Suggested Reading

Suggested Readings

Sometimes just sitting and reading a well-written book can calm us and give us space to relax and enjoy. Here are a few of our favorites

Self Esteem by Matthew McKay – a comprehensive guide that uses proven cognitive techniques for talking back to the self-critical voice inside you.

Self Compassion by Dr. Kristin Neff – More and more, psychologists are turning away from an emphasis on self-esteem and moving toward self-compassion in the treatment of their patients—and Dr. Neff’s extraordinary book offers exercises and action plans for dealing with every emotionally debilitating struggle, be it parenting, weight loss, or any of the numerous trials of everyday living.  

Mental Health Through Will-Training by Dr. Abraham Low – outlines an effective four step cognitive method for achieving mental wellness through any of life’s trivialities.

The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle – a guide to spiritual enlightenment that helps us see the mental angst associated with time and teaches us to be more present.

The Unapologetic Guide to Black Mental Health: Navigate an Unequal System, Learn Tools for Emotional Wellness, and Get the Help You Deserve by Rheeda Walker – An unapologetic exploration of the Black mental health crisis—and a comprehensive road map to getting the care you deserve in an unequal system.

Black Mental Health Matters: The Ultimate Guide for Mental Health Awareness in the Black Community by Arren Snyder, LMFT – Because of a legacy of oppression, black people have a unique relationship with trauma, depression, anxiety, as well as many other issues. Therefore, to truly understand black mental health, a unique education is required.

Journey Into Healing: Awakening the Wisdom Within You by Deepak Chopra, MD – We learn what we think and feel can change our biology. We learn to go beyond self-imposed limitations and seek that place inside ourselves that is one with the infinite intelligence.

Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life with the Heart of the Buddha by Tara Brach, PhD – The name says it all.

Client Testimonials

Deanna is an amazing speaker. She led several events for my student-run organization and we were thoroughly impressed by her knowledge and wisdom. Hope she can join us again!

Rachel Siegel - Beauty Advisor, Sephora

Deanna Robinson is the most compassionate, caring, and driven soul in the field of mental health that I have met thus far. With the experiences I've had attending not one but two of her QPR Suicide prevention trainings, it's clear to see that she is dedicated and passionate about providing the resources available to help everyone she can! She is truly a blessing to have around and it was a privilege to have her train myself and my fellow club members at The Undergraduate Psychology Society at UCLA (TUPS).

Ossanna Amran

Deanna is a very great trainer and I learned a lot from her QPR lecture, especially on how to do suicide risk assessment. Deanna answered my questions very throughly. It was a such a pleasure to learn from Deanna!

Yingying L

I have known Deanna Robinson for over four years. I have been particularly impressed with her work as Executive Director of NAMI-San Fernando Valley. She demonstrated excellent leadership, gave clear, motivating presentations, organized and developed staff, and was always warm and insightful in interpersonal interactions.

Rex Mitchell

I had the opportunity of attending Deanna’s QPR training, and it was such a wonderful experience! Deanna is clearly knowledgeable on mental health and suicide prevention. Not only that, but she creates such a positive and welcoming environment. If anyone ever gets the chance of attending her trainings, I would highly recommend!

Nafia Rahaman

Deanna is an incredibly knowledgeable person on mental health topics and she has taught myself and my club so much about suicide prevention through her QPR Training. She formats her training with current research and facilitates a positive and safe atmosphere. I highly recommend her services.

Jessie Allenbach

I learned so much through Deanna's presentation for a QPR certification because she taught with such a welcoming and lively attitude. She had a good combination of resources as well as live practice that I see being useful in my life going forward. I could tell she aims to make real change in who she teaches, and I believe everyone should learn what Deanna has to teach.

Mary Bernadett

Deanna was such a great person to communicate with, although I never personally met her we communicated via phone and emails. Deanna has the warmest personality. Deanna was such a professional director, she welcomed me to NAMI and made sure I was up to date with everything I needed for my volunteer position. Thank you Deanna!

Marco Tomas

Deanna is engaging, genuine, and passionate! I enjoyed learning from her and talking with her!

Lily Holmes

Deanna Robinson is one of our go to national trainers for NAMI Programs. She has years of experience and skillfully executes every NAMI Program she works in (having personally developed the training for many of them). She also has a unique and powerful ability to empathize and empower everyone she's working with no matter where they come from. I highly recommend Deanna Robinson for any of your needs!

Matthew Kanter, Programs Director, NAMI Washington

Hi Deanna-

Just had to tell you that we finished the class last night and I used it this morning. I had a kid crying in first period, and I pulled her outside to talk. I would never have asked the pointed question about suicide had I not taken the training. I was shocked to get a yes.

I got her down to counselors and people with more training than I have. This email is part of my self care- it hit me hard!

 Just thinking how amazing the universe works sometimes….

Thank you so much for the training and for sharing your own story.

Anonymous