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Atypical Book Recommendations 

I’m not against self-help books by any means, but in my practice, I rarely recommend them. Through experience, I’ve found that people often benefit more from receiving less prescribed book advice. That said, here are some of my favorites.

Of Mice and Men, I often use Of Mice and Men in inner child work with clients. The book is an excellent representation of both the inner child and the adult self. As you read or watch, pay close attention to the dynamics between Lennie (representing the inner child) and George (representing the adult self).

Man’s Search for Meaning, I love using this book as an example of how to connect with one’s ‘why’—that driving force that keeps a person moving forward, especially during hardships. Though it’s a short read, Mans Search for Meaning is both challenging and thought-provoking, offering deep insights into perseverance and purpose.
To Kill a Mockingbird, No other book illustrates empathy as profoundly as To Kill a Mockingbird. It was the defining catalyst I encountered in my teens, inspiring me to pursue a career as a therapist.
This is Marketing—I recommend this book to clients as a guide for embracing their authentic selves and navigating the complexities of that process. While it is technically a marketing book, I find it incredibly helpful for clients to learn how to approach the world with honesty and authenticity.
Scripture, I’ve noticed that when clients bring their spiritual beliefs into therapy—whether from the Quran, Tenakh, Rig Veda, Bible, Book of Mormon, or any other source—their growth is often accelerated. I believe spirituality is essential to one’s overall health, and when integrated properly, it can support, rather than bypass, the healing journey.

Atypical Movie Recommendations 

I love using movies as a guide to demonstrate different forms of therapeutic growth. They provide a quick and relatable example. Clients have shared that movies are among their favorite ‘self-help’ recommendations. Here’s a list of some I love:

Land, I love Land for its powerful portrayal of a woman navigating trauma healing. The film beautifully depicts her journey from PTSD to post-traumatic growth. It skillfully shows the different stages of grief and emphasizes the importance of having a witness to our pain as an essential part of the healing process.
Rio Bravo, As a budding therapist, my mentor had me watch this movie. John Wayne’s character offers a powerful example of how to support someone, particularly through Dean Martin’s struggles with alcoholism. I often recommend this film to loved ones of those facing addiction, as it beautifully illustrates the supportive role they can play.
Hook, As far as I’m concerned, Hook is the all-time best movie for demonstrating the reconnection to one’s inner child. It also brilliantly shows that when doing inner child work, it’s essential to focus on how we shape our healthy self-parenting voice.
City Slickers, is a great film for those feeling stuck in their current chapter of life. I believe that, at times, to truly find ourselves, we must go through a journey of being lost. This movie is a perfect example of that process.

The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, is another great representation of getting unstuck and finding oneself. It beautifully demonstrates the journey of exploring one’s roles and stepping into a more authentic, congruent life.

“Good Will Hunting” is a movie I love for several reasons. First, it offers one of the best representations of the importance of the therapeutic relationship that I’ve seen on screen. Second, I recommend it to clients who feel pressured when making decisions. In therapy, I often discuss the difference between taking advice and collecting advice. This movie does a great job of showing how to collect advice and then move forward with the best-informed decision.
“The Dawn Wall” is another powerful film about post-traumatic growth. Tommy Caldwell faces multiple traumas, and the movie beautifully portrays his journey of working through his pain and ultimately finding healing.
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