appreciate life and what we have.' ***** - 'I have certainly found a way that might help me to find my purpose in life and regain my enthusiasm again.' ***** - 'What a great little book... makes you feel good all…
Gifts from a Challenging Childhood
by
Jan Bergstrom,
Learn to understand and work with your childhood wounds. Do you feel like old wounds or trauma from your childhood keep showing up today? Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed with what to do about it and where to start? If so, this book will help you travel down a path…
I found this not only a confirmation of the psychological impact on hostage negotiation and how this reflects in real life and also my professional life as a therapist. At times I found this shocking and admired the truth behind the FBI agent's skills and the parallels in therapy.
A former FBI hostage negotiator offers a new, field-tested approach to negotiating - effective in any situation.
'Riveting' Adam Grant 'Stupendous' The Week 'Brilliant' Guardian ____________________________ After a stint policing the rough streets of Kansas City, Missouri, Chris Voss joined the FBI, where his career as a kidnapping negotiator brought him face-to-face with bank robbers, gang leaders and terrorists. Never Split the Difference takes you inside his world of high-stakes negotiations, revealing the nine key principles that helped Voss and his colleagues succeed when it mattered the most - when people's lives were at stake.
I laughed and cried whilst reading this book which was recommended by my youngest son.
Jimmy explored the management of the day-to-day life of someone who is seen as a successful person apart from trying to dodge his taxes. I would say it is cynical, but funny with it. Don’t not read because you don’t like the author, read to take the knowledge which I did that I have been able to share with others.
Gifts from a Challenging Childhood
by
Jan Bergstrom,
Learn to understand and work with your childhood wounds. Do you feel like old wounds or trauma from your childhood keep showing up today? Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed with what to do about it and where to start? If so, this book will help you travel down a path…
I believe this is the best professional book for counselling I have ever read.
I have called it my professional bible. It has helped me in my practice and my own personal journey. It’s a dip in and dip out book if you read it from cover to cover, I think you may get bored but good for you if you do.
Carl Rogers talks about the journey of therapy and the different most individuals go through before and after the process of change occurs. I feel he is such an intuitive individual that has shared his gift with others.
A landmark book offering a therapist's perspective on psychotherapy—a must-read for anyone interested in clinical psychology or personal growth.
Carl Rogers, founder of the humanistic psychology movement, revolutionized psychotherapy with his concept of "client-centered therapy." His influence has spanned decades, but that influence has become so much a part of mainstream psychology that the ingenious nature of his work has almost been forgotten. New discoveries in the field of psychopharmacology, especially that of the antidepressant Prozac, have spawned a quick-fix drug revolution that has obscured the psychotherapeutic relationship. As the pendulum slowly swings back toward an appreciation of the therapeutic…
It's interesting how different people have described this book and how I wrote it. This was the feedback from one: Your book Sht Creek to Somewhere Else* is powerful, raw, vulnerable, and deeply inspiring. The way you weave together the pain of child abuse, bullying, and abandonment with the triumph of building both a business and a family makes it a beacon of hope for anyone who feels defined by their past. It’s not just a memoir, it's a companion for those fighting through mental illness, addiction, or simply searching for proof that better days are possible. Here are three lessons that resonated deeply with me: Our past doesn’t define us. The journey shows how even the darkest beginnings can transform into strength and success. Healing is possible through courage. Facing abuse, bullying, and abandonment, then channeling it into growth, is an act of resilience that encourages others to do the same. Balance is achievable. You show how professional success and family life can thrive together, even after hardship. Here are some gentle discoveries I noticed, along with suggestions that might help elevate your book’s reach:
Because the title is striking, some readers may not realize at first how uplifting and healing the story actually is, positioning could make its inspirational side clearer.
Memoirs sometimes get lost in crowded categories; targeted visibility would help it stand out.
Many readers who need this message (those facing trauma or addiction) might not naturally find it unless it appears where they already search for guidance and support.
