Musings from the Loft: On Insight, Inspiration, and What I’ve Been Reading
When I was brainstorming names for my new practice, I wanted something that felt deeply genuine—to who I am as a person and how I show up as a clinician. The type of therapy I practice is insight-focused, which means I believe that understanding ourselves and others empowers us to create lives that work for us, not against us.
In many ways, one of my favorite roles as a therapist is to help surface insight—to notice it, amplify it, point it out, or even, on occasion, help create the space where it can emerge. But where does insight come from?
Honestly? I think insight is magic.
Okay, maybe I’ve been reading too many sci-fi novels lately—but there really is something magical about the way insight strikes. It shows up when you least expect it. One minute you’re swimming in confusion, and the next—click—clarity. Those “ah-ha” moments are precious. Sometimes they’re funny, too: “Wait… how did I not see that before?”
And sometimes, we chase insight. We ask a friend, “What do you think about this?” We seek out wise voices—mentors, spiritual teachers, therapists. And many of us turn to stories. Whether fiction, nonfiction, memoir, or science writing, books have an uncanny ability to hold up a mirror.
That’s why I’ve decided to occasionally share what’s inspiring me—from what I’m reading or watching to the podcasts that spark something new in my thought process. Fair warning, I tend to gravitate toward books that challenge me. I don’t always want to agree with what I’m reading. In fact, I prefer when something makes me a little uncomfortable—it means I’m thinking differently. When it comes to fiction, I want to be swept away. My most recent escape was Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros, and it was so transporting that I’m still not ready to jump into another story (anyone else need time to savor a good fictional world?). One of my all-time favorite series remains The Wheel of Time by Robert Jordan.
What I’ve read in 2025 (so far - I feel like I’m forgetting a few):
Integrity by Martha Beck
The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins - So digestible and helpful for many.
Good Morning, Monster by Catherine Gildiner - I highly recommend this to fellow clinicians!
No Bad Parts by Richard Schwartz
The Sixth Extinction by Elizabeth Kolbert
Men Who Hate Women by Laura Bates
The Happiest Man on Earth by Eddie Jaku - I found this to be so inspiring and it helped me reframe my general life perspective. Check out his Ted Talk.
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
Podcasts on rotation:
The Telepathy Tapes – My mind is blown; I don’t have concrete thoughts about this yet and I am not finished listening to them all.
Huberman Lab – This is one of my favorite podcasts, it’s where science meets curiosity, with accessibility for all.
TED Talks Daily – My daily hit of random interesting information.
When I think of what I want The Thought Loft to be, I picture a place for curiosity and clarity. A place to think, wonder, expand, play, and grow—not just for clients, but for myself, and for anyone who values the inner life as much as the outer.
How are you currently nurturing that part of yourself? What are you reaching for these days? What insight are you needing?
Coming Soon: Musings in the Margins – A Therapist Book Club
This summer, I’m hosting an in-person book club for therapists called Musings in the Margins. It’s free, reflective, and joyfully non-clinical—a cozy space to gather with others who love to read, think deeply, and explore ideas that stretch and inspire us. I’m genuinely looking forward to the conversations and connections this will spark among colleagues.
In my clinical work, I often hear how hard it can be to form new friendships in adulthood - and it can be! Without the built-in social structure of school or shared workspaces, it can feel daunting to meet new people. One of the strategies I often suggest to clients is to seek out (or start!) small social groups—like game nights, book clubs, or hobby-based meetups. That’s exactly what I’ve done with Musings in the Margins: created something I wish existed and invited other people to join.
If you’re looking to expand your circle, Meetup.com can be a great resource for finding like-minded folks who are also looking to connect. Sometimes, all it takes is one brave “yes” to something new.
