If you’ve met me before, you will know that I am a huge believer in bibliotherapy, the transformative power of books – at least for those who enjoy reading. (I will have other suggestions in a future post for the rest of you.)
I was once told, at the end of a two-day compassion fatigue training that I had “recommended too many books” – Impossible, I say!
When I had a private practice, I had a shelf full of my top ten reads which I would lend to clients until I realised that the return rate was, ahem, random at best. So, instead, I started compiling lists of recommended readings which I continue to share in my workshops and trainings.
On these cold winter days, snuggling up with a good read and learning new strategies to combat compassion fatigue and general stress sounds like a healthy way to beat the winter blues.
My favourite books to help professionals stay healthy and compassionate:
Compassion Fatigue/Vicarious Trauma
Trauma Stewardship by Laura Van Dernoot Lipsky (2009)
The Compassion Fatigue Workbook by Françoise Mathieu (2012) (available here)
Organizational Health
Is work Killing You? A Doctor’s Prescription for Treating Workplace Stress (2013) by David Posen
Building Resilient Teams by Patricia Fisher (2016) (available here)
Trauma and the Body
Bouncing back: rewiring your brain for maximum happiness by Linda Graham (2013)
Childhood Disrupted: How your Biography Becomes your Biology by Donna Jackson Nakazawa, (2015).
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel Van Der Kolk, (2014).
The Body Bears the Burden: Trauma, Dissociation and Disease by Robert Scaer, (2014).
Stress/Immune System
When the Body Says No by Gabor Maté
Resilience, Balance & Meaning Workbook by Patricia Fisher (available at here)
Work/Life Balance
Take Time for Your Life: a 7 Step Program for Creating the Life you Want by Cheryl Richardson (1999)
Self Care/Stress Reduction
Little book of stress relief by David Posen
Simplify Your Life: 100 Ways to Slow Down and Enjoy the Things That Really Matter by Elaine St James