Recommended readings

The Counseling Center staff has compiled the following list of readings on a variety of mental health and self-improvement topics. They are offered as a service only. The Counseling, Health and Testing Center, the University of Missouri-Kansas City and the University of Missouri Board of Curators are not responsible for their content.


Anxiety

The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne, Ph.D.

Assertiveness

Your Perfect Right: Assertiveness and Equality in Your Life and Relationships by Robert E. Alberti and Michael L. Emmons

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder & Learning Disorders

Driven to Distraction by Edward M. Hallowell, M.D. and John J. Ratey, M.D.

An excellent resource on how ADHD may impact school, work, and social relationships and what can be done to manage and even benefit from symptoms.


The Survival Guide for College Students with ADHD or LD by Kathleen G. Nadeau, Ph.D.

A hands-on resource for finding and effectively acquiring resources and support services from specialists and the campus community.  Strategies are also offered to enhance learning, manage time, and prepare for exams.

Bipolar Disorder

Facing Bipolar: The Young Adult's Guide to Dealing With Bipolar Disorder by Russ Federman, Ph.D and J. Anderson Thompson, M.D.

A resource to help you navigate the world of medication, therapists, and the up-and-down mood cycles of bipolar disorder.  It clearly explains what bipolar disorder is and provides sound guidance for developing the necessary coping skills to manage its impact on your life


Healthy Living with Bipolar Disorder

A free PDF book published by the International Bipolar Foundation, created to assist anyone touched by bipolar disorder. It contains helpful information on a variety of topics that arise in everyday life, as well as resources for dealing with specific issues facing those affected by the disorder, with the goal of providing new perspectives and helpful guides to healthy living, while recognizing the stigma and challenges of bipolar disorder.  One chapter focuses on going to college with bipolar disorder.

Body Image & Eating Disorders

The Body Image Workbook by Thomas F Cash, Ph.D.


Life Without Ed by Jenni Schaefer & Thom Rutledge


Gaining. The Truth About Life After Eating Disorders by Aimee Liu

Career/Vocational

What Color is Your Parachute? by Richard Bolles


The Three Boxes of Life and How to Get Out of Them by Richard Bolles

Both books assist with exploring vocational and life pursuits and help you identify where your passions really lie.

Depression

The Feeling Good Handbook by David D. Burns, M.D.

Provides techniques and exercises to help overcome mood problems and change unhelpful feelings and behaviors.  


The Depression Cure: The 6-Step Program to Beat Depression Without Drugs by Stephen C. Ilardi

A description of the Therapeutic Lifestyle Change treatment protocol for addressing symptoms of depression without the use of psychotropic medications.  The 6 steps help people naturally meet their physiological and psychological needs through use of vitamin supplements, exercise, sunlight exposure, reducing ruminative thoughts, healthy sleep, and social connectedness. 

General Self-Improvement

Feel the Fear…& Do it Anyway by Susan Jeffers

On personal growth, relationships, anxiety, self esteem, assertiveness.

Multicultural Issues

In the Company of My Sisters:  Black Women and Self-Esteem by Julia Boyd

Perfectionism

Never Good Enough by Monica Ramirez Basco, Ph.D.

Relationships

Codependent No More. How To Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself by Melody Beattie


Forgiveness Is A Choice: A Step-by-Step Process for Resolving Anger and Restoring Hope by Robert D. Enright, Ph.D.

For people who have been deeply hurt and are caught in anger, depression, and resentment, this book shows how forgiveness can reduce anger and improve well-being.  Appropriate for readers of any (or no) spiritual orientation.


Love Is Never Enough by Aaron T. Beck, M.D.

Self-Esteem

Ten Days to Self Esteem (workbook) by David D. Burns, M.D.

 

In the Company of My Sisters:  Black Women and Self-Esteem by Julia Boyd

Sleep

All I Want Is A Good Night's Sleep by Sonia Ancoli-Israel, Ph.D.

A reader-friendly book to assist those having difficulty sleeping. The book provides a brief introduction about the mechanics and physiology of sleep along with information on the more common sleep disorders. Straightforward interventions are offered to help you achieve better, more restorative sleep.