Thrive’s team is composed of psychiatrists, therapists, primary care physicians, nutritionists, and mindful movement specialists – and they all love a good book! In honor of Health Literacy Month , Thrive’s specialists shared their favorite books about mental and behavioral health, which they often recommend to clients. Topics range from eating disorders and body image to perinatal mental health, parenting, and grief, and also include several selections relating to overall well-being. Peruse a comprehensive list of titles along with the books’ corresponding descriptions below. Now, it’s time to cozy up and get inspired with a good book!

Jump to your favorite topic:

• Books About Mental and Behavioral Health
• Books About Eating Disorders and Body Image
• Books About Perinatal Mental Health
• Books About Parenting
• Books About Grief and Loss
• Books for Children About Grief and Loss

BOOKS ABOUT MENTAL AND BEHAVIORAL HEALTH

A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters

by Steven C. Hayes Ph.D.

“In this landmark book, the originator and pioneering researcher into Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) lays out the psychological flexibility skills that make it one of the most powerful approaches research has yet to offer.”

Accessing the Healing Power of the Vagus Nerve: Self-Help Exercises for Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, and Autism

by Stanley Rosenburg

“Through a series of easy self-help exercises, the book illustrates the simple ways we can regulate the vagus nerve in order to initiate deep relaxation, improve sleep, and recover from injury and trauma.”

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art

by James Nestor

“Drawing on thousands of years of medical texts and recent cutting-edge studies in pulmonology, psychology, biochemistry, and human physiology, Breath turns the conventional wisdom of what we thought we knew about our most basic biological function on its head.”

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle

by Emily Nagoski Ph.D. and Amelia Nagoski DMA

“Sisters Emily Nagoski, Ph.D., and Amelia Nagoski, DMA, are here to help end the cycle of feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. Instead of asking us to ignore the very real obstacles and societal pressures that stand between women and well-being, they explain with compassion and optimism what we’re up against—and show us how to fight back.”

Codependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself

by Melody Beattie

“With instructive life stories, personal reflections, exercises, and self-tests, Codependent No More is a simple, straightforward, readable map of the perplexing world of codependency–charting the path to freedom and a lifetime of healing, hope, and happiness.”

Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life

by Emily Nagoski, Ph.D.

“For much of the 20th and 21st centuries, women’s sexuality was an uncharted territory in science, studied far less frequently—and far less seriously—than its male counterpart. That is, until Emily Nagoski’s Come As You Are, which used groundbreaking science and research to prove that the most important factor in creating and sustaining a sex life filled with confidence and joy is not what the parts are or how they’re organized but how you feel about them.”

Man’s Search for Meaning

by Viktor E. Frankl

“‘An enduring work of survival literature,’ according to the New York Times, Viktor Frankl’s riveting account of his time in the Nazi concentration camps, and his insightful exploration of the human will to find meaning in spite of the worst adversity, has offered solace and guidance to generations of readers since it was first published in 1946. At the heart of Frankl’s theory of logotherapy (from the Greek word for “meaning”) is a conviction that the primary human drive is not pleasure, as Freud maintained, but rather the discovery and pursuit of what the individual finds meaningful.”

Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

by Brené Brown

“As a grounded theory researcher, Brown has listened as a range of people – from leaders in Fortune 500 companies and the military to artists, couples in long-term relationships, teachers, and parents – shared their stories of being brave, falling, and getting back up. She asked herself, what do these people with strong and loving relationships, leaders nurturing creativity, artists pushing innovation, and clergy walking with people through faith and mystery have in common? The answer was clear: They recognize the power of emotion, and they’re not afraid to lean into discomfort.”

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma

by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.

“In ‘The Body Keeps the Score’, [Dr. Bessel van der Kolk] uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores innovative treatments—from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga—that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain’s natural neuroplasticity.”

The Buddha and the Borderline: My Recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder through Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Buddhism, and Online Dating

by Kiera Van Gelder

“Kiera’s story sheds light on the private struggle to transform suffering into compassion for herself and others, and is essential reading for all seeking to understand what it truly means to recover and reclaim the desire to live.”

The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive

by Kristin Neff, Ph.D. and Christopher Germer, Ph.D.

“This science-based workbook offers a step-by-step approach to breaking free of harsh self-judgments and impossible standards in order to cultivate emotional well-being.”

The Sleep Solution: Why Your Sleep is Broken and How to Fix It

by W. Chris Winter, M.D.

“‘The Sleep Solution’ is an exciting journey of sleep self-discovery and understanding that will help you custom design specific interventions to fit your lifestyle.”

Things Might Go Terribly, Horribly Wrong: A Guide to Life Liberated from Anxiety

by Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D.

“This book approaches the problem of anxiety a little differently than most. Instead of trying to help you overcome or reduce feelings of anxiety, ‘Things Might Go Terribly, Horribly Wrong’ will help you climb inside these feelings, sit in that place, and see what it would be like to have anxiety and still make room in your life to breathe and rest and live — really and truly live — in a way that matters to you.”

What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing

by Bruce D. Perry, M.D., Ph.D. and Oprah Winfrey

“Through deeply personal conversations, Oprah Winfrey and renowned brain and trauma expert Dr. Bruce Perry offer a groundbreaking and profound shift from asking ‘What’s wrong with you?’ to ‘What happened to you?’”

Why Do I Hurt? A Patient Book About the Neuroscience of Pain

by Adriaan Louw, PT, Ph.D., CSMT

“‘Why Do I Hurt?’ teaches patients the science of pain in approachable language with metaphors, examples and images.”

Why We Sleep: Unlocking the Power of Sleep and Dreams

by Matthew Walker, Ph.D.

“Charting cutting-edge scientific breakthroughs, and synthesizing decades of research and clinical practice, Walker explains how we can harness sleep to improve learning, mood, and energy levels; regulate hormones; prevent cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes; slow the effects of aging; increase longevity; enhance the education and lifespan of our children, and boost the efficiency, success, and productivity of our businesses.”

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BOOKS ABOUT EATING DISORDERS AND BODY IMAGE

8 Keys to Recovery from an Eating Disorder: Effective Strategies from Therapeutic Practice and Personal Experience (8 Keys to Mental Health)

by Carolyn Costin and Gwen Schubert Grabb

“The authors bravely share their unique stories of suffering from and eventually overcoming their own severe eating disorders.”

Anti-Diet: Reclaim Your Time, Money, Well-Being, and Happiness Through Intuitive Eating

by Christy Harrison, MPH, RD

“In ‘Anti-Diet,’ Christy Harrison takes on diet culture and the multi-billion-dollar industries that profit from it, exposing all the ways it robs people of their time, money, health, and happiness.”

Body Image: A Handbook of Science, Practice, and Prevention

by Thomas F. Cash and Linda Smolak

“Contributors review established and emerging theories and findings; probe questions of culture, gender, health, and disorder; and present evidence-based assessment, treatment, and prevention approaches for the full range of body image concerns.”

Body Respect: What Conventional Health Books Get Wrong, Leave Out, and Just Plain Fail to Understand about Weight

by Linda Bacon, Ph.D. and Lucy Aphramor, Ph.D., RD

“Dr. Linda Bacon and Dr. Lucy Aphramor’s ‘Body Respect’ debunks common myths about weight, including the misconceptions that BMI can accurately measure health, that fatness necessarily leads to disease, and that dieting will improve health.”

Eating Disorders: A Parents’ Guide

by Rachel Bryant-Waugh and Bryan Lask

“Written by two experienced clinicians, this new edition is dedicated to clarifying the subject of eating disorders. Combining an accessible and straightforward introduction to the subject with practical advice, this book represents the first step towards recognising, understanding and dealing with the problem.”

Eating in the Light of the Moon: How Women Can Transform Their Relationship with Food Through Myths, Metaphors, and Storytelling

by Anita A. Johnston Ph.D.

“By weaving practical insights and exercises through a rich tapestry of multicultural myths, ancient legends, and folktales, Anita Johnston helps the millions of women preoccupied with their weight discover and address the issues behind their negative attitudes toward food.”

Eating to Lose: Healing From a Life of Diabulimia

by Maryjeanne Hunt

“A hopeful and empowering memoir of one woman’s struggle with diabulimia, an eating disorder linked to diabetes.”

Fearing the Black Body: The Racial Origins of Fat Phobia

by Sabrina Strings

“An important and original work, ‘Fearing the Black Body’ argues convincingly that fat phobia isn’t about health at all, but rather a means of using the body to validate race, class, and gender prejudice.”

Fed Up! : The Breakthrough Ten-Step, No-Diet Fitness Plan Paperback

by Wendy Oliver-Pyatt, M.D.

“No carb counting, ab rolling, or juicing—instead, Dr. Oliver-Pyatt shows how people can lose weight and develop a healthy attitude toward food—for life.”

Help Your Teenager Beat an Eating Disorder

by James Lock, M.D., Ph.D. and Daniel Le Grange, Ph.D.

“Learn how to monitor your teen’s eating and exercise, manage mealtimes, end weight-related power struggles, and partner successfully with health care providers.”

Helping Your Child with Extreme Picky Eating

by Katja Rowell, M.D. and Jenny McGlothlin, MS, SLP

“You’ll discover specific strategies for dealing with anxiety, low appetite, sensory challenges, autism spectrum-related feeding issues, oral motor delay, and medically-based feeding problems.”

Intuitive Eating: A Revolutionary Anti-Diet Approach

by RDN Evelyn Tribole, MS, RDN and Elyse Resch, MS

“The authors, both prominent health professionals in the field of nutrition and eating disorders, urge readers to embrace the goal of developing body positivity and reconnecting with one’s internal wisdom about eating―to unlearn everything they were taught about calorie-counting and other aspects of diet culture and to learn about the harm of weight stigma.”

It was Never About the Food: Stories of Recovery from Eating Disorders

by Dr. Tony Paulson, Dr. Eve Snyder, and Mark Gibson, LCSW

“Whether you are someone entering treatment, returning to treatment, supporting someone in treatment, or even contemplating treatment, it is intended to shine a spotlight on the path to recovery. The authors share the stories of four individuals who developed and struggled with an eating disorder and overcame it.”

Life Without Ed: How One Woman Declared Independence from Her Eating Disorder and How You Can Too

by Jenni Schaefer and Thom Rutledge

“Inspiring, compassionate, and filled with practical exercises to help you break up with your own personal E.D., ‘Life Without Ed’ provides hope to the millions of people plagued by eating disorders.”

More Than a Body: Your Body Is an Instrument, Not an Ornament

by Lexie Kite, Ph.D. and Lindsay Kite, Ph.D.

“With insights drawn from their extensive body image research, Lindsay and Lexie—Ph.D.s and founders of the nonprofit Beauty Redefined (and also twin sisters!)—lay out an action plan that arms you with the skills you need to reconnect with your whole self and free yourself from the constraints of self-objectification.”

My Kid is Back: Empowering Parents to Beat Anorexia Nervosa

by June Alexander and Daniel Le Grange

“‘My Kid is Back’ explains how family-based treatment can greatly reduce the severity of anorexia nervosa in children and adolescents, allowing the sufferer to return to normal eating patterns, and their families to return to normal family life.”

Sick Enough: A Guide to the Medical Complications of Eating Disorders

by Jennifer L. Gaudiani

“‘Sick Enough’ offers patients, their families, and clinicians a comprehensive, accessible review of the medical issues that arise from eating disorders by bringing relatable case presentations and a scientifically sound, engaging style to the topic.”

Why She Feels Fat: Understanding Your Loved One’s Eating Disorder and How You Can Help

by Johanna Marie McShane, Ph.D. and Tony Paulson, Ph.D.

“Sprinkled with over 100 quotes from recovering individuals, Why She Feels Fat explores eating disorders from the inside out to convey the emotional experience and perspectives of those who have them. Decoding the deeper meaning of the statement “I feel fat” is at the heart of this simple and straightforward book that also includes basic information about eating disorders, such as signs, symptoms, medical complications, causes, approaches to treatment, and stages of recovery.”

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BOOKS ABOUT PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH

Dropping the Baby and Other Scary Thoughts: Breaking the Cycle of Unwanted Thoughts in Parenthood

by Karen Kleiman, MSW, LCSW and Amy Wenzel, Ph.D., ABPP

“This accessible guide addresses the nature of the intrusive and unwanted thoughts that can be common in new parenthood, and offers practical answers and advice on how to tackle these.”

Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers

by Karen Kleiman, MSW, LCSW and Molly McIntyre

“Lighthearted yet serious, warm yet not sugary, and perfectly portioned for busy moms with full plates, ‘Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts’ is the go-to resource for moms, partners, and families everywhere who need help with this difficult period.”

Movements That Heal: Rhythmic Movement Training and Primitive Reflex Integration

by Harald Blomberg, M.D. and Moira Dempsey

“Discusses the developmental and environmental reasons behind many learning, sensory, emotional and behavioural challenges.”

Nurture: A Modern Guide to Pregnancy, Birth, Early Motherhood and Trusting Yourself and Your Body

by Erica Chidi and Jillian Ditner

“Nurture is the only all-in-one pregnancy and birthing book for modern mothers-to-be and their partners who want a more integrative approach.”

Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety Workbook: Practical Skills to Help You Overcome Anxiety, Worry, Panic Attacks, Obsessions, and Compulsions

by Pamela S. Wiegartz, Ph.D., Kevin L. Gyoerkoe, PsyD, et al.

“‘The Pregnancy and Postpartum Anxiety Workbook’ offers powerful strategies grounded in evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help you control your worry, panic, and anxiety.”

The Fifth Trimester: The Working Mom’s Guide to Style, Sanity, and Big Success After Baby

by Lauren Smith Brody

“‘The Fifth Trimester’ is your one-stop shop for the honest, funny, and comforting tips, to-do lists, and take-charge strategies you’ll need to embrace your new identity as a working parent and set yourself up for success.”

This Isn’t What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression

by Karen Kleiman, MSW, LCSW and Valerie Davis Raskin, M.D.

“Written by two postpartum experts, a definitive guide offering compassionate support and solid advice on dealing with every aspect of Postpartum Depression (PPD).”

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BOOKS ABOUT PARENTING

Easy to Love, Difficult to Discipline: The 7 Basic Skills for Turning Conflict into Cooperation

by Becky A. Bailey, Ph.D.

“You love your children, but if you’re like most parents, you don’t always love their behavior. But how can you guide them without resorting to less-than-optimal behavior yourself? Dr. Becky Bailey’s unusual and powerful approach to parenting has made thousands of families happier and healthier.”

The Good Mother Myth: Redefining Motherhood to Fit Reality

by Avital Norman Nathman

“This collection of essays takes a realistic look at motherhood and provides a platform for real voices and raw stories, each adding to the narrative of motherhood we don’t tend to see in the headlines or on the news.”

The Whole-Brain Child: 12 Revolutionary Strategies to Nurture Your Child’s Developing Mind

by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Tina Payne Bryson, Ph.D.

“In this pioneering, practical book, Daniel J. Siegel, neuropsychiatrist and author of the bestselling Mindsight, and parenting expert Tina Payne Bryson offer a revolutionary approach to child rearing with twelve key strategies that foster healthy brain development, leading to calmer, happier children.”

The Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto

by Brené Brown

A manifesto for parents from Brené Brown’s ‘Daring Greatly’ available for download.

Parenting from the Inside Out: How a Deeper Self-Understanding Can Help You Raise Children Who Thrive

by Daniel J. Siegel, M.D. and Mary Hartzell, M.Ed.

“In ‘Parenting from the Inside Out,’ child psychiatrist Daniel J. Siegel, M.D., and early childhood expert Mary Hartzell, M.Ed., explore the extent to which our childhood experiences shape the way we parent.”

Raising a Secure Child: How Circle of Security Parenting Can Help You Nurture Your Child’s Attachment, Emotional Resilience, and Freedom to Explore

by Kent Hoffman

“Filled with vivid stories and unique practical tools, this book puts the keys to healthy attachment within everyone’s reach–self-understanding, flexibility, and the willingness to make and learn from mistakes.”

Raising a Sensory Smart Child: The Definitive Handbook for Helping Your Child with Sensory Processing Issues

by Lindsey Beil, M.A. OTR/L and Nancy Peske

“For children with sensory difficulties — those who struggle to process everyday sensations and exhibit unusual behaviors such as avoiding or seeking out touch, movement, sounds, and sights — this groundbreaking book is an invaluable resource.”

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BOOKS ABOUT GRIEF AND LOSS

Bearing the Unbearable: Love, Loss, and the Heartbreaking Path of Grief

by Joanne Cacciatore, Ph.D.

“Organized into fifty-two short chapters, ‘Bearing the Unbearable’ is a companion for life’s most difficult times, revealing how grief can open our hearts to connection, compassion, and the very essence of our shared humanity.”

Edna

by Susan Paradis

“This book can be of help to children who suffer from a variety of difficulties – grief, loss, anxiety, bullying, shyness, recent immigration, or other trauma.”

First Aid for Broken Hearts

by Alan D. Wolfelt, Ph.D.

“Whether you’re struggling with a death, break-up, illness, unwanted life change, or loss of any kind, this book will help you both understand your predicament and figure out what to do about it.”

Holding Space: On Loving, Dying, and Letting Go

by Amy Wright Glenn

“A ‘beautifully written’ book on the spiritual, emotional, and philosophical implications of end-of-life care—by an author and hospital chaplain.”

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BOOKS FOR CHILDREN ABOUT GRIEF AND LOSS

In My Heart: A Book of Feelings

by Jo Witek

“‘In My Heart’ explores a full range of emotions, describing how they feel physically, inside, with language that is lyrical but also direct to empower readers to practice articulating and identifying their own emotions.”

Since My Brother Died

by Marisol Munoz-Kiehne

“In this book, the child talks about how things are different since his brother died. In the end, the child realizes his brother is still alive in his heart.”

The Goodbye Book

by Todd Parr

“Touching upon the host of emotions children experience, Todd reminds readers that it’s okay not to know all the answers, and that someone will always be there to support them.”

The Grief Bubble: Helping Kids Explore and Understand Grief

by Kerry DeBay

“‘The Grief Bubble’ is a special workbook for children ages 6 and older who have experienced the death of someone special.”

The Invisible String

by Patrice Karst

“‘The Invisible String’ offers a very simple approach to overcoming loneliness, separation, or loss with an imaginative twist that children easily understand and embrace, and delivers a particularly compelling message in today’s uncertain times.”

The Memory Tree

by Britta Teckentrup

“A beautiful and heartfelt picture book to help children celebrate the memories left behind when a loved one dies.”

The Rabbit Listened

by Cori Doerrfeld

“With its spare, poignant text and irresistibly sweet illustration, ‘The Rabbit Listened’ is about how to comfort and heal the people in your life, by taking the time to carefully, lovingly, gently listen.”

When Dinosaurs Die, A Guide to Understanding Death

by Laurie Krasny Brown and Marc Brown

“Straightforward and comprehensive, this indispensable book is a comforting aid to help young kids and families through a difficult time in their lives.”

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TURN THE PAGE ON YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

If you’d like, you can continue learning about and improving your mental and behavioral health through therapy. Thrive offers outpatient therapy as well as treatment programs for individuals struggling with eating disorders and perinatal mental health. Give us a call to learn more about our services.