The Second Mountain

“Inspiration to climb the right mountain: Written by David Brooks, this is a thoughtful look into qualities of a moral life.  He offers endless quotes from a variety of writers.  This book is a deep look at what will give you meaning.  It is inspirational and tangible. Almost immediately you are hit with the thoughtfulness […]

Just Breathe

https://www.amazon.com/Just-Breathe-Mastering-Breathwork-Business/dp/B06WVF11XX/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=just+breathe&qid=1587733787&sr=8-1 “Are you breathing right? “ This book is a presentation of several breathing philosophies and techniques.  The author directs us to consider our breath and how we are using it. Then, he shows us several breathing techniques that masters use.  This book is an invitation to try different ways to breath. I think the […]

Mating in Captivity

https://www.amazon.com/Mating-Captivity-Reconciling-Erotic-Domestic/dp/B000IB0EYI/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=mating+in+captivity&qid=1586443276&s=audible&sr=1-1 Is that what my spouse thinks about sex?” This is a book about sexual desire.  Esther Perel is a speaker, author and sex therapist, and she pulled from her years of experience counseling couples to write this book.  She details the path of intimacy and desire for couples.   Perel has excellent insights into couples […]

Hold me Tight

“Love explained!” This is a foundational marriage book.  It was published in 2008 but I think it still holds up.  In the first three chapters, the author describes love and the attachment bond.  There is research that says feeling loved helps the immune system. Conversely, there is physical, mental and emotional impact when we threaten […]

AWARE

“A practice for such a time as this!” This book is an easy to read introduction to Dr. Siegel’s trademark practice called, The Wheel of Awareness.  The Wheel of Awareness is a mindfulness activity with profound affects on your life. In this book, Dr. Siegel offers a helpful explanation of the science behind this mediation. […]

Emotional Agility

Emotional Agility: Get Unstuck, Embrace Change and Thrive in Work and LifeAuthor: Susan David“This book is a clear guide to stopping the “hook” that leads to bad thinking” After reading this book, I have tried to pay more attention to what hooks my thoughts, that influences my day. I am realizing that it is much easier […]

Welkom to Holland!

We are excited to say we have made it to the lake shore!  I (Dan) have always loved the big lake, especially after attending Hope, where I fell in love with the city of Holland. After graduate school took me to various cities it had been a dream of mine to live and work in […]

ACG Summer Reading List

 What better time to dive into a new book than during Michigan’s beautiful summer months? As you head to the beach, the cottage, the pool, or the campfire this summer think about adding one of these books to your list and reading along with the therapists here at Alliance!  Family / Parenting –No-Drama Discipline: The […]

Cyberbullying and Self-Harm: What you need to know

unsplash-logofreestocks.org By Julie Schillim, LLP, LPCAdolescence, a time in life where exploring independence and social identity are often confronted.  It’s a time when teens are confronted with the challenges of a world that is continually increasing in online social access and platforms.  Terms such as “cyberbullying” have become more common in homes, schools, and counseling offices […]