1. Hold Me Tight by Sue Johnson
This book is written by one of the best couples therapists in the world. She is the creator of Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) which I largely practice in my work. This book gives agood introduction and explanation of much of the work that I do. It also has some good communication techniques you can practice at home.
2. Living Like You Mean It by Ronald Fredericks
This is an excellent book for helping you identify and put into words to how you’re feeling, a critical skill in improving communication and making a relationship work . It’s written in very straightforward language and an easy read. Many of my patients (especially men) have found it very helpful.
3. Focusing by Eugene Gendlin
This is another good book to help you figure out how you’re feeling and communicate it to yourpartner.
4. The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman
An international bestseller, the 5 love languages makes the very basic point that you need to give your partner what they want, not what you think they want. This is a very practical book that men in particular find very helpful.
5. Wherever You Go, There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn
Meditation is often a very effective way of figuring out how you’re reacting to your partner and reducing stress in arguments. Kabat-Zinn is one of the world’s leaders in teaching basic meditation and helping people to reduce stress in relationships. Any of his books are worth reading.
6. Getting the Love You Want by Harville Hendricks
A classic in the field, this book shows that we often recreate childhood issues in a relationship.This book shows you how to overcome childhood hurts that arise in a relationship in aneffective way.
