John Gottman’s book for building a successful marriage is a must-read for most couples in my practice.    It’s loaded with practical evaluations, exercises and advice.   He is quite frank in his serious warnings for relationship pitfalls – eg. the chapter on the “seven horsemen of the apocalypse” – but I think the book is quite hopeful.

In addition to his own practice as a marriage therapist, he’s been doing research for the past two decades.

Not only do I subscribe to his research, but I have pursued some training from him and have incorporated much into my own approach.   You can find his The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert through Amazon and in most local bookstores.

In my work as a volunteer with Portland’s Legacy Hospice I came across Dr. Wolfelt’s “Understanding Your Grief: Ten Essential Touchstones for Finding Hope and Healing Your Heart.”

Legacy recommends it in their bereavement support group, and for good reason.    If you’ve ever experienced great loss and felt confused or even a bit crazy for what you are experiencing, this book will bring you some reassurance and comfort.    A companion workbook is available for people who find it helpful to write and who want to work through their bereavement process one “touchstone” after the other.

For my clients who are coming to me for some professional support dealing with issues surrounding loss, I often use this book to supplement our counseling sessions.   Available through Amazon or may be ordered through your local bookstore.