Like many others, I collect a large amount of therapy and social work-related books. I have every intention to read them and hope I finish at least a good handful soon. However, that is just not in the cards for me right now.
I imagine many people are like me and want to learn but do not have time to read cover-to-cover (yet. hopefully, one day). So, below are some books for social workers and mental health professionals that can be skimmed while still teaching you something.
Disclaimer: This is not an extensive list, just some of the books I have enjoyed thus far for educational purposes only.
ACT Made Simple, Second edition
Firstly, ACT Made Simple outlines Acceptance and Commitment Therapy strategies. I will note that the authors themselves do recommend reading the book fully before implementing ACT as an intervention. Still, I have enjoyed learning about metaphors, visuals, and other interventions that I can adapt in my own way.
The Child Psychotherapy Treatment Planner
Secondly, The Child Psychotherapy Treatment Planner covers treatment recommendations from assessment to treatment closure for concerns such as depression, anxiety, enuresis/encopresis, unresolved grief/loss, and Autism Spectrum Disorder.
The Adolescent Psychotherapy Treatment Planner
Thirdly and similarly, The Adolescent Psychotherapy Treatment Planner outlines treatment recommendations for adolescents. You can look into treatment for concerns such as negative peer influences, low self-esteem, OCD, PTSD, and runaway tendencies.
Additionally, you can consider books from the same series like The Complete Adult Psychotherapy Treatment Planner, The Couples Psychotherapy Treatment Planner, The Family Therapy Treatment Planner, The Parenting Skills Treatment Planner, or The Probation and Parole Treatment Planner.
Social Skills Training for Schizophrenia: A Step-By-Step Guide
This book focuses on social skills training in a group setting for persons with Schizophrenia. Aside from the obvious, it also covers possible barriers and how to address them.
DBT skills training Handouts and Worksheets
DBT skills may be helpful for people who need help learning mindfulness, communication, coping, or high emotional distress skills. The handouts can be used as visuals for clients in-person or on telehealth.
A Good Apology: Four Steps to Make Things Right
This book, as the title suggests, outlines step-by-step how to make a good apology.
Antisocial Borderline Narcissistic and Histrionic Workbook: Treatment Strategies for Cluster and Personality Disorders
This book will briefly cover target areas for the treatment of Antisocial Borderline Narcissistic and Histrionic Personality Disorders. It includes information and worksheets as guidance.
An English Spanish Manual for Mental Health Professionals
Short and simple, this book provides common language used in assessment, informed consent, diagnosis, etc, translated into Spanish.
Transforming Grief & Loss Workbook
Next, this book is great because it outlines the author’s 11 principles of transforming grief. It also has worksheets to use for each principle.
The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
Lastly, this book almost did not make the list because it is probably the most-recommended book colleagues have shared with me. It is the book I am trying my hardest to read through. That said, even just reading a couple of chapters or focusing briefly on a few sections has taught me a few ways to re-think and in turn explain trauma.
Thank you for reading and I hope something was helpful!
Please browse this website for more resources and books for social workers and mental health professionals!
Click below to read:
Resources for Therapy with Children 0-5
7 Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Videos
Telehealth Therapy Interventions I Have Been Using
Relaxation Videos For Kids Under 10 Minutes
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