8 Must-Read Books and Resources Recommended by Psychologists
Psychologist Brief
8 Must-Read Books and Resources Recommended by Psychologists
Discover a curated list of must-read books and resources that have shaped the field of psychology. This collection, recommended by leading psychologists, offers invaluable insights into human behavior, emotional well-being, and personal growth. From understanding trauma's impact to cultivating mindful leadership, these expert-endorsed materials provide a comprehensive guide for anyone seeking to deepen their psychological knowledge.
- Whole-Brain Child Empowers Through Connection
- Body Keeps Score Illuminates Trauma's Impact
- Challenging Forgiveness in Trauma Recovery
- Permission to Feel Enhances Emotional Literacy
- Emotions Are Made Reframes Mental Responses
- Power of Now Cultivates Mindful Leadership
- Body Signals Stress Through Physical Symptoms
- Gifts of Imperfection Embraces Authentic Leadership
Whole-Brain Child Empowers Through Connection
One book that has been particularly helpful for me, both personally and professionally, is "The Whole-Brain Child" by Dr. Daniel J. Siegel and Tina Payne Bryson. As a child and educational psychologist, I appreciate how this book breaks down complex neuroscience into practical, easy-to-understand strategies for supporting children's emotional and cognitive development. It beautifully aligns with the ethos of my work at Balloon Educational Psychology, where we focus on championing young hearts, minds, and dreams. What makes this resource stand out is its emphasis on connection over correction--it empowers adults to co-regulate with children rather than simply manage behavior. The use of simple metaphors, like the "upstairs/downstairs brain," makes the science accessible not only to professionals but also to parents and even children themselves. More than just a book, it offers a mindset shift that encourages empathy, emotional safety, and lasting resilience in young people.
Body Keeps Score Illuminates Trauma's Impact
One book that has been particularly helpful to me, both personally and professionally, is "The Body Keeps the Score" by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk. Recommended to me by a psychologist colleague, this book profoundly changed the way I understand trauma, mental health, and healing. What makes it stand out is its holistic and compassionate approach to the mind-body connection, especially in how it illustrates the lasting imprint trauma leaves not only on our thoughts and emotions but also on our physical bodies.
Dr. van der Kolk, a renowned psychiatrist and trauma researcher, explains how trauma reshapes the brain and body, affecting memory, emotional regulation, and our ability to feel safe in the world. The book doesn't just stop at describing the problem--it offers a variety of evidence-based interventions that go beyond traditional talk therapy, such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), yoga, mindfulness, and neurofeedback. This diverse toolbox of healing modalities is one of the key reasons the book stands out. It recognizes that healing is not one-size-fits-all and that the body plays a crucial role in recovering from emotional wounds.
Personally, this resource has helped me better understand my own stress responses and past experiences. It gave me language and insight for patterns I hadn't fully connected before--like why certain physical symptoms might flare up during emotional stress, or why some people find it hard to "just talk" about what they're going through. It has also deepened my empathy for others and transformed the way I support clients and loved ones who are navigating trauma.
"The Body Keeps the Score" is not only informative but also deeply validating. It reminds us that our reactions are not signs of weakness but adaptations to experiences that overwhelmed our ability to cope at the time. That message alone is incredibly healing. Whether you're a clinician, someone working through your own healing, or simply curious about the mind-body relationship, this book offers both knowledge and hope--a powerful combination in any mental health journey.
Challenging Forgiveness in Trauma Recovery
"You Don't Need to Forgive: Trauma Recovery On Your Own Terms" is an invaluable resource for trauma survivors and their clinicians who feel alienated and even gaslighted by the toxic positivity and moralism that often characterizes attitudes about forgiveness in psychology and self-help. Bringing together research and testimony from psychologists, psychotherapists, criminologists, philosophers, religious leaders, and trauma survivors, psychotherapist and expert in complex trauma recovery Amanda Ann Gregory explores the benefits of elective forgiveness and the dangers of required forgiveness. Elective forgiveness gives survivors the agency to progress in their recovery on their own terms. Forgiveness is helpful for some, but it is not universally necessary for recovery; each person should have the power to choose.
Permission to Feel Enhances Emotional Literacy
One lesser-known gem that really resonated with me is "Permission to Feel" by Dr. Marc Brackett. He's a psychologist at Yale and the founder of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence. The book is deceptively simple but incredibly impactful—it helped me realize how often we skip past naming what we're actually feeling, and how much power there is in slowing down to do just that.
What stood out most is his "RULER" framework for building emotional literacy. It's not fluffy—it's research-backed, practical, and honestly changed how I handle conversations (especially tough ones). It gave me a much better grip on managing stress and staying present instead of reacting on autopilot.
It's one of those books that doesn't just live on the shelf—it quietly rewires how you show up in daily life.
Emotions Are Made Reframes Mental Responses
"How Emotions Are Made" by Dr. Lisa Feldman Barrett completely shifted how I understand and manage my emotional world. Unlike the traditional view that emotions are hardwired, Barrett explains that emotions are constructed by our brains based on past experiences and context. This insight helped me realize I have more agency than I thought—I can train my brain to respond differently by changing the stories I tell myself. It's not just empowering; it's practical. This book, recommended by a psychologist I deeply trust, helped me reframe everything from conflict to confidence with more clarity and compassion.
Power of Now Cultivates Mindful Leadership
One book that had a significant impact on me, recommended by a psychologist I deeply respect, is "The Power of Now" by Eckhart Tolle. While it is not a traditional psychology textbook, its teachings around mindfulness, presence, and managing thought patterns have been incredibly relevant both personally and professionally. What stood out to me immediately was how practical the advice was, even though the concepts were profound. It wasn't just about understanding theory; it was about applying small changes daily to create a noticeable shift in how I navigated challenges and relationships.
As a founder, it's easy to get trapped in cycles of overthinking — always planning for the future or revisiting past decisions. "The Power of Now" helped me see how much energy I was losing to distractions that weren't adding real value to the moment I was in. It encouraged me to build a stronger mental habit of focusing fully on the task or conversation at hand. This shift improved my leadership, enhanced my creativity, and even made my decision-making faster and more confident.
What also made this resource stand out is that it doesn't pretend life will always be easy or emotions simple to manage. Instead, it offers a framework for dealing with inevitable pressures without becoming overwhelmed by them. Especially in a fast-moving industry like digital marketing, staying grounded is critical. "The Power of Now" gave me tools to do that more consistently, which in turn helped me lead my team more effectively and show up better for our clients.
I often recommend it to other entrepreneurs because building a business isn't just about strategy and execution — it's about mindset. If you can train yourself to be more present and aware, you unlock a level of resilience and creativity that traditional business books often overlook.
Body Signals Stress Through Physical Symptoms
One book a psychologist once recommended to me that really resonated was "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk. At the time, I was juggling far too many responsibilities—business stress, family obligations, and my own emotional burnout. I thought I was managing well... until my body started signaling otherwise: constant fatigue, anxiety, and even stomach issues.
A therapist suggested this book, and it was truly eye-opening. It explained how trauma (whether major or minor) isn't just a mental experience—it resides in your body as well. That realization was transformative. I began approaching stress management not just through mindset, but also through physical activities—yoga, breathing exercises, and even mindful walking.
What made the book stand out is its deeply human approach. While it's backed by research, it's told through real-life stories, making it relatable. I saw aspects of myself in every chapter.
Since reading it, I've recommended it to friends, colleagues—anyone who feels they're carrying an invisible burden. It taught me that healing isn't just about changing thought patterns; it's about treating your entire self with care.
Gifts of Imperfection Embraces Authentic Leadership
One book that truly resonated with me, recommended by a psychologist, is "The Gifts of Imperfection" by Brené Brown. It explores the power of embracing vulnerability and imperfection, which really shifted my perspective as a leader. I used to equate strength with perfection, but this book helped me understand that true leadership lies in being authentic, compassionate, and open about our flaws.
Reading it made me realize how much more connected and resilient teams can be when we let go of the need for perfection and embrace our authentic selves. It also taught me that vulnerability isn't a weakness but a strength that fosters trust and growth. As I've integrated these lessons into my work, I've noticed a more supportive, collaborative environment within my company.
