Libby’s Library: December 2025 Edition
December is a month of traditions. For a therapist, December has its own traditional therapy themes… family conflict, loss and struggles with joy, and, on the other end of the spectrum, renewed hope for growth and change. Looking at my bookshelf, I pulled three books, not new releases, but personal classics, that I have recommended to my clients when they fall into one of these thematic December categories.
Family Conflict
Getting to Zero: How to Work Through Conflict in Your High-Stakes Relationships by Jason Gaddis
Holidays are times when family conflict blossoms like a Christmas cactus. Let me normalize this phenomenon… conflict happens in all relationships. It’s how you address it, or don’t address it, that makes a difference.
Gaddis makes basic communication skills very accessible to the reader. He includes information on attachment styles to help the reader better understand his or her approach to conflict. My particular copy looks well loved, as it has been lent to clients to peruse when considering a purchase for themselves.
Who might enjoy this book:
Anyone wanting to scale up their interpersonal communication skills
One part of this book that I love:
The acronyms… LUFU! (Read the book and you’ll get it.)
Loss and Struggles with Joy
Everything Happens for a Reason and Other Lies that I’ve Loved by Kate Bowler
The title immediately resonated with me, so I had to read it! Since then, I’ve grown to love Bowler’s work. The platitude, “everything happens for a reason,” has always felt off-putting at best, and, in my practice, I’ve seen the harm that can come from these words. From the lens of a theologian diagnosed with cancer, Bowler describes her own struggle with this concept. It’s authentic, poignant, and, at times, funny.
Who might enjoy this book:
Those battling with humanity in ways where their holiday joy feels dimmed
As an aside, and a bonus, if you’re struggling with real life concerns, check-out one of her online, Advent devotionals. They’re very helpful, well-curated… and provided free of charge!
One part of this book that I love:
The appendices. A surprising choice, I know. For those of us trying to show up for our friends and family who are hurting, the appendices bluntly describe what not to say, why we shouldn’t say it, as well as how we can effectively show up for our loved ones in an empathic way.
Growth and Change
Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear
Get ready for your New Year’s goals! Atomic Habits explains why people make New Year’s goals, as well as why they typically don’t work. I appreciate Clear’s scaffolding to break bad habits, while making new ones. Beyond simply stating that successful new habits should be “obvious,” “attractive,” “easy,” and “satisfying,” Clear gives practical steps to operationalize these concepts.
Who might enjoy this book:
Anyone who has struggled with New Year’s goals, and anyone looking to create change in their lives
One part of this book that I love:
The “Two-Minute Rule.” Doesn’t it feel more manageable to think about starting a new habit with just two-minutes of change? The transformation doesn’t end there, but this is how it starts. It’s the antithesis of “go big or go home,” and it works!
What to Read in 2026
What if you didn’t fall into one of the three categories of December therapy themes? Don’t worry! In 2026, I will introduce other reading selections from parenting to traumatic healing. If you have specific reading requests, please let me know!
As the year draws to a close, I hope these book recommendations offer comfort, insight, and inspiration—whether you’re navigating family dynamics, processing loss, or seeking positive change. The right words can be a powerful companion on your journey, helping you feel seen and supported through the unique challenges and joys of the season.
If you have a favorite therapeutic read or a topic you’d like to see explored in future posts, I’d love to hear from you. Wishing you warmth, growth, and gentle moments as you turn the page into the new year.