5 books recommended by MSU Clinical Science
February 4, 2026 - Shelly DeJong
If you browse through the psychology section of any bookstore, you'll find plenty of books that aim to explain the complexities of mental health and human behavior. But where should you begin?
Here are five books recommended by professors and graduate students from Michigan State University's Clinical Science research area to further your own understanding of mental health. These books delve into various aspects of psychology from understanding your emotions to what it's like living with a serious mental illness.
Emotional Agility by Susan David
"I really like the idea of viewing your emotions as data that provide information about what you need and what you value; emotions aren’t good or bad – they’re just information! I find that clients often resonate with thinking of it this way. I also find that this approach helps increase people’s ability to identify their emotions. So, all in all, a good one.” - Assistant Professor Blair Burnette, PhD
Schopenhauer’s Porcupines by Deborah Anna Luepnitz
“This is a one-of-a-kind book that has so much to offer. The title draws upon Schopenhauer’s famous parable about balancing our needs for intimacy and independence, which is reflected by the porcupines who huddle together for warmth but end up poking each other with their quills. Luepnitz, a psychoanalyst, presents a series of case studies drawn from her own work with her patients. Her writing weaves together philosophy, psychoanalysis, and humor to show how we all struggle with the push and pull of interpersonal closeness. She has an incredible capacity to describe complex psychological concepts in an approachable and fun way. For both the general public and mental health practitioners, it offers a rare insight into the mind of a master clinician.” - Clinic Coordinator Matthew Marvin, MA
Thoughts Without a Thinker by Mark Epstein
“During my gap years between undergrad and graduate school, I found this book fascinating because it merged my career goal of becoming a research psychologist with my related interested in religiosity, philosophy, and spirituality in that it brought Buddhist teachings to bear on psychotherapy. It was my first real introduction to how one could use Buddhist philosophy in a Western therapeutic framework. I immediately resonated with its messages of awareness, stillness, and acceptance.” - Professor and Associate Dean of Research Jason Moser, PhD
The Center Cannot Hold by Elyn Saks
"One of my favorites is The Center Cannot Hold which is a memoir of her experience with schizophrenia. Saks provides deep and interesting insights into the experiences of those living with schizophrenia.” - Assistant Professor Henry Cowan, PhD
Breaking Free of Child Anxiety and OCD by Eli R. Lebowitz
"As someone who works closely with parents and their children who are dealing with a broad range of emotional and behavioral problems, I highly recommend this book. It gives evidence-based steps that parents can take to help their kids overcome anxiety and OCD in a positive way. It’s based on science but it's still approachable for all families." - MSU Psychological Clinic Director Natalie Moser, PhD
Looking for more support in your mental health journey? Check out the MSU Psychological Clinic which offers mental health services to the Greater Lansing community.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or text TALK to 741741.