PsychOptions Bibliotherapy

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Bibliotherapy refers to book therapy or a list of books that may be helpful in understanding a newly developed problem, a diagnosis, or suggested treatment. Knowledge is power and the more you understand, the better you will be able to place your problem in perspective and inquire about or discuss your concerns with mental and medical health practitioners, as well as concerned family members.

Following is a list of resources from PsychOptions that may help you understand your own problems or those of your loved ones or family. In many instances reading is a first step in the process of understanding our behaviors or illnesses. Also, several self-help books may actually help us help ourselves when a problem is straightforward and not so serious as to require professional help. Please realize that this section has been prepared for your convenience and ease of accessing educational and supportive materials. No one book is recommended over another and there are likely many other fine books available on the following topics. This is not required reading but rather suggested reading. Hopefully you will find something of value in the following selection. Enjoy!

Click on a topic to locate books within a section:

  Anxiety    Borderline PD     Cancer     Chronic Illness/Pain    Communication    Depression    Geropsychiatry (Depression/Dementia/ Caregivers/Elder Rights)    Grief/Loss (Death/Divorce/Widowhood)      Pets (Loss/Grief)      HIV/AIDs      Manic-Depression (Bipolar)   Medication/Psychiatruc Drugs    Nonfiction/Self-exploration (French Dirt)    Obsessive Compulsive Disorder     Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder    Schizophrenia

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Anxiety/Depression (See also Geropsychiatry)

Bourne, Edmund: The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook, New Harbinger Publications, Inc., Oakland, CA, 1995

Many step-by-step directions and exercises for Relaxation, Panic, Negative Self Talk, Mistaken Beliefs, Visualization, Assertiveness, Self-Esteem, Nutrition and Medication.

Burns, David: Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy, Avon Books, New York, New York, 1999

Provides proven techniques for developing a positive outlook on life. Helps the reader deal with Negative Feelings, Guilt, Hostility and Criticism, Addiction to Love and Approval, Depression, Low Self Esteem and includes a Depression and Inventory Scale and Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale.

Burns, David: The Feeling Good Handbook, Plume/Penguin, New York, New York, 1989

Burns deals with depression, anxiety, phobias, social anxiety, public speaking, relationships and communication, psychiatric drugs, with many examples and skill exercises for overcoming these problems.

Pedersen, Darlene D: PsychNotes: Clinical Pocket Guide, FA Davis Company, Philadelphia, PA 2005


Borderline Personality Disorder

Kreisman, JJ (MD) & Straus H: I Hate You, Don’t Leave Me, Avon Books, New York, 1991

Excellent explanation of the world from the borderline’s perspective, frustrations for both the borderline and the health professionals/family, and a disorder that is often confounding and results in therapeutic frustrations and challenges.          [UP]


Cancer

Babcock, Elise Needell: When Life Becomes Precious, Bantam Books, 1997

Excellent resource for primary caregivers, co-workers and family members as well as individuals with cancer. Helps with what and what not to say, handling of holidays and special occasions, managing fear and anger and burnout, reasons for switching doctors, explaining cancer to children, and an excellent resource contact for support organizations, chronic pain centers, and information.

Dollinger, Malin (MD), Rosenbaum, Ernest H (MD) & Cable, Greg: Everyone’s Guide to Cancer Therapy: How Cancer is Diagnosed, Treated, and Managed Day to Day, (Revised Third Edition), Andrews McMeel Publishing, Kansas City, 1997

Comprehensive text written by physicians and health care practitioners for the lay public covering every type of cancer, including childhood cancers, and the stages and various treatment options. Tells the reader what to expect with each type of treatment (e.g., chemotherapy), coping with Side Effects, Nutrition, Sexuality, Relaxation, Home Care, Palliative Care, Quality of Life Issues, Cost of Cancer Care, Advances, Anticancer drugs and a list of Resources.

Hersh, Stephen P (MD): Living With Cancer: Inspirational and Practical Advice for Patients and Their Families, NTC/Contemporary Publishing

Provides inspiration and advice to cancer survivors and their caregivers, including pain management, sexuality, communicating with your doctor, nutrition, and alternative treatments.

National Family Caregivers Association: The Resourceful Caregiver: Helping Family Caregivers Help Themselves, Mosby Lifeline, 1996

A collection of organizations and services available to help caregivers, including, Caregiver Organizations, Respite Services, Hotlines, Helplines, Databases and Directories, Educational Materials and Home Shopping. This resource does not offer advice but rather tells the reader where to go for needed information for those with AIDs, Cancer, Heart Disease, etc.

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Chronic Illness/Chronic Pain          

Catalano, Ellen Mohr, Hardin, Kimeron N, & Tupper, Shelby P: The Chronic Pain Control Workbook: A Step-By-Step Guide for Coping With and Overcoming Pain, second edition, New Harbinger, 1996

Uses psychological techniques and a practical, rational approach, incorporating charts, diagrams and illustrations, for controlling pain through exercise, stress management, medications and support groups.

Donoghue, Paul J & Siegel, Mary Elizabeth: Sick and Tired of Feeling Sick and Tired: Living With Invisible Chronic Illness, WW Norton, 1994

Written by two psychologists who suffer from chronic illness and for those suffering from chronic illnesses such as Crohn’s, colitis, lupus, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue, and IBS, etc. A practical book with techniques for dealing with an illness that is not visible to others and therefore often misunderstood.

LeMaistre, JoAnn (PhD): After the Diagnosis: From Crisis to Personal Renewal for Patients With Chronic Illness, Ulysses Press, 1995

Shortly after her clinical training in psychology, LeMaistre was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis and so began her journey from crisis to renewal, including working with others with chronic illness. LeMaistre draws on her personal situation and professional expertise to help individuals and their families cope with a chronic illness.

National Family Caregivers Association: The Resourceful Caregiver: Helping Family Caregivers Help Themselves, Mosby Lifeline, 1996

A collection of organizations and services available to help caregivers, including, Caregiver Organizations, Respite Services, Hotlines, Helplines, Databases and Directories, Educational Materials and Home Shopping. This resource does not offer advice but rather tells the reader where to go for needed information for those with AIDs, Cancer, Heart Disease, etc.

Starlanyl, Devin J, & Copeland, Mary Ellen: Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain Syndrome: A Survivor Manual, New Harbinger, 1996

Teaches the individual to identify trigger points and how to cope with the chronic pain, sleep problems, and includes a multitude of resources and information.

Sternbach, Richard A: Mastering Pain: A Twelve-Step Program for Coping With Chronic Pain (Reprint Edition), Ballantine Books, 1995

Sternbach is the Director of the Pain Clinic at Scripps Clinic and provides a program for pain control (sports injuries, back problems, migraines, arthritis, etc.). Discusses analgesia, relaxation and biofeedback, positive reinforcement and a training program for confronting pain.                                                        

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Communication

Bolton, Robert: People Skills: Touchstone Book, 1979

A readable how-to manual for asserting yourself, listening to others and resolving conflict.



Geropsychiatry/ Gerontology (Depression and Dementia in the Elderly; Elder Rights)

Brown, Robert N: The Rights of Older Persons: A Basic Guide to the Legal Rights of Older Persons Under Current Law, Southern Illinois University Press, 1989

Provides caregivers and older persons with an overview and information about many programs and benefits available, including: Social Security, SSI, disability programs, pensions, medicare, nursing homes, guardianship, and the Right to Refuse Medical Treatment.

DeLeo, Diego, & Diekstra, Rene FW: Depression and Suicide in Later Life, Hans Huber Publisher, 1989

Despite the frequency of depression and suicide in the elderly, it has been unfortunately ignored. This text looks at physical and psychological aspects, medication, therapy, and preventive strategies.

Fish, Sharon: Alzeimer’s: Caring for Your Loved Ones, Caring for Yourself, Harold Shaw, 1996

Provides up-to-date medical information and advice for caring for those with Alzeimer’s – covering safety aspects, fears, anxieties, and guilt, including difficult decisions such as when to institutionalize.

Gould, Jean: Dutiful Daughters: Caring for our Parents as They Grow Old,  Seal Press, 1999

A thoughtful collection of writings by women who are caring for their aging parents. Reflections that include decision making around health care and families, humor, sadness, loss, denial, desperation, forgiveness, and serenity.

Hills, Helen: Aging Well: Exploring the Land of Our Later Years, Haleys, 1998.

This is a journey of a successful woman who retired from the department of Education, who explored aging though research and interviewing – exploring the challenges and the joys. It discusses dementia, dependence, nursing homes, dying, loneliness, boredom and depression. Insights and suggestions are provided to those who provide support to the elderly. There is also an extensive annotated bibliography.

Mathiasen, Patrick, & Levert, Suzanne: Late Life Depression, Dell Publishing, 1998

From a leading medical expert, this text filled with real-life stories and checklists helps describe the signs and symptoms of depression in late life, including the latest treatments.

National Family Caregivers Association: The Resourceful Caregiver: Helping Family Caregivers Help Themselves, Mosby Lifeline, 1996

A collection of organizations and services available to help caregivers, including, Caregiver Organizations, Respite Services, Hotlines, Helplines, Databases and Directories, Educational Materials and Home Shopping. This resource does not offer advice but rather tells the reader where to go for needed information for those with AIDs, Cancer, Heart Disease, etc.

Pedersen, Darlene D: PsychNotes: Clinical Pocket Guide, FA Davis Company, Philadelphia, PA 2005

Pipher, Mary: Another Country: Navigating the Emotional Terrain of Our Elders, 1999

An indispensable source of suggestions and support, including how to communicate with the elderly. Includes excerpts of sessions with clients who prefer to keep their feelings to themselves.

MacE, Nancy L, Rabins, Peter V, & McHugh, Paul R: The 36-Hour day: A Family Guide to Caring for Persons With Alzheimer Disease, related Dementing Illnesses, and Memory Loss in Later Life, third Edition, Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999.

Although this book is for families dealing with Alzeimer’s, it is also for those dealing with other types of dementias. It is written for caregivers and family members and is also helpful to professionals caring for demented individuals. This is a very useful guide that discusses financing and health care delivery, new drug treatments, nutrition and assisted living facilities, and other resources. This text continues to deal with the human day-to-day living with Alzeimer’s and major decisions facing such families, such as telling a parent they may no longer live alone, or coping with a diagnosis of Alzeimer’s.

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Grief/Loss (Death, Divorce, Widowhood) (See also Pets)

Blum, Gil (Dr.) & Tepper, Lynn, M: Life is for the Living: Recovering and Rebuilding After Spousal Loss, Kay Sleisinger, 1998

Blum experienced the loss of his wife after 38 years of marriage, at age 68. This book provides a personal journey of grieving after death as well as a view from other widows and widowers and is helpful for those who lose a spouse later in life. Offers practical advice on dating, support groups, dealing with adult children and re-marriage or not. Also good for adult children in understanding the surviving parents feelings and loss.

Deits, Bob: Life After Loss: A personal Guide Dealing with Death, Divorce, Job Change and Relocation, Fisher Books, Tucson, AZ, 1992

Excellent resource that deals with many losses experienced in life and how to handle loss at each stage and the steps to recovery. There is also a section on children and grieving. Deits helps the reader understand and deal with loss as a fact of life and the kinds of losses: death, divorce, end of a career, aging and the loss of youth, chronic illness, and so forth.

James, John W. & Russell Friedman: The Grief Recovery Handbook: The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses (Revised Edition), HarperCollins, 1998.

Offers a plan for recovery with specific actions to complete the grieving process and move on for those who are ready to actively grieve and move ahead.

Jowell, Barbara Tom & Schwisow, Donnette: After He’s Gone: A Guide for Widowed and Divorced Women, Birch Lane Press, 1997

Provides women with realistic advice on getting through the first few weeks with worksheets, lists, practical tips, and reminders by two women who experienced loss, loneliness, and finally renewal. Covers topics such as funeral arrangements, legal issues, financial information, feeling better, buying/selling a home or car, support groups, lawyers, doctors, finding a career, job or starting a business, and socializing and dating.

Krantzler, Mel & Krantzler, Patricia B: The New Creative Divorce: How to Create a Happier, More Rewarding Life, During and After Your Divorce, Adams Media Corp., 1999

Krantzler, a leading divorce counselor, who is in favor of divorce in certain situations, helps with turning divorce into a positive experience.

Kubler-Ross, Elisabeth: On Death and Dying (Reprint Edition), Collier Books, 1997

The Classic work on death and dying by the physician whose work introduced us to the five stages of death and dying and allowed for the dissolution of the silence that once surrounded death and any discussion of it.

Pedersen, Darlene D: PsychNotes: Clinical Pocket Guide, FA Davis Company, Philadelphia, PA 2005

Tousley, M: Finding Your Way Through Grief: A Guide for the First Year, 1999

Tousley, a bereavement counselor, helps survivors understand and cope with the feelings of grief encountered in the first year after death of a loved one. Learn about and understand grief process and personal responses, normal feelings to expect, recognize physical, emotional, social and spiritual effects, differences in mourning patterns, managing grief, dealing with anniversaries and holidays, and transcending grief.

Contact: Bereavement Office at Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014-5656 (e-mail: dunks@hov.org) ($ 5.00 donation requested to cover printing costs.)

 

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Loss/Grief-- Pets

Kaufman, Julie: Crossing the Rubicon: Celebrating the Human-Animal Bond in Life and Death. 166 pp, Xenophon publication, 1999.

Discusses and explores the human-animal bond in both life and death.

Lagoni Laurel, et al: The Human-Animal Bond and Grief, WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 1994

Review not available.

Sife, Wallace: The Loss of a Pet (Revised and Expanded Edition), 1998

Sife takes the reader through all the stages and process of grieving and discusses the human-pet bond. Has a section on Euthanasia, Children and the Death of a Pet, Final Arrangements, Another Pet and Supportive Counseling.

Tousley, M & Heuerman, K: The Final Farewell: Preparing for and Mourning the Loss of Your Pet, 1997

Marty Tousley, a bereavement counselor, and co-author Heuerman, have written a book for pet owners who are anticipating or mourning the loss of a companion animal. Explores euthanasia decisions, pre-planning for disposal of the body, available options, memoralizing pets, grief, recognizing the need for additional support and helping a friend who has lost a pet.

Tousley, M: Children and Pet Loss: A Guide for Helping, 1996

A practical tool for helping children cope with pet loss, for professionals, parents, teachers, counselors, and veterinarians. Helps reader understand children's attachment to pets and the significance of the loss, a child's concept of death, children's grief, successful grieving, whether and when to obtain another pet, recognizing loss as a valuable lesson in life, and others.

Tousley, M: Finding Your Way Through Grief: A Guide for the First Year, 1999

Helps survivors understand and cope with the feelings of grief encountered in the first year after death of a loved one. Understand grief process and personal responses, normal feelings to expect, recognize physical, emotional, social and spiritual effects, differences in mourning patterns, managing grief, dealing with anniversaries and holidays,and transcending grief.

Contact: Bereavement Office at Hospice of the Valley, 1510 East Flower Street, Phoenix, AZ 85014-5656 (e-mail: dunks@hov.org) ($ 5.00 donation requested to cover printing costs.)

Montgomery, Mary & Montgomery, Herb: A Final Act of Caring: Ending the Life of an Animal Friend, The Montgomery Group, 1993

Review not available.


HIV/AIDS

Gifford, Allen L (Editor): Living Well With HIV and AIDS, Bull Publishing, 1996

Offers solid practical guidance for HIV/AIDS self-management, dealing with common symptoms, exercise, nutrition, communication, medications, planning for the future, resources, preparation of a durable power of attorney, and a chapter on Nearly 200 Helpful Hints.

Greaser, Frances Bontrager: And a Time to Die: The Pain and Love of a Journey Home With AIDS, Herald Press, 1995

True account of learning a son is homosexual and also dying from AIDs and the journey of anguish and hope for a family. The son David was diagnosed in 1988 with AIDS and died three years later. Also offers advice in an appendix for caregivers and others.

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Manic-Depressive Disorder (Bipolar I)

Granet, Roger & Ferber, Elizabeth: Why Am I up, Why Am I Down? Understanding Bipolar Disorder, Dell Publishing Company, 1999

Discusses the causes, who is at risk, how to get help, the importance of early diagnosis, the latest facts for successfully managing this disorder. Informative, tons of information, and for mental health professionals, bipolar individuals and their loved ones.

Jamison, Kay Redfield: An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness, Knopf, 1995

The recounting of a life lived as a manic depressive by a professional who somehow, in spite of her illness, became an international expert on manic depression and a full professor of psychiatry at a prestigious medical school.

Mondimore, Francis Mark: Bipolar Disorder: A Guide for Patients and Families, Johns Hopkins University Press, 1999

Comprehensive guide to bipolar individuals and their families as to symptoms, diagnosis and treatment. Offers practical advice related to treatment, medication, psychotherapy, and ECT. Helps individuals with informed decisions and improving quality of life while focusing on support building, planning for emergencies and permission to seek help.

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Medications/ Psychiatric Drugs

Gorman, Jack M: The Essential Guide to Psychiatric Drugs, Third Edition, St. Martin’s Griffin, 1997

Easy-to-read handbook for consumers about the most commonly used psychiatric medications. Chapters include Being an Informed Consumer, Drugs Used for Depression, Anxiety, Manic Depression, Schizophrenia, Sleep, and Treating Drug Abuse. Special Topics include the Violent Patient, Family and Genetics, Weight, Sex and Treating the Elderly, Pregnancy, AIDs and other helpful information.

Pedersen, Darlene D: PsychNotes: Clinical Pocket Guide, FA Davis Company, Philadelphia, PA 2005


NONFICTION – Loving, Living, Leaving

Goodman, Richard: French Dirt: The Story of a Garden in Southern France, Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill, 1991

This is a 203 page non-fiction recounting of an American who spent a year in Southern France and is centered on the growing and cultivating of a garden. It is a metaphor for life – about searching, loving, committing, and then saying good-bye.

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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Rapoport, Judith: The Boy Who Couldn’t Stop Washing: The Experience and Treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, The Penguin Group, New York, 1991

Excellent resource for a basic understanding of OCD and the six million Americans afflicted with this disorder. Rapoport presents patient accounts and possible causes and treatments.

Foa, Edna and Wilson, Reid: Stop Obsessing: How to Overcome Your Obsessions and Compulsions, Bantam Books, New York, New York, 1991

Stop Obsessing includes questionnaires to determine if you have a problem and its severity. Also includes a self-help program for treatment of milder problems and guidance in determining when professional help is needed.

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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (Abuse/torture/violence)

Bloom, Sandra L: Creating Sanctuary: Toward the Evolution of Sane Societies, Routledge, 1997

S. Bloom, a psychiatrist, presents both the societal implications and causes of violence as well as in-patient treatment of individuals and famililies affected by violence. Excellent and clearly written book about trauma and violence within society. 

Herman, Judith Lewis: Trauma and Recovery (Reprint Edition), Basic Books, 1997

A book on PTSD/Trauma written for the lay person, explaining traumatic syndromes and offers author’s pathway to recover through three major stages: Establishing Safety, Remembrance and Mourning, and Reconnection.

Pedersen, Darlene D: PsychNotes: Clinical Pocket Guide, FA Davis Company, Philadelphia, PA 2005


Schizophrenia                                                                                                                                

Adamec, Christine, & Jaffe, DJ: How to Live With a Mentally Ill Person: A Handbook of Day-to-Day Strategies, John Wiley & Sons, 1996

Practical advice for coping with a mentally ill relative on a daily basis, based on the author’s experiences with a schizophrenic daughter. How to get an accurate diagnosis, to finding a competent therapist, to dealing with unacceptable behaviors in public (hallucinations and tantrums).

Mueser, Kim Tornval: Coping With Schizophrenia: A Guide for Families, New Harbinger, 1994

Provides helpful strategies for families and for health care providers, who must deal with acute or chronic schizophrenia. Concise and up-to-date information on the causes and treatment of schizophrenia.

Pedersen, Darlene D: PsychNotes: Clinical Pocket Guide, FA Davis Company, Philadelphia, PA 2005

Swados, Elizabeth: The Four of Us: The Story of a Family, Farrar, Straus, and Giroux, New York, 1991

A memoir of her family, which includes Swados’ mother and father, Swados herself, and her brother, who was diagnosed with Schizophrenia. Divided into four chapters, each dedicated to one family member and the family dynamics and effect of schizophrenia on the family as a whole.

Torrey, E. Fuller: Surviving Schizophrenia: A Manual for Families, Consumers, and Providers, Third Edition, HarperPerennial Library, 1995

Thoroughly details everything consumers, families, and mental health professionals need to know about schizophrenia.

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