What Your Therapist Is Reading ®

Do you ever wonder what kind of books therapists read and recommend to their clients?  If so, welcome!  This is your go to podcast for books related to mental health and self-help.  At What Your Therapist is Reading, we talk about a wide range of topics that people may be struggling with in life.

 Join Jessica Fowler, psychotherapist and book enthusiast who knows that the right book can completely change how we see ourselves. Jessica talks with authors about the messy, honest parts of being human and how their words can help us heal and show up better for ourselves and each other. Jessica Fowler brings her almost 20 years’ experience to the show to talk about all aspects of mental health.

Please note information shared is for informational and educational purposes only.

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Episodes

Wednesday Oct 22, 2025

After today’s episode, head on over to @therapybookspodcast to learn about the latest giveaway.
 
*Information shred in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only.
Exploring Trauma, Attachment, and Healing with Deirdre Fay
In this episode of What Your Therapist is Reading' Jessica Fowler interviews Deirdre Fay, MSW, about her book 'Becoming Safely Embodied: A Guide to Organize your Mind, Body and Heart to Feel Secure in the World'.(affiliate link). The conversation delves into the imprinting of early childhood experiences, trauma, attachment theory, and how these can be transformed into a fulfilling life. Deirdre shares insights from her 40 years of experience in trauma and yoga, discussing practical steps for organizing the mind, body, and heart. The episode underscores the importance of self-compassion, understanding inner needs, and the lifelong journey of healing and transformation.
 
Highlights:
The Intersection of Trauma, Attachment, and Yoga
Understanding and Healing Trauma
The Role of Attachment Theory
Practical Steps for Healing
The Importance of Self-Compassion
 
About the author:
Having been immersed in the intersection of trauma, attachment and yoga for the past 40 years Deirdre Fay, MSW brings together modern science, contemporary treatment approaches and the wisdom traditions to explore how to transform suffering into a fulfilling life. Her approach has been hailed as “a radically positive approach to life”.

Wednesday Oct 15, 2025

After todays 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, host Jessica Fowler speaks with Amanda Ann Gregory about her book 'You Don't Need To Forgive: Trauma Recovery on Your Own Terms.'(affiliate link). Amanda, a trauma psychotherapist, discusses all things forgiveness. They explore Amanda's definition of forgiveness as a fluid, process-oriented experience rather than a definitive end-point. The conversation extends to Amanda's personal and professional journey dealing with trauma, the importance of finding safety before addressing forgiveness, and practical ways trauma survivors can address external pressures to forgive. The episode includes a discussion of therapeutic strategies for trauma recovery, including EMDR, somatic therapy, and community support groups. Both trauma survivors and clinicians are encouraged to approach forgiveness and healing with flexibility and openness.
Highlights:
Personal Stories and Impact of Reading
Diving into the Book: You Don't Need To Forgive
Defining Forgiveness and Its Challenges
Exploring Trauma and Recovery
Practical Advice for Trauma Survivors and Clinicians
The Importance of Safety in Trauma Recovery
 
About the author:
Amanda Ann Gregory is a trauma psychotherapist renowned for her work in complex trauma recovery, notably as the author of You Don’t Need to Forgive: Trauma Recovery on Your Own Terms. With a keen focus on the specific needs of trauma survivors, Gregory's expertise spans over 17 years in clinical practice. Gregory holds clinical licenses in Illinois, Missouri, and Texas, alongside EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and National Counseling certifications. She has been featured in The New York Times, National Geographic, and Newsweek and published in Psychology Today, Psychotherapy Networker, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. She practices in Chicago, Illinois, and lives in the city with her partner and their sassy black cat, Mr. Bojangles.
 

Wednesday Oct 08, 2025

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 weeks episode of What Your Therapist is Reading, Jessica Fowler speaks with Christine Mark-Griffin, LCSW about her book” EMDR Coloring and Activity Book for Kids”, (affiliate link) which integrates therapeutic techniques into fun and engaging activities. Christine shares insights on EMDR therapy, especially for children, and highlights how the book uses interactive elements to make therapy approachable and playful. The episode also covers the book's practical applications and its potential benefits for kids and therapists alike.
 
Highlights
Discussing the EMDR Coloring and Activity Book
Personal Memories of Interactive Books
Incorporating EMDR in the Coloring Book
Explaining EMDR Therapy for Kids
Practical Applications of the Coloring Book
Using the Coloring Book in Therapy
Differences Between the Workbook and Coloring Book
 
About the author:
Christine Mark-Griffin is a licensed clinical social worker, EMDRIA approved consultant and advanced trainer. She is the author of EMDR Workbook for Kids and founder of EMDR For Kids. The mission of EMDR for Kids is to empower therapists, parents, and children of all ages with resources, tools, and training to overcome trauma & adversities.

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

 ”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

“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

..."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

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

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

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. 

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