Counselling & therapy in downtown Vancouver, BC with Megan Sutherland, MSW, RCSW
Proudly serving clients for over 25 years
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.)
Internal Family Systems (IFS) has a reputation for being complex. This workbook, by the therapy’s founder Richard Schwartz, distills down IFS’ main concepts, covering core themes without getting wordy. But more than that, it’s a primer for getting started with IFS independently, helping the reader decide–through exercises and meditations–whether they would like to continue solo or delve deeper with a therapist trained in this therapy.
AuDHD psychologist Megan Anna Neff offers over 100 concise strategies for autistic self-care in the realms of sensory safety, physical self-care, emotional self-care, mental self-care, social self-care and professional self-care. The author’s practical strategies are 1-2 pages each, presented in a small book format, making this book easy to reference, jump around in, or read from cover to cover.
There is a lot of information available on boundaries but out of everything I’ve read, this is my top pick. The author is particularly notable for their discussion on the nuanced nature of boundaries–honouring the fact that setting boundaries is inherently difficult but that it is not necessarily a rigid, inflexible process. Practical, inclusive and trauma-informed, guiding strategies are offered.
A touching, empowering and often hilarious account of the author’s childhood experience with hearing loss. I laughed, I cried and I haven’t read a better book on the lived account of being hard of hearing since. For children and adults alike (with many references that GenXers will appreciate). Highly recommended.
by Donna Henderson, Sarah Wayland and Jamell White (2023)
An accessible read that introduces readers to the diagnostic criteria for autism and as well as autism’s subtler signs, that often go undetected in women, AFAB people, racialized folks, older adults and those with atypical autistic features. I couldn’t recommend this more for adults who are wondering if they may be autistic, as well as healthcare professionals, educators, family members, autistic individuals, and anyone who is curious about autism.
While Marie Kondo taught me to let go of a lot, KC Davis helped me to forgive myself, no matter the state of my home. A boon to neurodivergent folks, those struggling with mental health issues, or anyone else who is overwhelmed by life, therapist KC Davis, offers practical, forgiving strategies and care tasks that we can all use. Highly recommended.
By leveraging the research on neuroscience, the author shows the reader simple, straightforward steps that they can take to improve the quality of connection in their close relationships. While focusing primarily on romantic partnerships, this book’s principles can be extended to any close relationships. Highly recommended.
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.
A pithy book on key experiences that many autistic people face. Can be used with or without the workbook component. Also works well as a primer on autism for loved ones and supporters who want to learn more and offer deeper allyship. An example of how practical on-the-ground information is often-times best delivered by those with lived experience.
One of the first books that started my neurodiversity journey. The neurodivergent author focuses on neurodivergent women, who have traditionally been ignored in neurodiversity research and practice. A great resource for women who suspect that they might be neurodivergent as the book presents information about a number of neuro-variances that readers can learn more about or reflect on personally. Recommended.
A fresh read and breakout book from autistic psychologist Devon Price, who sheds light on the experience of masked autism and how to free oneself from its confines. Already a classic in the field and highly recommended by many therapists, myself included.
Reprinted regularly since the 1970s. this classic book teaches practical, relational and respectful parenting strategies. More philosophy than technique per se, but deeply influential.
