Kate’s Book Recommendations
Do people say you’re sensitive or shy? Do you get overwhelmed when a lot is happening around you? You may have high sensory processing sensitivity or be a highly sensitive person.
High sensory processing sensitivity is an inborn trait found in about 10 to 35% of the population. It is characterized by greater depth of information processing, increased emotional reactivity and empathy, greater awareness of environmental subtleties, and ease of overstimulation. Dr. Elaine Aron is a psychologist and clinical researcher whose work has led to a greater understanding of this trait and its implications.
Mornings can be a difficult time of day for many people. Starting your day with reading some words of wisdom from A Year Without Fear is an inspiring way to begin on the right foot.
Trauma is a part of life. There is what people sometimes call big T trauma or little T trauma. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk is a ground breaking expert with many decades of experience at treating trauma. Learn not only about trauma, but also what research shows helps us heal from its impact.
Psychosis, or loss of connection to reality, is scary for both the effected individual and their family and friends. Schizophrenia, Schizoaffective Disorder, and similar diagnoses are examples of serious mental health disorders which are chronic and associated with psychosis. Esmé Weijun Wang eloquently provides insight and understanding to these conditions.
Our breath has amazing power. Breathing is a body function we can either control or forget. When we take control of our breath, it is possible to activate our parasympathetic nervous system and calm ourselves. James Nestor dives deep to help us understand the power of breathing.
In this book, Dr. Marc Brackett introduced me to the idea of improving your emotional vocabulary to better connect with how you are feeling. The Mood Meter (discussed in this book) is a tool often used in my practice to help people understand their moods and feelings.
Atlas of the Heart is a visually appealing exploration into our emotions and feelings. Brené Brown has an extraordinary talent for making complex concepts accessible and easy to apply to our lives.
Portia Nelson tells her story to which we can all relate. They say the definition to insanity is repeatedly doing the same thing and expecting a different result. But who hasn’t found themselves stuck in a habit or pattern that does not serve us well?
Sam Chase is a wise soul and reading this book allows you to learn from his wisdom. Yoga is a mindfulness practice where you connect the body and breath. One method to increase your happiness is to incorporate mindfulness practices in your life.
Do you ever feel like your life is filled with responsibility and little fun or joy? Catherine Price breaks down the ingredients along with tips and tricks to have true fun.
Simple and superb advise for life. A quick read packed full of useful life advice.
Simple and superb advise for life written for kids and adolescents. A quick read packed full of useful life advice. My daughter was so inspired after reading this book, she proceeded to pass it around to all her good friends.
Sara Christiansen’s writing nourishes the soul. Read it cover to cover or randomly flip to a page. Either way, the words will fill you with peace and joy.
Glennon Doyle’s book about embracing her inner cheetah is one of the greatest memoirs I have read. The chapter about bagels is my personal favorite. However, this honest and insightful book is full of wisdom for everyone, especially women.
People often talk about wanting to be normal. But what is normal? Dr. Gabor Maté explores how the human experience intersects with our society, psychologic health and physical health.