Resources
Book Recommendations
Recommended reading for growth, healing, and stronger relationships.
Books We Often Recommend to Clients
At Catherine Cundy & Associates, we believe that healing doesn't happen only during therapy sessions. Many clients find that reading can provide valuable insight, language for their experiences, practical tools, and hope for change between appointments.
The books below are some of our most frequently recommended resources. While no single book is right for everyone, these authors have profoundly influenced our work as therapists and have helped countless individuals, couples, and families better understand themselves and their relationships.
We encourage clients to discuss any books they are reading with their therapist so recommendations can be tailored to their unique needs and goals.
Trauma, Healing, and the Brain
The Body Keeps the Score
Bessel van der Kolk
One of the most influential books on trauma ever written, The Body Keeps the Score explores how traumatic experiences affect the brain, nervous system, body, and relationships. Dr. van der Kolk explains why trauma often continues to impact people long after the event has passed and highlights evidence-based approaches to healing.
Books by Peter Levine
Peter Levine
Featured Titles
- Waking the Tiger
- Healing Trauma
- In an Unspoken Voice
- Trauma and Memory
- An Autobiography of Trauma
Peter Levine is the creator of Somatic Experiencing®, a body-based approach to trauma treatment. His work helps readers understand how trauma becomes stored in the nervous system and how healing occurs when the body is given opportunities to complete interrupted survival responses.
Personal Growth, Vulnerability, and Courage
Books by Brené Brown
Brené Brown
Featured Titles
- Daring Greatly
- The Gifts of Imperfection
- Rising Strong
- Braving the Wilderness
- Atlas of the Heart
- I Thought It Was Just Me
- Dare to Lead
Brené Brown's work focuses on vulnerability, shame resilience, courage, authenticity, and connection. Her books help readers understand how perfectionism, shame, and fear of judgment often keep us from living fully and connecting deeply with others.
Books by Kristin Neff
Kristin Neff
Featured Titles
- Self-Compassion
- Fierce Self-Compassion
Many people find it easier to show kindness to others than to themselves. Kristin Neff's groundbreaking work teaches readers how self-compassion can reduce anxiety, shame, and self-criticism while increasing resilience, emotional well-being, and motivation.
Relationships and Couples
Books by Terry Real
Terry Real
Featured Titles
- Us
- The New Rules of Marriage
- I Don't Want to Talk About It
- How Can I Get Through to You?
Terry Real's work combines relational wisdom, practical skills, and deep compassion. His books help individuals and couples identify unhealthy relationship patterns, heal relational wounds, improve communication, and create relationships based on intimacy, respect, and authenticity.
Books by John Gottman and Julie Gottman
John Gottman & Julie Gottman
Featured Titles
- The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work
- Eight Dates
- What Makes Love Last?
- The Relationship Cure
- Fight Right
- And Baby Makes Three
The Gottmans have spent decades studying what makes relationships succeed and fail. Their books provide practical, research-based tools for strengthening friendship, improving communication, navigating conflict, rebuilding trust, and increasing emotional connection.
Books by Sue Johnson
Sue Johnson
Featured Titles
- Hold Me Tight
- Love Sense
- Created for Connection
- Attachment Theory in Practice
- A Primer for Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy
Sue Johnson's work is rooted in attachment science and helps readers understand the emotional bonds that shape our relationships. Her books teach couples how to recognize negative cycles, strengthen emotional connection, and create secure, lasting relationships.
For Therapists, Caregivers, and Those Interested in the Therapy Process
The Gift of Therapy
Irvin D. Yalom
Written by one of the most respected psychotherapists of our time, The Gift of Therapy offers wisdom about healing, human connection, personal growth, and the therapeutic relationship. Although written primarily for therapists, many clients find it inspiring and insightful. The book reminds us that meaningful healing often occurs through authentic human connection, self-awareness, and the courage to face life's challenges with honesty and compassion.
A Final Note
Books can be powerful companions on the journey toward healing, growth, and healthier relationships. While reading can provide insight and inspiration, lasting change often occurs when new understanding is combined with support, reflection, and practice.
If you're unsure where to start, your therapist can help identify the book that best fits your current goals, challenges, and stage of growth. Together, we can help transform knowledge into meaningful change.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Reading is a wonderful first step. When you're ready to go deeper, our therapists are here to support you.