Favorite Books
Click on any book cover to view or purchase on Amazon
Does our story begin before we take our first breath?
Exploring the lives of four generations in one family, Generations Deep reveals the unhealthy patterns of behavior that can repeat from one generation to the next, uncovering how we can find ourselves trapped in a cycle of dysfunction if we don't take the time and effort to repair the damage of the past. Gina Birkemeier–a licensed professional counselor, author and speaker--shares her personal story, along with self-help components throughout the book, which allow you to navigate through your own journey toward healing.
Gina examines how unaddressed trauma, emotional wounds and false beliefs are passed down and how we can break those cycles that harm us and those we love. As she shares her raw and sometimes heartbreaking story—as well as the stories of her ancestors—we see how our beliefs and behaviors are influenced by the emotional health of our caregivers. Gina tells a story of bondage to freedom, and of shame to self-compassion.
Written by a friend, this story portrays a compelling journey of darkness to light. In this gripping book, we read the haunting memoir of Anna LeBaron, daughter of the notorious polygamist Ervil LeBaron. The crimes of her father kept Anna and her siblings on the run from the FBI, while conditioning them to believe her father was in the right. Enduring circumstances no child should have to endure, Anna continued to hold on to the hope that true connection and belonging were possible. I celebrate her bravery and the hard work she’s done to be a light in this world.
Cherished is the true story of one woman’s journey through terrible abuse as a child and adolescent that set her up for depression, the sex industry, deep depression and substance abuse to living a life of hope and freedom, and then passing on that hope and freedom to others. Polly’s story is a darkness to light tale that will help us all think differently about those who have suffered abuse and how we view the fallout. You will be inspired and challenged.
When two heavy-hitters like doctors Gabor Mate and Peter Levine come together to write a book, you know it is going to be a life-changing experience to read it!
While this book might seem like it lends itself to a more “clinical” setting, the truth is that this book is for anyone who has experienced addiction, addictive-like behaviors, or for those who know and love someone who struggles with addiction.
While this book was originally released in 2010, the reality is addiction and all the fall-out that comes with it is being experienced in our society at record-breaking rates. Dr. Mate takes the complex and makes it incredibly practical.
One of my favorite things about the book is that he takes his experience from over 20 years and presents a compelling case for rethinking the way we help those struggling, and how we help ourselves.
Childhood Disrupteda helps us understand the heartbreaking and far-reaching impact of childhood trauma. The personal stories shared throughout the book will help you become more aware of the broader perspective of what trauma might look like. While the book emphasizes all the potential for damage, it also offers a path to hope and healing.
Have you ever felt there were parts of you at war with one another? You're not alone. Licensed professional counselor Jenna Riemersma combines evidence-based therapy in IFS with principles of the Christian faith to help anyone who feels stuck in unwanted beliefs and behaviors. With a focus on personal transformation for readers of faith. Jenna does not ask anyone to check their faith at the door. A beautiful work that helps us see God’s constant supply of grace for us and His desire for us to find healing and freedom.
JD Vance tells a gripping tale of family loyalty and love amid familial struggles of a legacy of trauma, addiction, abuse and poverty. JD gives us insight to his firsthand experience of what it’s like what it’s like to be the one who breaks the cycle and helps to steer the family-ship into unchartered, healthier waters. His story speaks deeply to my heart. It will speak to yours too.
Dr. Janina Fisher offers hope and help to survivors of traumatic experiences through educational and experiential means. Dr. Fisher’s workbook is creatively designed for those doing their own work and those working with a professional therapist. One of my favorite things about this book is that it isn’t asking you to tell and retell traumatic experiences, rather, it's about how to recover from the disruptive emotions that are impacting your life. A very compassionate and practical read.
Boundaries for Your Soul is a groundbreaking resource to help us confront the shame and wounds that prevent us from living a healthy and boundaried life.
Go on a journey to igniting the important connections with God, others and within yourself. Best read with the original Your Faithful Brain.
Faith and Science come together to help us heal and grow. Be sure to use Your Faithful Brain Ignited! as your literal guide through this
Bob will be one of your best friends by the end of this book. If you don't walk away inspired and challenged, you weren't paying attention.
An example of what can happen when we step out of our comfort zone! I love the journey this book takes us on; one of hope, help and healing.
Ever been in a season that feels like the title reads? Yeah, me too. Come see how God fits is present in a time that make Him seem absent.
What does love look like when we see past the outer circumstances? A lot like this story. One you will want to pass on to friends and family
I give this to clients and families alike when addiction is present. A guide to authentic healing and a new understanding of addiction.
There are a lot of books out there about God and ways to experience Him, but this one is at the top of my list. Explore the God Jesus knows.
How many times have we all said the words in this title in our daily struggles? This early work helps us feel not so alone in the process.
We love her Dare books, but this earlier work speaks to embracing what we are and letting go of the shoulds. Empowering and personal.
There may be none better to help us on the journey to forgiveness than Tutu, given his first-hand accounts of what it’s like to forgive at the deepest levels.
Another great work from Thompson! The Soul of Shame helps us recognize the depths to which shame effects us and how to heal from it.
Surviving father wounds, this book touched my heart at a deep level. If you hurt from past father-wounds, it will speak to your heart too.
This is an incredible and unique perspective on faith & science and how we can harness both to connect with ourselves and each other.
This book got me through my intern year. It helped me stay present and connected to The Source. It will do the same for you. Read slowly!
Evans helps us recognize abusive relationships, and provides practical advice on how to respond and stay safe (emotionally, mentally and physically) in the process.
This helpful resource gives us the tools and needed to help transform our thoughts and beliefs about ourselves. One of my favorite things about this book is that it gives the scientific and emotional perspective as well. Jenny doesn't peddle a simple "change your thinking" message. She has carefully compiled the science and the spiritual to help us see all sides.
With an inspiring and authentic perspective, Smedes leads us through a manageable breakdown of the
stages of forgiveness and helps us understand how to make forgiveness a reality.
Dr. Edie shares her remarkable personal journey and the moving stories of those she has helped
heal, offering us inspiration for our own healing journeys. She masterfully illustrates how we can be imprisoned in our own minds and she shows us how to find our key to freedom.
The author takes us on a practical journey to transform difficult
emotions like anger, fear, and shame into unconditional love, gratitude, and peace.
In this time-tested resource, Beattie helps us learn what codependency looks
like and how we can break free from its grip in our lives.
Think Differently Live Differently is a unique book, written to shift the way your mind works. Outlining a pathway to personal freedom, this book employs several strategies designed specifically to impact the parts of the mind most able to promote change and restoration. Bob helps us see that the WAY we think might just be the key to WHAT we think.
At the heart of Viktor Frankl’s theory is a conviction that our primary, human drive is not pleasure, as but rather the discovery and pursuit of what is meaningful. In today’s world, with our new challenges and uncertainties, this classic work continues to inspire us all to find significance in the very act of
living, in spite of all obstacles.
This book offers a down-to-earth, practical direction to help heal from the past and grow into our future. Dr. Cloud combines his professional and personal experience to guide to deeper connection with others, maintain a healthy individual life, and grow into deeper emotional and spiritual maturity. This book comes complete with case studies and helpful techniques for a healthier life.
For some of us, our childhoods were places of unmet emotional needs as the result of emotionally immature parents. Dr. Lindsay Gibson helps us see how our "parent wounds" and their resulting impact can be healed so we can move forward. Discover how to create positive, new relationships so you can build a better life.
While Gina Birkemeier is a counselor, the content of this website and any of the products provided or recommended by Gina Birkemeier are not specific counseling advice nor are they a substitute for individual counseling. The content and products provided on this website are for informational purposes only.