As a therapist, I believe connection is at the heart of growth and healing, and one way to foster connection is by sharing a bit about ourselves. By offering my “Top 5s”—whether it’s my favorite fiction books, self-care strategies, or even Nashville coffee spots—I hope to give clients and readers a glimpse of who I am beyond the therapy room. These lists are a way to show that therapists are real people with quirks, hobbies, and favorite things, just like everyone else. Whether you’re looking for a good book, a fun self-care idea, or a reminder that it’s okay to embrace your own unique joys, I hope this blog brings a little inspiration and relatability to your day.
Fiction Books
- A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah Maas – I did NOT like Nesta throughout the first four books. Then I read ACOSF and I think she’s my new favorite main character!
- Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros – This was my first ever fantasy book and it did not disappoint. If you like the enemies to lovers trope, you will like this book!
- A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah Maas – Okay plot twist! Okay romance!
- The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab – This book goes back and forth between past and present It has historical fiction, romance, fantasy, and a few plot twists!
- Archer’s Voice by Mia Sheridan – This is a tender love story with characters you can’t help but root for.
Nonfiction Books
- Lost Connections by Johann Hari – This book talks about “disconnections” from things in life that can contribute to depression, and how we can make new “connections” to make life more meaningful.
- No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz – A foundational read for understanding Internal Family Systems and parts I read it through a therapist lens and a personal lens.
- Good Morning Monster by Catherine Gildiner – It’s a fascinating look into real-life therapy stories and human resilience. This book was a great reminder for me as a therapist that healing doesn’t happen overnight.
- I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy – As someone who grew up watching Nickelodeon, this book was heartbreaking.
- Attached by Amir Levine – A must-read for understanding attachment styles and improving I read this in a class in undergrad, and it was truly life-changing information for me.
Artists
- Taylor Swift – I’m a Swiftie and I’m proud! I want to know your favorite album!
- Noah Kahan – Sings frequently about his mental health His energy is giving folk Ed Sheeran.
- Gracie Abrams – Super relatable lyrics and bffs with Taylor
- Kacey Musgraves – Her voice sounds like what I think honey would sound like if it could
- Billie Eilish – Ultimate road trip beats and
Podcasts
- The Broski Report with Brittany Broski – Brittany is my favorite influencer! She worked a normal job in insurance before becoming an She often speaks about history and pop culture.
- Therapuss with Jake Shane – Pop culture and celebrity guests!
- Secondhand Therapy – Two normal dudes talking about their personal therapy
- Basically Unfiltered – Two of my favorite podcasts combined! Unfiltered with Zane and Heath and Pretty Basic.
- Call Her Daddy – The topics are bold and she has the best guests!
Nashville Restaurants
- Sixty Vines – Give me an espresso martini and their Campanelle Also has a cute rooftop for pictures!
- Pelato – Incredible Italian food with a cozy vibe and tapas style!
- Emmy Squared – The best Detroit-style pizza in
- Hawkers – Amazing Asian street food that never
- ML Rose – Great burgers and a casual, fun
Self-Care Strategies
- Coloring – It’s calming physically and mentally for me!
- Hot Girl Walks – A perfect way to clear my mind and get
- Reading – There’s nothing more relaxing to me than escaping into a good
- Talking it out – Processing thoughts with someone I trust to hold things with me is sometimes all I need.
- Bingeing a TV show – Trash reality TV is my guilty pleasure for instant
Figures in the Sand Tray Room at Connect
- The Fairy Godmother
- The Fairy Houses
- The Bridges
- The Sun
- Buzz Lightyear
*I’m not going to share what these mean to me personally, but maybe these will inspire you to think about what they could represent in your sand tray!
Toys in the Play Room at Connect
- The Kitchen – Playing house was my favorite game as a kid, so the kitchen is very
- The Weighted Stuffed Animal – A comforting tool for grounding and
- The Dollhouse – Great for storytelling and exploring
- The Coloring Table – A space where kids can express themselves freely and
- The Puppets – Perfect for playful communication and role
Movies
- Perks of Being a Wallflower – So nostalgic for me! Originally a
- Inside Out 2– An insightful take on emotions and mental
- The Blind Side – An inspiring story of resilience!
- A Star is Born – A good movie if you need a good cry!
- Elf – A feel-good holiday classic I love
TV Shows
- The Bachelor/Bachelorette/Bachelor in Paradise – A dramatic guilty
- Breaking Bad – A masterclass in I don’t think I’ve ever dropped my jaw as often as I did while watching this show.
- Love is Blind – Reality TV that’s chaotic and messy but so
- The Bear – Intense, emotional, and brilliantly
- Traitors – A thrilling mix of strategy and deception that keeps you
Sharing my “Top 5s” is more than just a fun idea for a blog post—it’s a way to connect, inspire, and spark conversations. Whether you’re a fellow therapist, a client, or just someone curious about finding joy in life’s little things, I hope this list resonates with you or gives you new ideas to explore. These favorites reflect pieces of who I am, both as a person and as a therapist, and remind me of the value in pausing to appreciate what brings us comfort, growth, and happiness. I’d love to hear about your own “Top 5s” too—what inspires you, what helps you unwind, or what simply makes your day a little brighter. Let’s keep the conversation going!
