6 Psychologists Who Have Written Thought-Provoking Books

Psychologists Who Have Authored Stimulating Books

U.S. Mental Health Facts

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences mental illness each year
• 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
• Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34
• The average delay between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years
• People with depression have a 40% higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases than the general population
• 19.3% of U.S. adults with mental illness also experienced a substance use disorder in 2018
• The rate of unemployment is higher among U.S. adults who have mental illness (5.8%) compared to those who do not (3.6%)
• 41% of the people with mental disorders receive professional health care or other services
• Mental illness is associated with lower use of medical care, reduced adherence to treatment therapies for chronic diseases and higher risks of adverse health outcomes
• Up to 25% of primary care patients suffer from depression, but primary care doctors identify only 31% of these patients
• 4% of young adults reported forgoing mental health care in the past year, despite self-reported mental health needs
• Major depressive disorder is the leading cause of disability in the U.S. for ages 15-44
• Women are nearly twice as likely to suffer from major depression than men
• Four times as many men than women commit suicide
• Suicidal ideation among adults increased from 3.77% in 2012 to 4.19% in 2017
• The proportion of youth with private insurance that did not cover mental or emotional difficulties went from 4.6% in 2012 to 8.1% in 2017
• 8.4% of children aged 6 to 17 have been diagnosed with anxiety and/or depression

Breaking the Stigma of Mental Illness

10 Fields Of Psychology

1. Developmental Psychology
2. Health Psychology
3. Social Psychology
4. Cognitive Psychology
5. Biopsychology
6. Clinical Psychology
7. Educational Psychology
8. Forensic Psychology
9. Industrial Psychology
10. Experimental Psychology

What Is Psychology?

In Depth

Much of our desires, fears, impulses, thoughts, and actions can best be understood through psychology. You don't need to specialize in the discipline in order to learn more about it. If you're curious about human nature and want some insights into the workings of the brain, all you have to do is read up on it. Listed in no particular order, here are six psychologists who have authored stimulating books about everything from mindfulness to child development.

For #1 we get Joseph Burgo, who has practiced psychotherapy for over thirty years, holding licenses as a marriage and family therapist and clinical psychologist. He is the author of "Why Do I Do That?," which explores the roles of defense mechanisms in our lives, and "The Narcissist You Know," a guidebook for helping readers identify, understand, and manage narcissistic personalities. Burgo has also written fantasy books, including "Grim," which reimagines classic fairy tales through a psychoanalytic lens.

In addition to penning books, Burgo has done writing and commentary for news outlets such as "The New York Times," "USA Today," and "The Atlantic." He also writes for the Psychology Today blog Shame," and uses an online platform to provide face-to-face video psychotherapy to clients around the world. This is complemented by his website "After Psychotherapy," which is designed to help people continue their journeys of self-discovery after their treatment has ended.

Showing up at #2 is Lisa Feldman Barrett, a University Distinguished Professor of Psychology at Northeastern University, with appointments at Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital. She is the recipient of the prestigious National Institutes of Health Director's Pioneer Award, which recognized her revolutionary research on emotion in the brain. This subject is the focus of her book "How Emotions are Made," which uses the latest research to explore the science of feelings.

Dr. Barrett has published more than 200 peer-reviewed, scientific papers in top psychology and cognitive neuroscience journals. She has also edited academic books including "The Mind in Context" and "Emotion and Consciousness," and given a popular TED Talk based on her theories. Among her other accomplishments, Dr. Barrett has testified before Congress, presented her research to the FBI, appeared on "Through the Wormhole" with Morgan Freeman, and been a featured guest on public television and radio.

Next, for #3 we have Valerie Tarico. A former Evangelical, Tarico is a psychologist and writer with a passion for personal and social evolution. Her work often addresses the intersection of religious fundamentalism, gender, and reproductive rights, as in her book "Trusting Doubt," which makes rational and moral critiques of biblical Christianity. The author takes a different tack in "Deas and Other Imaginings," an illustrated collection of ten folktales she originally composed for her own children.

A former Evangelical, Tarico is a psychologist and writer with a passion for personal and social evolution.

Beyond her books, Tarico writes articles for news and opinion sites including Huffington Post, Salon, and the Institute for Ethics and Emerging Technologies. When not writing, she primarily focuses on improving birth timing and spacing, empowering young women and men to build resilience before having a child. To that end, Tarico serves on the board of Advocates for Youth and is a founding member of the Seattle-based, family planning advocacy group Resilient Generation.

Landing at #4 is Dr. Richard Sears, who runs a private psychology and consulting practice in Cincinnati, Ohio, and is Director of the Center for Clinical Mindfulness & Meditation. With degrees in business administration, clinical psychology, and Buddhist studies, he has been teaching mindfulness-based cognitive therapy courses for over a decade, and presents workshops across the US and the world. He is also a licensed pilot and a fifth degree black belt in Ninjutsu.

Dr. Sears has authored and edited a myriad of books, including "Mindfulness," "Perspectives on Spirituality and Religion in Psychotherapy," and "The Resilient Mental Health Practice." There's also "The Sense of Self," which investigates how the brain creates one's sense of an independent self. The author situates his research in the contexts of neuroscience, psychology, ecology, evolution, and the principles of Eastern philosophy. For those interested, Dr. Sears offers online mindfulness training through his website.

For those interested, Dr. Sears offers online mindfulness training through his website.

For #5 we come to Madeline Levine. With over 35 years of experience as a clinician, consultant, educator, and author, Levine maintains a focus on child and adolescent development and parenting issues. Her "New York Times"-bestselling debut book, "The Price of Privilege," explores why teenagers from affluent families are growing up disconnected and emotionally impaired. She followed this up with "Teach Your Children Well," which looks at how our narrow definition of success is stifling kids' growth.

Dr. Levine continues the discussion about children's needs in "Ready or Not," which reveals how contemporary parenting techniques and our shortsighted educational system are failing to prepare youth for their futures. Using the latest developments in neuroscience and epigenetics, plus extensive industry research, the book identifies skills that children need to succeed, and offers practical day-to-day solutions for parents. On top of her writing, Dr. Levine spends much of her time lecturing, as well as consulting with major corporations and individuals.

Finally, at #6 is Lisa Damour. Recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association, Dr. Damour has authored a multitude of academic papers, chapters, and books related to education and child development. In addition, she writes the monthly "Adolescence" column for "The New York Times," maintains a private practice, serves as a regular contributor to CBS News, and consults and speaks around the world.

Recognized as a thought leader by the American Psychological Association, Dr. Damour has authored a multitude of academic papers, chapters, and books related to education and child development.

Dr. Damour's books include two "New York Times" bestsellers, "Untangled" and "Under Pressure." In the former, the author draws on decades of experience and the latest research to illuminate the seven developmental transitions that girls go through on the way to adulthood. The latter book, meanwhile, provides a practical guide to addressing the epidemic of anxiety and stress in school-aged girls and young women. Dr. Damour offers information and tips for confronting, understanding, and managing an anxious mind.