The Drama of the Gifted Child: The Search for the True Self by Alice Miller (1997-revised edition). Basic Books.

• Many of the ideas in this book guide my work with clients. It's a rather short but intense work that has helped many high-functioning people who struggle with depression. Miller uses some psychological jargon, but many non-therapists find it readable.

Emotional Alchemy: How the Mind Can Heal the Heart by Tara Bennett-Goleman (2001). Harmony Books.

• The first thing that hooked me was the dedication: "For the light of wisdom within everyone." I found this book to be a thoughtful and compassionate guide to understanding and changing automatic, yet problematic, emotional patterns. Bennett-Goleman does a good job merging ideas from Buddhist thought with more popular Western psychological concepts.

When Things Fall Apart: Heart Advice for Difficult Times by Pema Chodron (1997). Shambhala Publications.

• The book can be a great friend when life feels chaotic and out-of-control. Pulling from Buddhist wisdom, Chodron offers soothing words for people coming to the realization that going toward pain is often the best way to heal from it.
  

Soul Without Shame: A Guide to Liberating Yourself From the Judge Within by Byron Brown (1999). Shambhala Publications.

• This book thoughtfully tackles the pervasive tendency for people to be overly self-critical. It encourages people to understand and contend with the harsh internal “judge” in order to feel more peaceful and comfortable with themselves.
  

Beyond Anxiety and Phobia: A Step-by-Step Guide to Lifetime Recovery by Edmund Bourne (2001).

• Bourne has written several workbooks that are helpful for managing anxiety, panic, and fear.
  

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