Suggested Reading
These are some of the books that have shaped both my personal understanding and professional practice as an LGBTQ+ affirming therapist. Some are more academic, others more accessible, but all have stayed with me in different ways.
THE READING LIST
(with links to amazon)
Straight Jacket by Matthew Todd
A powerful exploration of shame, masculinity, identity and the lasting psychological impact of growing up gay in a heteronormative world.
Looks at how shame and the need for validation can shape the lives of many gay men from childhood into adulthood.
The Body Keeps The Score by Bessel van de Kolk
A powerful exploration of how trauma lives in the body, and why healing often begins with reconnecting to ourselves physically as well as emotionally.
Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors by Janina Fisher
An accessible and compassionate introduction to trauma, dissociation and parts based healing work.
The Compassionate Mind by Paul Gilbert
A compassionate and accessable guide to understanding shame, self criticism, and how learning compassion can help us heal and feel safer within ourselves.
Internal Family Systems by Richard C Schwartz
An accessible introducteion to Internal Family Systems therapy, exploring how different ‘parts’ of ourselves develop to protect us from pain, shame and trauma.
Therapists Challenging Racism and Oppression edited by Neelam Zahid & Rachel Cooke
Explores anti oppressive practice and the importance of recognising power, privilege and systemic inequality in therapy.
Life Isn’t Binary by Meg-John Barker and Alex Iantaffi
Challenges rigid ideas around gender, sexuality and relationships with warmth, nuance and compassion.
No Bad Parts Healing Trauma & Restoring Wholeness by Richard C Schwartz
Explores how the different ‘parts’ of ourselves, even the ones we struggle with most, often developed as protective responses to pain, trauma and emotional overwhelm.
Person-Centred Counselling for Trans and Gender Diverse People by Sam Hope
A thoughtful guide to affirmative therapeutic work with trans and gender diverse clients through a person centres lens.
Relationally Queer edited by Silva Neves and Dominic Davies
Explores queer relationships, intimacy and sexuality beyond traditional heteronormative frameworks.
Pink Therapy edited by Dominic Davies and Charles Neal
A Foundational text on affirmative therapy with LGBTQ+ clients and diverse relationship styles.
Gender Trauma by Alex Iantaffi
Looks at the emotional impact of gender based oppression, dysphoria and societal invalidation.
Working With Shame by Christiane Sanderson
Helps unpack how shame develops and the lasting effect it can have on identity, relationships and mental health.
Supporting Transgender Autistic Youth and Adults by Finn V Gratton
An affirming eploration of the overlap between autism, gender diveristy and identity development.
Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Identities and Youth by Anthony R D’Augelli and Charlotte J Patterson
Examines LGBTQ+ identity development, adolescene and the impact of family and social environments.
Healing The Shame That Binds You by John Bradshaw
A classic book exploring toxic shame and how early experiences shape our sense of self.
Explores affirmative approaches to therapy with lesbian, gay and bisexual clients accross different therapeutic modalities.
Recovery is my Best Revenge by Carolyn Spring
A deeply honest and hopeful reflectioin on trauma recovery, healing and reclaiming identity.
Neuroqueer Heresies by Nick Walker
Challenges deficit based ideas around neurodivergence and celebrates neurodiversity through a radically affirming lens.
Explores the roots of shame and how healing begins through self compassion, connection and understanding.
A compassionate and accessible book about grief, loss and how people learn to live alongside pain.
Working with Drug and Alcohol Users by Tony White
An introduction to understanding addiction, substance use and therapeutic approaches to recovery work.
Understanding and Treating Chronic Shame by Patricia A DeYoung
Looks at chronic shame through a relational and neurobiological lens, particularly in attachment and trauma work.
Let’s Work Together
Books can help us feel less alone. Sometimes they give language to experiences we’ve struggled to explain for years, or help us understand ourselves with a little more compassion.
If any of the themes on this page resonate with you and you’d like support exploring them further, I offer LGBTQ+ affirming therapy both online and in person from my practice in Manchester city centre. You’re welcome to get in touch to arrange a free 15 minute introductory call