RECOMMENDED READING
Books that support
healing & resilience.
These are titles I personally recommend to clients, colleagues, and anyone on a journey toward greater self-awareness, strength, and healing. Each book has been chosen for its relevance to the people I work with most.
Disclosure: I do not receive any commissions, referral fees, or compensation of any kind for recommending these titles. These are purely personal recommendations based on their value to the people I serve.
01
Create Your Own Light
by Travis Howze
A deeply honest and compelling account written by a veteran and mental health advocate, this book speaks directly to those who have served and struggled in silence. Howze writes with raw authenticity about the challenges of transitioning out of military life, battling inner darkness, and ultimately choosing to create meaning and purpose on the other side of pain. A powerful read for anyone who has felt unseen or unheard.
02
Increasing Resilience in Police and Emergency Personnel
Written by a psychologist with firsthand experience in law enforcement, this book offers practical, evidence-based strategies for strengthening mental resilience in high-stress professions. Dr. Conn addresses the unique psychological toll of police and emergency work — from chronic stress and trauma to compassion fatigue — and provides tools that are grounded in real-world experience rather than clinical theory alone.
03
We Went to War
A poignant and carefully reported account that brings together the voices and stories of those who served, and those who waited. This book captures the human cost of war across generations — not just on the battlefield, but in the homes, communities, and inner lives of the people left to carry those experiences forward. An essential read for understanding the lasting impact of military service.
04
The Mountain Is You
A transformative guide to understanding self-sabotage and the internal barriers that keep us from moving forward. Wiest explores why we often stand in our own way — and how the obstacles we face are frequently a reflection of unresolved emotions and unmet needs. This book is accessible, insightful, and particularly meaningful for anyone doing the difficult inner work of rebuilding and moving forward.
Reading is one of the most accessible forms of healing. Sometimes the right words at the right time remind us we are not alone in what we carry.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
Other resources worth exploring
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Call or text 988 anytime for free, confidential support from trained crisis counselors.
Veterans Crisis Line
Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or chat online for confidential veteran-specific support.
First Responder Support Network
Peer support, resources, and community for first responders navigating mental health challenges.
Want a personalized recommendation?
Every person's journey is different. Reach out and I can suggest resources that are most relevant to what you're working through.