The clinicians at The Better Institute want to share what we’ve been reading! Check out the list below to see what book each clinician recommends adding to your reading list:
Jody Bechtold ~ The Storyteller: Tales of Life and Music by Dave Grohl ~ This book sheds light on the amazing life of Dave Grohl, member of the Foo Fighters and Nirvana, and how he maintained his humility and stayed grounded while experiencing extraordinary fame and fortune. Highly recommend the audiobook version which is narrated by Dave Grohl, himself.
Rob Bumbaco ~ The As If Principle: The Radically New Approach to Changing Your Life by Richard Wiseman ~ Victorian philosopher William James had a theory about emotion and behavior: It isn’t that our feelings guide our actions (feel happy and you will laugh). On the contrary, it is our actions that guide our emotions (laugh and you will feel happy). This led James to a remarkable conclusion: “If you want a quality, act as if you already have it.”
April Condemi ~ You Are a Badass: How to Stop Doubting Your Greatness and Start living an Awesome Life by Jen Sincero ~ In this refreshingly entertaining how-to guide, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author and world-traveling success coach, Jen Sincero, serves up 27 bite-sized chapters full of hilariously inspiring stories, sage advice, easy exercises, and the occasional swear word.
Evan Dean ~ Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn ~ If you’ve ever wondered, “What is this Mindfulness thing really?” This book will tell you from the perspective of a scientist and practitioner. If you want practical ways to practice meditation in your daily life, Mr Zinn will give you concrete suggestions in plain language. If you want meditations to try, look no further. This book is a wealth of knowledge on the inner journey we call Mindfulness. I’ve found it to be wonderfully helpful as a source of creative meditations and also as a practical guide to how I can be more mindful on a daily basis.
Doug Hoesch ~ Us: Getting Past You and Me to Build a More Loving Relationship by Terrence Real (Foreword by Bruce Springsteen) ~ It takes an innovative approach to couples therapy which I personally find useful and is well researched. Working on the relationship from the stance of “We” not “I”. It does not discount the value of individual therapy during couples work however suggests that the focus of relationship work needs to change from “I” to “We”. Real teaches us how to speak up for ourselves with love and build solid, loving relationships that are authentic and interdependent. Plus the forward by Bruce Springsteen speaking of his own couples work and relationship difficulties in revealing detail.
Matt Missar ~ I Came As a Shadow: An Autobiography by John Thompson ~ This book is so much more than just highlighting John Thompson’s athletic achievements in basketball. As the first Black head coach to win an NCAA championship, John Thompson became a focal point of the conversation regarding race and sports in America. John Thompson provides incredible insight into many of the issues that are still troubling our nation today.
David Simons ~ Brain Lock: Free Yourself from Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior by Jefferey M. Schwartz, Beverly Beyette ~ Psychiatrist Jeffrey Schwartz gives an in depth view of obsessive compulsive disorder and what it is like to live with OCD. Schwartz created a 4-step self-directed method that encourages neuroplasticity in the brain. His method has helped countless individuals break out of the vicious cycle of OCD. It is noteworthy that the 4-step method can be utilized to change almost any behavior a person desires even if it is not an a compulsion or an obsession.
Robin Witt ~ Between Mom and Me by Katie Clemons ~ This book is a fun and creative way to connect with your son or daughter. This is ideal for ages 7-12. Not only is it fun as you are filling it out, but it will also make a cherished keepsake.