Let’s be honest, this year has been ridiculous. When I started thinking about my annual holiday gifts for therapists list, I wanted to acknowledge the wild ride we’ve all been on, the continuing chaos, and the hope for some sense of normalcy.
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Recharge: A Year of Self-Care to Focus on You by Julie Montagu
Most of us are exhausted at this point. We’re hoping 2021 will be an easier year but the pandemic isn’t going to magically end on NYE. That’s why I think books like Recharge are important right now. Julie Montagu introduces a new self-care focus each month to keep us going while we support other.
Brain Bookends
I’m going to keep putting these bookends on my list every year until I find them in my stocking. I have a fascinations with brains and they are just cool. I think they’re perfect for holding up my Dan Siegel books.
“Keep talking – I’m diagnosing you” shirt
I have this shirt and I love all the comments I get when I wear it.
Support a small business and get it from Etsy HERE
Coffee, Compassion & Existential Crises mug
I’m in love with this mug from PsychotherapyMemes. She also has a brand new book, Sometimes Therapy is Awkward that you should definitely check out too.
Trauma Survivors’ Strategies for Healing
So many of us have experienced T/trauma this year and if we haven’t been hit personally, we’ve witnessed our clients struggle. I love this workbook for it’s practical strategies and timely help. You can read my full review here.
Best therapist ever coaster
I was in a friend’s office recently and was pretty horrified to discover she didn’t have any coasters. Where was I supposed to put my coffee cup!?! Don’t tell Jana but if I draw her name for the Secret Santa, she’s getting a set of these.
*You may know Jana from a few previous pranks when the world and office were still normal.
Group: How One Therapist and a Circle of Strangers Saved My Life
My family likes to sneak away for a camping trip over New Year’s and this is what I’m planning to bring. I’ve heard great things about this memoir.
If you aren’t finding what you need on our holiday gifts for therapists list, check out @therapybooks on Instagram for more inspiration and amazing books.
Neewer Ring Light Kit
This is the ring light I use. It’s a must for any therapist doing telehealth sessions. I use the 18 inch because I can move it around and have great lighting for shooting videos in my office. If I wasn’t doing that, I would probably go with the smaller one.
Get the 14″ light from Amazon HERE.
Get the 18″ light from Amazon HERE.
Mental Health Matters mask
I’m pretty sure there is a law somewhere against making a 2020 holiday list without including any masks. Stay safe, healthy and sarcastic with this one.
I also love THIS mask for us readers.
A Matter of Death and Life
If you’ve followed me long, you’ve probably noticed I’m a massive Yalom fan. His newest, and likely last, book was written with his wife Marilyn as they faced her terminal diagnosis. I have grown as a human and a therapist through his work and I expect this book to be deeply impactful too.
A Matter of Death and Life won’t be released until March 2nd but you can pre-order it now as a perfect holiday gift and give your favorite reader something to look forward to in 2021.
Holiday Gifts for Therapists
I hope you found something perfect on our holiday gifts for therapists collection. So, what’s on your holiday list? I want to hear about your favorite gifts, especially the books you’re hoping to find under the tree.
Just a note: therapists are often not able to accept gifts from clients. If you are looking for a way to express your appreciation to a therapist you see, it may be best to ask them ahead of time for their policy on gifts. A handmade treat or a card might be your best bet. If you choose to buy your therapist a gift, it is generally best to stay under $20. If you are looking to buy for therapists in your life, these gifts are sure to please. And, if you are looking to surprise your favorite therapist who also happens to run a book review website, she might really like those brain bookends.
If you know of a book we need to review or an expert willing to share their favorite resources, let us know here or tell us about it in the comments. Make sure you’re also following The Therapist’s Bookshelf on Facebook and Instagram.
Many therapists enjoy recommending books to their clients to supplement the work they are doing together. We also use books to help ourselves grow as people and practitioners. Remember though that books are never a replacement for real human connection or for therapy when it’s needed. If you find yourself needing a therapist, a great place to start is Psychology Today. If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or someone else, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.
