Resources
Resources for Relationships, Sexuality & Personal Growth
Rovena Magidin, Registered Therapeutic Counsellor
I’m often asked what books, websites and other resources I recommend. Here are some of the ones I return to most often and recommend to clients.
These aren’t meant to be a “must-read” list. Different books speak to different people, so I’ve included a little about what I love about each one and who I think might benefit from it.
These books and apps and quizzes are a great start, but if you find you need more personalized support - I'd be happy to help. I offer couples counselling and sex therapy in Calgary and online.
Books for Couples
Hold Me Tight — Sue Johnson
This is a beautiful introduction to Emotionally Focused Therapy and the deeper emotional needs underneath many of our conflicts. I especially appreciate the way it helps couples see the cycle they are caught in rather than simply blaming each other.
Good for: Couples who feel disconnected, misunderstood or caught in a pursue - withdraw pattern, and want to connect in a deep emotiaonal way
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work — John Gottman & Julie Schwartz Gottman
A classic for good reason. I like the practical, grounded approach and the emphasis on friendship, fondness, repair and the everyday things that help relationships thrive.
Good for: Couples who want practical tools to strengthen their relationship, whether things are difficult right now or they simply want to make a good relationship even better.
Wired for Love — Stan Tatkin
I love this book for the way it helps us understand what happens to our brains and nervous systems when we’re in a close relationship. Stan Tatkin makes attachment and relationship dynamics practical, warm and surprisingly easy to understand. It can help couples become more curious about each other and create a relationship that feels like a safe home base.
Good for: Couples who want to understand each other better, feel more secure and learn how to be on the same team — especially when stress tends to bring out the worst in both partners.
The New Rules of Marriage — Terry Real
This is one of my favourite books for understanding the ways we get caught in relationship patterns — and how we can begin to change them. Terry Real is direct, compassionate and willing to challenge us when we need it.
Good for: Couples who keep having the same arguments, feel stuck in old patterns, or want to take a deeper look at their own contribution to the relationship.
Books about Sexulaity and Intimacy
Read 3 of my blog posts:
A curated list of books exploring desire, pleasure, and the many ways women experience their sexuality, with a short description of each.
Some of my favourite books about intimacy
My personal picks for deepening emotional and physical closeness, whether you’re reading on your own or alongside a partner.
3 books on Tantric Sexuality
Three approachable introductions to tantric practices for couples and individuals who want to explore presence, energy, and connection in intimacy.
Online resources
OMGyes
An educational resource focused on women's sexual pleasure, anatomy and communication around sexuality. Visit OMGyes.
The Gottman Institute - Read their blog here.
A wonderful collection of articles, exercises and relationship resources. I often recommend it to people who want to keep learning between sessions.
Good for: Couples and individuals looking for practical, accessible information about communication, conflict, friendship, intimacy and relationships.
Online Quizzes for Couples and Individuals
Explore how you most naturally express and receive love.
Discover what helps you and your partner feel that an apology is sincere and meaningful.
Explore how you navigate closeness, trust and emotional security in relationships.
Reflect on your overall sense of happiness and well-being.
Discover your unique erotic wiring and what helps you feel turned on and connected.
Having trained extensively with Jaiya, I find the Erotic Blueprints particularly useful and often discuss
them with couples who want to deepen their intimacy. You can read more about blueprints here
Apps for Couples
Conversation prompts and questions covering intimacy, friendship, conflict and connection.
Other practitioners
Family Constellations with Fiona McKenzie
Sometimes we carry things from our families that are difficult to understand simply by talking about them. Family Constellations offers a different way of exploring these patterns — one that is experiential, intuitive and often surprisingly moving.
I have a deep appreciation for this work and for the way it can open up a new perspective on relationships, family patterns and the experiences we carry with us. If you feel drawn to exploring something at a deeper level, Fiona McKenzie. is someone I’m happy to recommend.