Book Nook
Books can be a crackerjack supplement to personal growth and therapy. The Book Nook is an ever-growing hub for all my mental health-related favourites.
(Books are now linked to independent booksellers; Willow Tree Counselling receives no financial remuneration for purchases made through these links. Please consider supporting local indie bookstores - many of which are fighting to stay open.)
Ace: What Asexuality Reveals About Desire, Society, and the Meaning of Sex
by Angela Chen (2021)
This book accomplishes a lot in 200 pages, examining societal misconceptions of asexuality and expectations around sex, as well as the nuances and variations in aces’ lived experience, combined with discussions around consent, gender roles, and more.
Love Lives Here: A Story of Thriving in a Transgender Family
by Rowan Jete Knox (2019)
A trans family memoir, showing what is possible within challenge, when love comes first.
Pink, Blue, and You!: Questions for Kids about Gender Stereotypes
by Elise Gravel and Mykaell Blais (2022)
A children’s picture book told with sweetness and humour, that will also delight many adults too.
It’s About You Too: Reducing the Overwhelm for Parents of LGBTQ+ Kids
by Tracy Whitmore (2023)
The author stresses that when parents can honour their own thoughts, feelings and reactions to their LGBTQ+ children’s gender and/or sexuality journeys, they are in the best position to wholeheartedly support their children. A practical, encouraging book. Recommended.
The Pride Guide: A Guide to Sexual and Social Health for LGBTQ Youth
by Jo Langford (2020)
While designed for youth, this book–written by a sex-educator and longtime therapist–has practical and helpful information for parents who wish to better undersand and support their LGBTQ+ children.
The Transgender Child: Revised & Updated Edition: A Handbook for Parents and Professionals Supporting Transgender and Nonbinary Children
by Stephanie Brill and Rachel Pepper (2022)
A thorough guide for families wanting to understand and affirm their transgender, gender-expansive, or nonbinary child, including transition-related information and guidance. The book also includes resources and a glossary of terms.
Supporting Transgender Autistic Youth and Adults: A Guide for Professionals and Families
by Finn Grafton (2019)
An important intersectional work from a therapist with lived experience. Recommended.
A Quick and Easy Guide to Queer and Trans Identities
by Mady G. & Jules Zuckerberg (2019)
A ‘101’ of the LGBTQ communities in a short illustrated guide: sexuality, gender identity, coming out, navigating relationships and more. Especially fun if you love mushroom illustrations.
A Quick and Easy Guide to They/Them Pronouns
by A. Bongiovanni & T. Jimmerson (2018)
Mini illustrated guide in comic form, packed with info and suggestions on using they/them pronouns. Now considered a classic. Especially recommended for family, friends and support people.
Beyond The Gender Binary
by Alok Vaid-Menon (2020)
Through the lens of their own life, this gender-nonconforming author compassionately explores and reimagines the gender binary.