4 Psychologist - Recommended Books on Relationships

Some people dismiss self-help books as drivel or a collection of common sense advice that they already know. But there are many books that offer valuable insight into improving one’s life. You just have to know which ones to pick up.

That’s where a psychologist can come in handy.

Below, several couples therapists share their top-rated books on relationships. Regardless of the state of your relationship, you just might find many kernels of wisdom in these resources.

1. Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by Sue Johnson.

According to clinical psychologist Lisa Blum, “Hold Me Tight is one of the best books I can recommend for couples because it is a powerful antidote to the pain, distress and hopelessness that so many couples feel.”

The book is based on Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which clinical psychologist and researcher Sue Johnson founded. Blum, who also specializes in EFT, explained that “The book outlines several stages of healing work that couples can do together, in the privacy of their own home and at their own pace—called the ‘seven conversations’—that are truly effective, if both partners allow themselves to fully engage in the process.”

Music and Pain Relief

The idea that music can heal the soul or "soothe the savage breast" is well-known. Music's healing power over the body has also attracted attention from scientists who aim to test this ancient wisdom. A growing body of research supports the claim that music can alleviate physical pain. Studies have shown music to be an effective pain reliever, both on its own and as an adjuvant in connection with other types of therapy. Long-term studies of music therapy in pain management have shown it to be associated with improved quality of life and reduced consumption of pain relievers.

Does Music Make You Deaf?

I was sitting on stage the other day, a piano pounding behind me, dulcimer on the left, fiddle and banjo on the right.

And it was LOUD.

My own instrument - the recorder - is high and often shrill in its upper range. After an hour or so, we took a break, and I had that same throbbing sound in my ears that I used to get going to rock concerts.  Great, a new worry.

How does music affect your hearing? I did some reading.  It turns out it's not as bad as I thought.

Loud sounds - including loud music - is bad for your hearing.  REALLY bad.  The Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that 20% of teenagers have minor hearing loss and can't hear rustles, whispers, or raindrops (a NY Times piece summarizes the research).