Best Medical Neuropsychology Books of 2026

Brain Energy by Dr. Chris Palmer is a groundbreaking book that offers a new understanding of mental health. Palmer's theory unites our existing knowledge about mental illness within a single framework: Mental disorders are metabolic disorders of the brain. The book explains this theory in detail and sheds light on new treatment pathways that apply to all mental disorders, including PTSD. Brain Energy pairs cutting-edge science with practical advice and strategies to help people reclaim their mental health. This book is a must-read for anyone affected by mental illness or interested in the field of mental health.

The Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy: Basic Principles, Protocols, and Procedures is an authoritative and comprehensive book on EMDR therapy. This revised and expanded edition covers over 15 years of important advances in therapy and research, including additional applications for complex trauma, addictions, and post-disaster response. The book provides training materials, vivid vignettes, transcripts, and reproducible forms. It is recognized as a best practice for the treatment of PTSD by various health care associations and institutes around the world. Overall, this book is an essential resource for clinicians interested in EMDR therapy and its applications.

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk is a groundbreaking book that sheds light on the effects of trauma and presents innovative treatments for recovery. With over 30 years of experience, van der Kolk provides a comprehensive guide on how trauma alters the brain's wiring and how it can be reactivated through neurofeedback, mindfulness techniques, play, yoga, and other therapies. The book is a must-read for anyone seeking solutions to the cycle of trauma and violence in our society, including mental health professionals, trauma survivors, and their loved ones. Overall, The Body Keeps the Score is a wise, compassionate, and insightful work that combines clinical observation, neuroscience, historical analysis, and personal narrative.

Are you looking for practical ways to transform your relationship with your body and respond to life's challenges with greater safety and ease? Then you might want to check out this popular neuropsychology book. It presents Polyvagal Theory, a proven approach to training your nervous system to stop overreacting and start responding with calmness, safety, and connection. You'll learn about the biology and function of your vagus nerve, how to attune to what's going on in your body, and discover key techniques to consciously regulate the intensity of your emotions. Plus, you'll find ways to create nourishing relationships with others and the world around you. This book offers a practical user's manual for moving from fear and panic into a grounded space of balance and confidence.

The Master and His Emissary: The Divided Brain and the Making of the Western World is a groundbreaking book that explores the differences between the brain’s right and left hemispheres and their impact on society, history, and culture. The author, Iain McGilchrist, draws upon extensive brain research to reveal that the two hemispheres have fundamentally different ways of experiencing the world, which has led to tension between the two throughout Western history. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in cognitive psychology and the history of ideas.

This book, Tuning the Human Biofield: Healing with Vibrational Sound Therapy, presents a comprehensive guide to Biofield Tuning, a sound healing method that uses tuning forks to locate and clear trauma stored in the human energy field. Eileen McKusick, the author of the book, provides a detailed map of the energetic biofield and offers illustrations of her Biofield Anatomy Map. She also explains how to use tuning forks to find and clear pain and trauma stored in the biofield. The book explores the science behind Biofield Tuning, examining scientific research on the nature of sound and energy. Overall, this book offers a revolutionary perspective on mind, energy, memory, and trauma and provides new avenues of healing for energy workers, massage therapists, sound healers, and anyone interested in energy healing practices.

This trauma-informed workbook by expert clinicians offers 116 easy-to-use activities and worksheets for children and adolescents to cope with trauma and build resiliency. It promotes skills such as fostering trust, healthy coping skills, problem-solving pathways, and personal empowerment. The book supports a foundation of social-emotional language, consistency, regulation of tough emotions, and forming connections with others. The authors, Lisa Weed Phifer and Laura K. Sibbald, provide a valuable resource for mental health practitioners, educators, and parents to support the wellbeing of children and adolescents who have experienced trauma.

The Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD: A Comprehensive Manual is an essential read for clinicians working with patients who have PTSD. It provides a thorough understanding of cognitive processing therapy (CPT) and session-by-session guidelines for implementation, with sample dialogues and 40 reproducible client handouts. The book also discusses how to adapt the approach for specific populations, such as combat veterans, sexual assault survivors, and culturally diverse clients. The large-size format facilitates photocopying and day-to-day use. Overall, the book is an indispensable resource for any practitioner who wishes to utilize this powerful therapeutic approach.

The Art of Thinking Clearly by Rolf Dobelli is a must-read for anyone who wants to improve their decision-making skills. This book exposes the most common cognitive biases, errors in thinking that lead to bad decisions. In 99 short chapters, Dobelli offers simple and clear explanations of these biases and provides practical advice on how to avoid them. The book is written in an easy-going style and contains insights that are applicable to both personal and professional life. Overall, The Art of Thinking Clearly is an eye-opening and thought-provoking book that will change the way readers approach decision-making.

The Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson is a compelling Christian personal growth book that explores the damaging effects of shame on our lives. Thompson, a psychiatrist, unpacks the ubiquitous nature of shame and its roots in our neurobiology. He provides readers with practical tools to dismantle shame and find healing and wholeness. The book draws on fascinating stories from Thompson's work and relates them to contemporary brain science and the biblical story. This is a challenging but profoundly life-giving book that can help readers identify their struggles and find freedom from the negative messages that bind them.