Favorites and Must Haves
Books I’ve Read and Recommend
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
If I had to pick one book to hand to someone starting—or restarting—their healing journey, this would be it. Brené Brown is my favorite author, full stop. She’s a researcher at heart, but she writes like a real person who has lived some life. This book is a distillation of her work interviewing thousands of people about shame, worthiness, and belonging. The 10 guideposts aren’t fluffy—they’re practical, grounded, and doable. This book helped understand that healing isn’t about fixing yourself; it’s about letting go of who you were told you had to be.
Come as You Are by Emily Nagoski, Ph.D.
A must read for anyone with a vulva or anyone wanting to understand them better. The idea that pleasure and arousal is normal but mostly misunderstood is explained and normalized. Talks about normal anatomy, how it functions, normal sexual desire vs “is something wrong” (there most likely isn’t), all while giving the facts and details in a non-clinical, easy-to-understand approach.
Addict America The Lost Connection by Dr. Carol Clark
Reframes addiction as more than substances or behaviors—it’s a condition rooted in disconnection. Explores how modern lifestyles sever our connections to ourselves, others, and Spirit. Blending neuroscience, spirituality, and real-world insight, she explains how addictive patterns shape the brain and relationships, then offers practical tools to restore clarity, intimacy, and fulfillment. Presents a groundbreaking, compassionate path toward recovery through reconnection.
How to do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera
I love this book so much. Nicole LePera is a queer author (which I deeply appreciate supporting), though this book isn’t about queerness—it’s about honest, embodied healing. It hits the honesty button repeatedly, explains the why behind trauma responses, and consistently brings things back to the body. It’s straightforward without being harsh, compassionate without being enabling. I recommend this one to people at any stage of healing.
Coming Together by Danielle Harel, PhD and Celeste Hirschman MA
Core Desires are the emotional ways we want to feel in order to have our relational and sexual needs met. Learn about what makes you get turned on and how to achieve that sensation every time. I use this approach when clients come to see me that are figuring out what they like and what they don’t. It’s incredibly helpful in understanding your partners desires as well.