5 Books That Reflect the Heart of Healing: Reflections from a Maryland Therapist
Books can be amazing doorways, mirrors, and so much more.
As a Maryland therapist, I'm often reflecting on the ways stories—our own and those of others—can help us feel less alone. Whether you’re in therapy now or just starting to think about it, stories can remind us that healing is possible. That grief doesn’t have to be the end of the story. That connection, hope, and resilience can thread their way back in, even after seasons of profound disconnection.
In sessions, I often find myself referencing books that capture the very things clients are trying to put into words: the ache for belonging, the grief that sneaks up in unexpected ways, the beauty of being understood. Here are five books I’ve recently (and one not-so-recently) read that speak deeply to the human journey—and why I think they matter if you’re navigating your own healing.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
Marcellus, the octopus, is one of the most memorable characters I’ve encountered.
This book is full of quiet surprises, and it’s one I often think about when working with clients navigating grief or the long arc of loneliness. The story centers around Tova, a woman dealing with the loss of her son, and an unlikely connection with an intelligent octopus (yes, really, named Marcellus). Each character in the book aches with their own loss and desires—the stories of humanity told multiple, different ways.
What this gets right: Besides being, in turn, delightfully funny and achingly poignant, it reminds us how connection can emerge in unexpected places, and how healing can begin when we feel seen—even if it starts with a creature in a tank. As a Maryland therapist, I’ve seen firsthand how many people carry invisible grief. This book gently makes space for it. If you like audiobooks, the narration for this one is wonderful.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
This novel reads like a warm hug. It’s a story about found family, about what happens when someone finally sees your worth without needing you to change. If you’ve ever felt like the “too much” person or the one who never quite fit in, this book offers a breath of fresh air. It’s written as a young adult book but has so much to offer adults because we never grow out of our quest for connection and healing.
In therapy, we often talk about belonging—not just fitting in, but truly being known and accepted. The House in the Cerulean Sea offers a beautiful metaphor for the therapeutic journey: discovering your capacity to be loved exactly as you are. The story is both original and a tale as old as time, in some ways.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune
A spiritual sequel to The House in the Cerulean Sea, this book continues the theme of self-discovery and healing. It carries readers through grief, love, identity, and what it means to find purpose after loss.
This one feels especially poignant for clients navigating major life transitions or identity exploration. Whether you're shifting roles in your family or questioning long-held beliefs, the story encourages gentleness and curiosity—two qualities we cultivate together in therapy. The book came out last year but I just got to it recently and it feels like it could have been written for exactly this moment in our history and culture. I don’t listen to a lot of audiobooks but this was another one of my audio picks and the narrator captures the many distinct voices so incredibly. The humor of capturing so clearly the wit and ridiculous of children made me chuckle out loud multiple times, followed by tears when the heartfelt poignancy and pain was spot on.
Unraveling by Peggy Orenstein
Stories can knit together personal narrative with wider, universal, themes.
Orenstein’s memoir is raw, insightful, and unapologetically honest. Written during the early pandemic, it’s part personal reflection, part cultural commentary. It explores the threads of identity, womanhood, motherhood, and aging, all while she learns to shear sheep, spin and dye wool to then knit herself a sweater made from start to finish.
If you’re someone who’s been holding a lot—emotionally, mentally, generationally—this book is like a deep exhale, with the comfort of knowing you aren’t alone. It invites us to slow down and reconsider what we’ve been told to carry, and what we can finally choose to let go of. Throughout the personal story of this project, there’s also fascinating information about the intricate ways that history, fabric and fashion are woven together.
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
While technically a post-apocalyptic novel, Station Eleven is much more about connection and meaning than it is about the end of the world. It explores how art, memory, and relationships continue to matter—even when everything else falls away. This one wasn’t a recent read of mine but might still be my favorite novel. I read it years ago—pre-pandemic, long before the tv series about it came out (which was pretty good but read the book first!). It was one of the few times that I was so completely engrossed in a story that I would dream about the characters at night.
In therapy, especially here in Maryland where many of us felt the isolation of the pandemic deeply, I often hear stories of disconnection. This novel offers hope: that rebuilding is possible, and that the things we love can help lead us back to ourselves. If you read and love this book, you might also enjoy one of her later books, Sea of Tranquility.
Why Stories Matter in Therapy
One of the most powerful parts of therapy is storytelling—reclaiming the story of your life, reframing it with compassion, and finding a new way to move forward. As a Maryland therapist, I witness daily how healing unfolds not in giant leaps, but in small moments of clarity, validation, and reflection.
These books? They’re companions for that process. They speak to the themes many of us wrestle with: the desire to be seen, the fear of change, the longing for connection. If any of these themes resonate with you, you’re not alone.
Want Support from a Maryland Therapist?
If you’re reading this and finding pieces of yourself in these stories, it might be time to write a new chapter of your own. Therapy can help you explore the questions you’ve been carrying and support you in moving forward with more clarity and compassion.
As a Maryland therapist, I offer a safe and supportive space to explore grief, identity, transitions, and relationships. Whether you're just beginning your journey or picking it back up again, I’d love to connect.
FAQs: Therapy with a Maryland Therapist
1. What types of clients do you work with?
I work with adults navigating grief, identity, family transitions, anxiety, and trauma. Many of my clients are highly sensitive, deeply thoughtful, and often feeling "too much."
2. Do you offer virtual sessions in Maryland?
Yes! I offer online therapy to residents across the state of Maryland.
3. How do I know if therapy is right for me?
If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or just curious about exploring your story with support, therapy is a great next step.
4. What approaches do you use in therapy?
My approach is integrative and tailored. I often draw from narrative therapy, attachment theory, and mindfulness-based practices.
5. What should I expect from a consultation?
Our free 15-minute consultation is a low-pressure way to ask questions and get a feel for whether we’re a good fit.
6. How long do people typically stay in therapy?
It varies! Some people come in for a few months during a tough season, while others work longer-term. We’ll talk about what feels right for you.
7. How do I get started?
It’s easy! Click here to reach out, and we’ll find a time to connect.
