Therapy only works if you apply what you are learning in real life, which is why therapists often assign practice exercises between sessions. Host Anna Lindberg Cedar MPA LCSW shares her list of favorite books to share in therapy to extend learning beyond the session. Anna highlights authors who translate mindfulness and relationship research into practical strategies that anyone can use. 

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Transcript provided by Otter AI - Please forgive any typos...

* Please note that the following transcript includes links the recommended books for purchase, which also provides the author (Anna Lindberg Cedar) with a commission as a participant in the Amazon Affiliate program. Readers are welcome to find these book recommendations at their local bookstore, library, or any other business where they feel most comfortable shopping. 

Anna's Top Recommendations:

"Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" by Lori Gottlieb

• Anna recommends "Maybe You Should Talk to Someone" by Lori Gottlieb, highlighting its storytelling and relatability.
• The book covers Lori's experiences as a therapist and her own therapy journey.
• Anna finds the book perfect for anyone curious about therapy, new therapists, or those going through a breakup.
• She notes the book's popularity and its relevance to understanding the benefits of therapy.
   

"Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown

• Anna recommends "Dare to Lead" by Brené Brown, summarizing her previous work on shame and vulnerability.
• The book focuses on workplace dynamics and practical skills for assertiveness and communication.
• Anna appreciates Brené's ability to translate academic research into everyday lessons.
• She recommends the book for those looking to improve assertiveness and understand their own needs.
   

"How to Do Nothing" by Jenny Odell

• Anna recommends "How to Do Nothing" by Jenny Odell, discussing its argument about the commodification of attention.
• The book encourages doing nothing as a form of radical resistance in today's attention economy.
• Anna finds the book thought-provoking and relevant to mindfulness and burnout prevention.
• She highlights the chapter on geolocating oneself in the environment as particularly insightful.
   

"What to Say When You Talk to Yourself" by Shad Helmstetter

• Anna recommends "What to Say When You Talk to Yourself" for its cognitive behavioral therapy techniques.
• The book helps change mood and behavior through self-talk.
• Anna suggests the podcast episode "By the Book" for a deeper understanding of the book's effectiveness.
• She appreciates the personal stories shared by the podcast hosts, making the book's techniques more relatable.
   

"Building a Life Worth Living" by Marsha Linehan

• Anna recommends Marsha Linehan's memoir "Building a Life Worth Living" for its insights into dialectical behavior therapy.
• The book shares Marsha's personal journey and the development of DBT.
• Anna finds the memoir inspiring and educational, especially for those interested in DBT.
• She highlights the book's practical tips and effective communication skills.
   

"Driven to Distraction" and "Delivered from Distraction" by Edward Hallowell and John Ratey

• Anna recommends "Driven to Distraction" and "Delivered from Distraction" for understanding and coping with ADHD.
• The books offer comprehensive tools for getting organized and managing attention.
• Anna suggests checking the books for those struggling with focus and productivity.
• She notes that the books are also helpful for those with overwhelming schedules.
   

"The Five Love Languages" by Gary Chapman

• Anna recommends "The Five Love Languages" for understanding and improving relationships.
• The book describes five love languages: words of affirmation, acts of service, gifts, quality time, and physical touch.
• Anna finds the book helpful for both readers and their partners.
• She suggests taking the online quiz or reading the book to understand one's love language.
   

"Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work" by John Gottman

• Anna recommends "Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work" for its practical tips on relationship success.
• The book is based on research with long-married, happy couples.
• Anna finds the book humorous and useful for self-teaching relationship skills.
• She suggests the book for couples looking to improve their relationship without counseling.
   

"Eight Dates" by John and Julie Gottman

• Anna recommends "Eight Dates" for couples looking to deepen their connection through essential conversations.
• The book includes thought-provoking questions and considerations for important discussions.
• Anna appreciates the practical tips and suggestions for couples.
• She finds the book helpful for both new and long-term relationships.
   

"Come as You Are" by Emily Nagoski

• Anna recommends "Come as You Are" for understanding and enhancing sexual health and intimacy.
• The book covers topics like attachment style, sexual identity, and coping with trauma.
• Anna finds the book open and affirming for all audiences.
• She highlights the accompanying workbook for practical exercises on intimacy.
   

"White Fragility" by Robin DiAngelo

• Anna recommends "White Fragility" for understanding and interrupting fragility associated with systems of racism.
• The book explains why it's hard for white people to talk about racism.
• Anna finds the book essential for addressing systemic inequality and oppression.
• She suggests the book for those seeking to understand and address racism in their lives.
   

"How to Be an Antiracist" by Ibram X. Kendi

• Anna recommends this book, which provides a new language to understand the systemic forces that contribute to burnout through a much-needed and systemic lens of racism and inequality.
• "How to Be an Antiracist" defines racism as a problem of bad policy, not bad people.
• Anna notes that this book emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-examination in combating racism.