Recommended Reading: People often ask what books I might recommend they read as an adjunct to their treatment. I’ve included a few of my favorites below. While they’re not in any particular order, I highly recommend everyone read How to Be an Adult, by David Richo.
- How to Be an Adult: A Handbook for Psychological and Spiritual Integration, by David Richo
- How to Be an Adult in Relationships: The Five Keys to Mindful Loving, by David Richo
- The Five Things We Cannot Change: And the Happiness We Find by Embracing Them, by David Richo
- The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho
- Man’s Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl
- When Anger Hurts: Quieting the Storm Within, by Matthew McKay, Peter Rogers, & Judith McKay
- The Velvet Rage: Overcoming the Pain of Growing Up Gay in a Straight Man’s World, by Dr. Alan Downs
- Facing Codependence: What It Is, Where It Comes from, How It Sabotages Our Lives, by Pia Melody
- Ready to Heal: Breaking Free of Addictive Relationships, by Kelly McDaniel
- Getting the Love You Want: A Guide for Couples, by Harville Hendricks
- Why Marriages Succeed or Fail: And How You Can Make Yours Last, by John Gottman
- How to Talk So Kids Will Listen & Listen So Kids Will Talk, by Adele Faber & Elaine Mazlish
- Healing the Shame that Binds You, by John Bradshaw
- The Drama of the Gifted Child: The Search for the True Self, by Alice Miller
- The Body Never Lies: The Lingering Effects of Hurtful Parenting, by Alice Miller
- The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are, by Brene Brown
- I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t): Making the Journey from “What Will People Think?” to “I Am Enough”, by Brene Brown
Resources & Referrals:
- Psychology Today – an excellent resource for articles and information on various mental health issues.
- The Trevor Project – founded in 1998 by the creators of the Academy Award-winning short film TREVOR, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ) young people ages 13-24.
- The Los Angeles LGBT Center – the Los Angeles LGBT Center traces its roots to 1969 when the founders of the organization first began providing client services. Today the Center’s more than 450 employees and 3,000 volunteers provide services for more LGBT people than any other organization in the world through programs that span four broad categories: Health; Social Services & Housing; Culture & Education; and Leadership & Advocacy.
- The National Domestic Violence Hotline – operating around the clock, seven days a week, confidential and free of cost, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse.
- Domestic Violence: How to Get Help When You’re Scared of the Consequences
- National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a 24-hour, toll-free, confidential suicide prevention hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.
- 211 LA County – 211 LA County, a 501(c)3 organization, is one of the largest and most effective resource lines in the nation providing access to comprehensive social services and disaster support for L.A. County residents.
- 1 in 6 – the mission of 1in6 is to help men who have had unwanted or abusive sexual experiences in childhood live healthier, happier lives. Our mission also includes serving family members, friends, and partners by providing information and support resources on the web and in the community.
- Tuck: Advancing Better Sleep – Tuck aims to improve sleep hygiene, health, and wellness through the creation and dissemination of comprehensive, unbiased, free resources. Linked below is important information about the connection between depression and sleep disorders, and the use of light therapy to address Seasonal Affective Disorder.