What Your Therapist Is Reading ®
Ever wonder what kind of books mental health professionals read? Need a book recommendation about mental health?Join Jessica Fowler, LCSW as she interviews authors about the books that therapists are reading. in this short format, you can decide if this book is right for you. Please note that the information shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.
Episodes
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
Wednesday Oct 01, 2025
*Information shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.
October is Dyslexia Awareness Month, so we are starting October with The Adult Side of Dyslexia (affiliate link) by Dr. Kelli Sandman Hurley. The discussion covers the long-term impact of dyslexia on individuals, particularly focusing on adult experiences and the lack of resources available post-school years. Dr. Hurley shares insights from her interviews with adults who have dyslexia, revealing the emotional and psychological challenges they face. The episode emphasizes the importance of early intervention, proper support, and self-advocacy for individuals with dyslexia to improve their quality of life and mental health. Listeners are encouraged to consider the lifelong effects of dyslexia and the role educators and therapists can play in supporting affected individuals.
Highlights
The Adult Side of Dyslexia and How the Book Came To
Interview Insights and Key Findings
Personal Stories and Experiences
Challenges and Advocacy
Resources and Support for Adults
About the author:
Kelli Sandman-Hurley, Ed.D. is the author and founder of the Dyslexia Training Institute. She co-created and produced “Dyslexia for a Day: A Simulation of Dyslexia,” as well as writing the well-received books, Dyslexia Advocate! How to Advocate for a Child with Dyslexia within the Public Education System, Dyslexia & Spelling: Making Sense of it All and The Adult Side of Dyslexia.
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
Wednesday Sep 24, 2025
”Experiencing racism is dysregulating…and so a lot of people have that freeze response…and so this book kind of allows people to think through, okay, even if I did freeze in the moment, there are still things that I can do afterwards”. -Dr. Pearis Jean
*After today’s episode, head on over to @therapybookspodcast on social media to learn about the latest giveaway.
*Informational shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.
In this episode of What Your Therapist is Reading, host Jessica Fowler speaks with Dr. Pearis Jean about her workbook Strategically Navigating Anti-Black Racism in Professional Spaces: A Practical Guide for Black People Responding to Racism in the Workplace. (affiliate link) Dr. Jean, an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Towson University, discusses her research and the development of the SNAP model (Strategically Navigating Anti-Black Racism in Professional Spaces). The conversation also delves into the importance of community and the emotional and psychological tools necessary for addressing workplace racism.
Highlights:
Discussing the Book: Navigating Racism in Professional Spaces
The SNAP Model Explained
Reflective Questions and Community Support
Best Practices and Research Insights
Key Takeaways and Final Thoughts
Connect with the author
instagram
About the author:
Dr. Pearis Jean is an assistant professor of psychology at Towson University and a licensed psychologist in the state of Maryland. Her research focuses on the development of individual and community-level interventions to support the wellness of survivors of trauma with a focus on the Black community. She is the author of a workbook based on her research on anti-Black racism and racial trauma in the workplace entitled, Strategically Navigating Anti-Black Racism in Professional Spaces: A Practical Guide for Black People Responding to Racism in the Workplace.
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
Wednesday Sep 17, 2025
“Well, you have to talk to them different than maybe you did when they were 10, and you have to do it without the questions, and you have to be respectful. So, the sarcastic comments have to go because that's not real inviting.” Janet Edgette, PhD.
*This episode is for mental health professionals.*After today’s episode, head on over to @therapybookspodcast to learn about the latest giveaway.
*Information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.
In this episode of What Your Therapist is Reading, Jessica Fowler discusses Therapeutic Conversations with Adolescents alongside Dr. Janet Edgette. Dr. Edgette is an experienced psychologist and author. She shares insights from her new book 'Therapeutic Conversations with Adolescents: Helping Teens in Therapy Thrive in an Ultra-Competitive, Screen-Saturated World,' highlighting effective ways to engage with teens in therapy by being authentic, respectful, and avoiding a question-based approach. She emphasizes the importance of talking 'with' teens rather than 'at' them, addressing real issues, and fostering genuine communication. The episode also delves into how cultural expectations about adolescence often lead to misunderstandings and provides practical advice for therapists and parents on how to build stronger connections with teenagers.
Highlights
Therapeutic Conversations with Adolescents
Engaging Teens in Therapy
Addressing Disrespect in Therapy
Handling Noncompliance
Building Credibility with Teens
Respecting Client Autonomy
Challenging Teen Stereotypes
Effective Parent-Teen Communication
Modern Approach to Teen Therapy
Connect with the author:
Facebook
Instagram
About the author:
Janet Sasson Edgette, Psy.D., M.P.H. is a psychologist, author, workshop leader, and
speaker from the Philadelphia area, working with teenagers and consulting to their
parents for over thirty five years in her Philadelphia-based private practice. She is the
author of seven books, her most recent one being Therapeutic Conversations with
Adolescents: Helping Teens in Therapy Thrive in an Ultra-Competitive and Screen-
Saturated World. Others include Adolescent Therapy That Works: Helping Kids Who
Never Asked for Help in the First Place and Stop Negotiating With Your Teen:
Strategies for Parenting Your Angry, Manipulative, Moody or Depressed Adolescent.
For much of her career, Janet has focused on offering therapy services to young people
that they actually value and respect, and want to participate in, eliminating the
miserable and degrading tug of war and other power struggles many clinicians endure
when working with this population. She has been teaching her approach, Modern Teen
Therapy for more than three decades to audiences through the US and Canada as well
as to other teen therapists in her online coaching/mentorship program.
Janet received her doctorate in clinical psychology from Hahnemann University in Philadelphia, PA and a masters in public health from the University of Oklahoma. She is
a native New Yorker, the mother of three young men, an avid equestrian (show
jumping), and a lover of all dogs, especially pit bulls and Bullmastiffs.
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
Wednesday Sep 10, 2025
..."The commitment to change involves more than the desire"...-Angela Wood
After today's episode, head on over to @therapybookspodcast to learn about the latest giveaway.
*Information shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.
In this episode of What Your Therapist is Reading, Jessica Fowler is speaking with Angela Wood, Ph.D. about her book The Motivational Interviewing Workbook: Exercises to Help You Decide What You Want and How to Get There. (affiliate link) Dr. Wood, an experienced clinical social worker and academic, discusses the origins and applications of motivational interviewing, a counseling approach that helps individuals facilitate personal change through self-reflection and guided questioning. They delve into the key stages of motivational interviewing: focusing, evoking, and planning, and highlight the importance of understanding one's values and motivation for sustained change. Additionally, the episode touches on the impact of reading and writing on Dr. Wood's life, her experiences with depression, and the role of community in maintaining personal growth.
Highlights
Personal Impact of Reading
Understanding Motivational Interviewing
The Change Process and Workbook Exercises
Maintaining Change and Community Support
About the author:
Dr. Angela “Angie” Wood earned her MSW from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in 1992, and a Ph.D. in social work from Tulane University in 2006. She has been a licensed clinical social worker for over 25 years, working in a variety of behavioral health settings such as addictions, mental health, criminal/juvenile justice, and family preservation. As a workshop trainer for over 20 years, Dr. Wood has presented on topics such as clinical supervision, motivational interviewing, and addictions. Her research interests include the dissemination and implementation of motivational interviewing across practice settings. Dr. Wood is an assistant professor in social work at Southeastern Louisiana University. As a member of the international Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers since 2016, Dr. Wood has conducted over 100 workshops related to motivational interviewing and is the author of The Motivational Interviewing Workbook: Exercises to Help You Decide What You Want and How to Get There.
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
Wednesday Sep 03, 2025
After today's episode, head on over to @therapybookspodcast to learn about the latest giveaway.
*Information shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.
We are starting season 8 with Teaching With A Strength-Based Approach: How to Motivate Students and Build Relationships (affiliate link) by Steven Baron, Psy.D., which seems fitting as we are in the swing of back to school. Dr. Barons, a seasoned school psychologist and private practice therapist, shares insights on how highlighting students' strengths can significantly impact their success and well-being. The discussion includes practical strategies for educators to incorporate strength-based methods in their classrooms, emphasizing the long-term positive effects these relationships can have on students.
Highlights from this episode:
Strength-Based Approach in Education
Real-Life Application: A Success Story
The Importance of Positive Teacher-Student Relationships
Practical Strategies for Teachers
The Role of Teachers and Parents in Child Development
About the author:
Steven Baron, Psy.D., was a school psychologist for thirty years in elementary and secondary settings. He currently treats children, teenagers, and families in private practice. Previously, Steve worked in mental health clinics and hospital settings and is currently a college adjunct. Steve has authored book chapters and journal articles on positive psychology and child psychotherapy. He recently published a book, Teaching With A Strength-Based Approach: How To Motivate Students And Build Relationships, by Routledge. In the book, Steve presents research on the impact of the teacher-student relationship on students and shares methods on how teachers can use this connection to help students identify and utilize their assets, even those they may not be aware of. Steve has presented to local and national conferences, school districts, and community organizations.
Wednesday May 21, 2025
Wednesday May 21, 2025
After todays episode, head on over to @therapybookspodcast to learn about the latest giveaway.
*Information shared on this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.
In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler speaks with Christina Cipriano, PhD. about her book Be Unapologetically Impatient: The Mindset Required to Change the Way We Do Things. (Affiliate Link) Dr. Cipriano, shares ways to work toward inclusion with her own stories and the science on how to change the way we do things.
Highlights from this episode:
3:19: Dr. Cipriano shares about an experience that brought to light the idea of challenging the status quo and how to impact change.
3:44: Dr. Cipriano shares about her life that lead to this book and some of her personal experience specifically around disability.
7:52 Dr. Cipriano shares an example of how to engage people and how to pull them in instead of calling them out.
8:58: We discussed this idea of "waiting to fail" that often is needed prior to kids receiving services.
14:11: We discuss the idea of knowing yourself when you have interactions while advocating for your kids.
18:24: Dr. Cipriano shares what community members can do to be more inclusive.
24:27: Dr. Cipriano shares who the book is for.
About the author:
Christina Cipriano, Ph.D., is an associate professor of Applied Developmental and Educational Psychology at the Yale Child Study in the Yale School of Medicine and Director of the Education Collaboratory at Yale University. An award-winning scholar and internationally regarded expert in the science of learning and development, Dr. Cipriano received her Ph.D. from Boston College, her Ed.M. from the Harvard Graduate School of Education and undergraduate degree from Hofstra University. A prolific public scholar, educator, and speaker, Chris brings her positionality as a first-generation high school graduate and mother of four children to her science and work.
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Wednesday May 14, 2025
Trigger warning: This episode is for mental health professions and we will be discussing client suicide.
*Information shared in this episode is for informational and educational purposes only.
In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler is speaking with Khara Croswaite Brindle, MA, LPC, ACS, CFT about her book Moving from Alert to Acceptance: Helping Clinicians Heal from Client Suicide. (affiliate link) This book covers suicide assessment and safety planning in a way that takes the fear out of asking. In this episode, we explore how Khara writes client stories and therapist stories of healing. We explore how impactful this event is to clinicians and the struggles that can be had while trying to heal.
About the author
Khara Croswaite Brindle, MA, LPC, ACS, CFT is passionate about giving people aha moments that create goosebumps and catalyze powerful action. She is a TEDx Speaker, licensed mental health therapist, and financial therapist in Colorado. Khara enjoys various roles as a serial entrepreneur, 2x Amazon #1 Best-Selling Author, professional speaker, professor, and consultant. Khara specializes in helping therapists and financial therapists turn pain points into possibilities through consultation, courses, and supervision. She is originally from the Pacific Northwest and gets her best ideas walking outside and being around water. When Khara’s not writing her next book or supporting fellow professional helpers on their own self-discovery journeys, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, reading, and indulging in gluttonous, gluten-free desserts with her family.
Wednesday May 07, 2025
Wednesday May 07, 2025
Trigger Warning for todays episode as we are discussing cancer diagnosis, treatments, and the potential impact of these experiences on individuals and families.
After today's episode, head on over to @therapybookspodcast to learn about our latest giveaway.
*Information shared on this podcast is for information and eductional purposes only.
In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler speaks with Lori Elliot Sacks about her book Unlucky Lori: A Raw and Unfiltered Look at One Woman's Battle with Ovarian Cancer and How HOPE Wins. In this book, Lori shares her journal of over almost a decade about her experience of going through treatment for Ovarian Cancer and then also being diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease. In this episode, listen is as Lori shares about the difficult times and how she has coped to continue to live a life she wants. She shares examples of ways she could take control in times that it could be difficult. Lori shares her excitement for life and love of her family, while managing her own struggles through her illness. Take a listen as Lori shares the insights that have helped her along the way.
About the author:
Lori Elliot Sacks: Trouble free and flying high- was Lucky Lori! I have been a Hospice Nurse, a Therapist, and a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. However, the role of patient and ovarian warrior continues to challenge me daily . It demands patience and positivity. This memoir is intense-BEWARE.. but full of HOPE and GRATITUDE.
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
Wednesday Apr 30, 2025
After todays episode, head on over to @therapybookspodcast to learn about our latest giveaway.
*Information shared in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.
In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler speaks with Larissa Nickson, LCSW, PMH-C, RYT 200 about her book I Hold You In My Heart: A Children's Book & Parent Guide to Helping Children Cope with Loss. In this book, the characters explore and navigate difficult emotions like grief, sadness and anger and along the way learn different coping strategies.
Highlights from the episode:
3:46 Larissa shares how the book is for children and parents to explore loss and shares some examples of the coping skills that are taught in the book.
4:59 Larissa shares a little about her story of grief and what inspired the book.
6:25 Larissa shares how she choose to use the word loss, so this book can be used in a way that it can be about losing anything.
8:37 Larissa shares who the book is for.
About the author:
Larissa Nickson is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 15 years of experience helping children and adults. She is certified to work with women in the perinatal period and specializes in working with people who experience pregnancy loss and birth trauma. In memory of her daughter, she was inspired to write a children’s book about loss to help families learn about ways to cope with grief.
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
Wednesday Apr 23, 2025
After today's episode, head on over to @therapybookspodcast to learn about our latest giveaway.
*Information shard in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.
In this weeks episode, Jessica Fowler speaks with Dr. Arielle Jordan about her book United We Serve, United We Heal: A Practice Guide to Healing Racial Trauma. (affiliate link) In this book, Dr. Arielle sheds light on the racial trauma, offering a path to healing that is both personal and communal.
Highlights from the episode:
4:04: Dr. Arielle provides strategies and insights that have to do with racial trauma and empower individuals to start the conversation.
5:05: Dr. Arielle shares how she sets up the book and her STARS framework with includes self-awareness, thought patterns, authenticity, radical acceptance and success.
8:26: Dr. Arielle shares and example of how to use the STARS framework.
11:23 Dr. Arielle shares how her book can be for other organizations as well.
16:56: Dr. Arielle shares who her book is for.
About the author:
Dr. Arielle Jordan shares her expertise as a trauma therapist and Army veteran. She brings over nine years of experience as a licensed clinical professional counselor, specializing in EMDR, PTSD, grief, and resilience. Founder of Mindset Quality and ArielleNJordan.com, Dr. Arielle's work centers on creating spaces where people feel supported to heal, grow, and thrive. As an author of Holding Space and United We Serve, United We Heal, her insights on overcoming adversity and mental wellness are both empowering and relatable. Learn more at ariellenjordan.com.



