Books to Read!

You will find many different books on this page that I have found to be helpful or have enjoyed myself in the many different roles I play in my life. From being a mother, friend, frequent worrier, and a school counselor, I would love to share with you some of the many books (children and self-help) that have made an impact on me, my children, and my mental health. Please check back as I will update frequently with different books. I hope these books make an impact on you as they have for me!

• The Kissing Hand by: Audrey Penn

  • This book is wonderful in helping children with the first day of school and separation anxiety. School is starting in the forest, but Chester Raccoon does not want to go. To help ease Chester's fears, Mrs. Raccoon shares a family secret called the Kissing Hand to give him the reassurance of her love any time his world feels a little scary. This book made it easier for my children, but also for me as a Mommy who missed my babies when they started school. I highly recommend this book to all first time kindergarten students and families!

• The Gifts of Imperfection by: Brene Brown

  • In The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown, a leading expert on shame, authenticity, and belonging, shares ten guideposts on the power of Wholehearted living—a way of engaging with the world from a place of worthiness. Each day we face a barrage of images and messages from society and the media telling us who, what, and how we should be. We are led to believe that if we could only look perfect and lead perfect lives, we'd no longer feel inadequate. So most of us perform, please, and perfect, all the while thinking, "What if I can't keep all of these balls in the air? Why isn't everyone else working harder and living up to my expectations? What will people think if I fail or give up? When can I stop proving myself?". In The Gifts of Imperfection, Brené Brown, Ph.D., a leading expert on shame, authenticity and belonging, shares what she's learned from a decade of research on the power of Wholehearted Living – a way of engaging with the world from a place of worthiness.

• Choosing To Live by: Thomas Ellis, PSY.D and Cory Newman, PH.D

  • This is a book on how to defeat suicide through cognitive therapy. It tackles, head-on, a serious and significant clinical problem that we sometimes find difficult to discuss. It offers a message of hope and reassurance and numerous exercises to help yourself or others you love who may be dealing with feelings of suicide or depression.

• Try A Little Kindness by: Henry Cole

  • This is a children's book on how to be kind. It helps with different ways to show kindness and can help when children are trying to make new friends for the new school year!