Books & gear
“I’m often asked for recommendations—books, outdoor gear, trainings, and other tools that support personal growth, healing, and connection. This page brings them all together in one place. My goal is simple: to share resources I genuinely believe in, to connect like-minded people with the things and communities that help them thrive, and to highlight local organizations, causes, artists, craftsmen, and professionals whose work deserves to be seen. I’m glad to pass along anything that can make your journey a little clearer, stronger, and more meaningful.”
- CHASE COUNTS, LPC-S
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents is one of the most impactful books I recommend to clients. It helps people finally make sense of patterns they’ve carried for years—patterns shaped by parents who were physically present but emotionally unavailable. This book has changed many of my clients’ lives by giving them language for their experiences, tools for breaking unhealthy cycles, and clarity for building healthier relationships with their parents, partners, and their own children. If you’re wanting to understand yourself more deeply and parent with greater emotional awareness, this is a powerful place to start.
Paperback Link: https://amzn.to/3LXiV
Audiobook Link: https://amzn.to/44mXpHh
No More Mr. Nice Guy is one of the most transformative books I recommend for men who feel stuck, resentful, or disconnected from their own needs. It helps men understand the patterns of approval-seeking, over-accommodating, and emotional suppression that often come from early family dynamics. Many of my clients have used the insights in this book to reclaim confidence, set healthier boundaries, improve their relationships, and step into a more grounded, authentic version of themselves. If you’re wanting to break old patterns and show up with more strength and clarity, this is a powerful place to start.
Paperback Link: https://amzn.to/4ihJBnd
Audiobook Link: https://amzn.to/48ukp9L
8 Dates is one of my favorite books to recommend to couples who want to strengthen their relationship in a practical, meaningful way. Each chapter guides partners through an intentional conversation about the things that matter most—trust, conflict, sex, money, dreams, family, and commitment. What I love about this book is that it doesn’t just teach communication skills; it creates real experiences that deepen connection. Many of my clients have used the structure of these eight conversations to rebuild trust, repair old hurts, and feel closer than they have in years. If you want a simple but powerful way to grow together, this book is an excellent place to start.
Paperback Link: https://amzn.to/47W3Fbs
Audiobook Link: https://amzn.to/4riYBoW
Transitions by William Bridges is one of the most helpful books for anyone navigating change, whether it’s a career shift, relationship transition, loss, or a season of personal growth. Bridges explains the inner emotional process behind every transition—and why it’s often more challenging than the external change itself. I recommend this book because it gives people clarity, language, and direction during times that feel confusing or overwhelming. Many of my clients have found comfort and confidence in understanding the phases of transition, and it has helped them move forward with greater intention and resilience.
Paperback Link: https://amzn.to/4p2W40M
Audiobook Link: https://amzn.to/4rj0qST
You’re the One You’ve Been Waiting For by Richard Schwartz is one of the most important books for anyone wanting healthier relationships, deeper self-understanding, or a clearer path toward emotional healing. Schwartz explains why our old wounds and protective patterns show up so powerfully in relationships—and how learning to connect with and care for our own “parts” can transform the way we love.
I recommend this book because it gives people language, insight, and a roadmap for understanding their internal world, instead of expecting a partner to fix or soothe it. Many of my clients and trainees find relief in recognizing that their triggers aren’t signs of failure—they’re invitations to heal. This book helps people approach relationships with more compassion, personal responsibility, and genuine connection, which leads to stronger intimacy and long-term resilience.
Paperback Link: https://amzn.to/48BZSjE
Audiobook Link: https://amzn.to/4ahZoR3
The Katadyn Vario Water Filter is one of my favorite pieces of gear for hiking and backcountry trips. It’s fast, reliable, and easy to use—no complicated setup and no guessing whether the water is actually safe. I like it because it combines strong filtration with a solid flow rate, so you’re not standing over a creek pumping forever.
I recommend it to others because it’s durable, dependable, and perfect for everything from day hikes to multi-day trips. If you want a filter that gives you peace of mind without slowing you down, the Vario is hard to beat.
LINK: https://amzn.to/4owbeL6
The Jetboil — a compact, efficient stove system — is a game changer when you want hot water or a hot meal quickly outdoors without fuss. It boils water in just a couple minutes, uses a small fuel canister, and because it heats so fast and directs flame upward into the cooking vessel, it’s much less affected by wind than typical open-flame camping stoves or fires.
I recommend it because on hikes or retreats where time, convenience, and weather matter, the Jetboil lets you get hot drinks or meals quickly — even in windy or unpredictable conditions. It’s light enough to carry, simple to use, and dependable — a smart, efficient choice for back-country or overnight trips.
Link: https://amzn.to/4a1cP87
The Klymit Double V Sleeping Pad is one of my go-to pieces of gear for back-country trips. It’s more comfortable and supportive than a standard sleeping pad, thanks to the double-V air-chamber design that cradles your body and reduces pressure points. On rough or uneven ground, it gives you a stable, cushioned base — making sleep feel almost like home, even in the wilderness.
I recommend it because on those trips when comfort can make or break your rest, the Double V literally changed how well I slept out there. It helped me wake up feeling rested instead of stiff or sore, which makes a big difference when you’re hiking, leading retreats, or spending multiple nights outdoors.
Double V LINK: https://amzn.to/4agRRSw
V2 LINK: https://amzn.to/43SESm6
Some of the links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.