This book was a game changer for me! The Dance of Anger helped me many, many years ago. I was in a new marriage; I had two children and two step-children. I was overwhelmed and yet trying to be the best wife, mom, student, employee…well you get the picture! This book guided me to bring balance in my life and my marriage. Keep in mind, it was not easy but well worth it!!!
I studied relationships in my doctoral program and discovered this book; We have to talk. I love it! Let me say this, one thing that is important to me in my work as a therapist is that both people in a relationship feel supported and understood. This book is a wonderful guide to help men and women gain mutual understanding as to what each person feels in a relationship. If you want to gain a better understanding of gender differences and communication (that supports both men and women), this book will be helpful to you.
This book is a wonderful guide about common dialogue patterns that evolve in relationships. I did get so much from this book. The only thing that I would say about Hold Me Tight is that these dialogue patterns are only one aspect to challenges in a relationship. While I firmly believe that it will help you in your relationship, I think that relationships are far too complicated to narrow relational challenges to dialogue patterns. That being said, I do believe it is a very helpful guide for patterns of dialogue that occur in many relationships.
When I find an author that I enjoy, I tend to read all of their books! The Dance of Connection is about how to use your “authentic” voice in relationships! She does a wonderful job discussing that challenge to be vulnerable with our partner as well as coping with hurt and pain. I like the way she discusses “the apology.”
I read 
Oh my, discovering bell hooks and The Will To Change was right up my alley!! I am very passionate about understanding both “sides” in a relationship. People fear couples counseling because they don’t want to be blamed. Who would want to be blamed!! I think it is a fine line between understanding the challenges that we bring to a relationship and taking responsibility for them with self-compassion. Bell hooks does a wonderful job of providing an understanding of men and women while at the same time encouraging accountability. I love this book!
I discovered Daring to Trust when I was feeling challenged to trust again after I had been hurt in my marriage. Keep in mind, we all hurt each other and trust can be an obstacle to reconnection. This book is a very helpful guide to regain trust and connection.
I enjoyed this book, it’s quick and get’s to the point of the challenges of perfectionism. The gifts of imperfection help you recognize the battle of “am I enough” and “what will people think”! Also, I love that she addresses connection with others and perfectionism.
I purchased Broken Open during a time in my life when I felt broken open. The title resonated with me as did the book. I read it during a challenging time in my marriage and was in need of tremendous healing. I am a growth oriented person so the subtitle of the book “How difficult times can help us grow” was perfect. I think the only thing we can do is grow during challenging times otherwise, what was the point.
Finding The Highly Sensitive Person was a game changer for me. Meaning that I never really understood my sensitivity and viewed it as a negative aspect about my personality. I felt validated, understood and then could embrace my sensitivity. Anyway who has (you are born with it) a sensitive temperament or who loves someone who has a sensitive temperament will benefit from reading this book. You can take the quiz to determine if you are highly sensitive!
I read “I don’t want to talk about it”