Essential Reads, Listens, and Watches for New Counselors: Building Confidence and Growing Into Leadership đź“–
As a new counselor, balancing personal and professional growth is key to a thriving career – one where you feel confident, resilient, and prepared to lead when the time comes. Personally, I’m an audio learner; I find that I absorb and learn best when I listen to content. So, I’ve put together some recommendations that span different mediums, with a special focus on podcasts and audiobooks. But I encourage you to explore different ways of learning to see what works best for you!
Continuing education doesn’t have to mean just reading articles or textbooks. Mixing in various types of content can keep things fresh and help you retain more of what you learn. Below, you’ll find a blend of reading and listening options, but if there’s another medium that’s worked well for you, send me suggestions – I’m always interested in new ways to grow!
Key Takeaways:
Laugh (and maybe cringe) at the messy, wonderful, and sometimes awkward sides of therapy.
Pick up tips for navigating your own journey as a counselor, from client dynamics to self-care.
Get permission to not take yourself too seriously – because let’s be honest, mental health work is intense, and sometimes you just need a “therapist-friendly” space to relax.
Why I Recommend It: Dr. LePera’s work encourages us as therapists to examine our own inner workings. Her videos blend self-awareness practices with practical tips on confidence and boundary-setting.
Key Takeaways:
Exercises for enhancing self-awareness as a practitioner.
Techniques for leading confidently, even when imposter syndrome kicks in.
How to maintain your identity and mental health outside of your therapist role.
Why I Recommend It: As therapists, understanding different cultural contexts is crucial. This podcast dives into conversations about race, identity, and community, offering a balanced, honest perspective that’s invaluable for any counselor.
Key Takeaways:
Greater empathy for diverse experiences and perspectives.
How to navigate complex conversations about race and identity.
Understanding social dynamics to better support clients and grow as a culturally competent leader.
Book: My Grandmother’s Hands by Resmaa Menakem
Why I Recommend It: Menakem’s work on trauma, specifically racialized trauma, provides a powerful framework for counselors. It’s an eye-opening book that inspires empathy, patience, and strength as a leader.
Key Takeaways:
Insights on how trauma manifests physically and impacts mental health.
Techniques for grounding yourself and managing stress.
Understanding the somatic aspects of trauma to support both clients and yourself.
Why I Recommend It: Though not exclusive to counselors, Brown’s wisdom on leadership, vulnerability, and courage is a fantastic guide for anyone stepping into leadership roles. This is all about building strength from within to lead authentically.
Key Takeaways:
Why vulnerability is crucial to leadership and growth.
Practical ways to lead with empathy and strength.
How to navigate difficult conversations while maintaining confidence and composure.
Each of these resources offers something unique, whether it’s guidance on setting boundaries, developing resilience, or building confidence in your professional identity. By diving into a mix of books, podcasts, and videos, you’ll strengthen your skills not just as a therapist but as a leader, too. Don’t be afraid to explore, experiment, and pick up what resonates – each of these tools can help you build a career that’s fulfilling and sustainable. Here’s to growing, one page, episode, and insight at a time.