Reading & Relating is a therapeutic book club for anyone interested in learning more about psychology designed to foster personal growth, connection, and self-discovery in a supportive and guided environment.
The sessions are led by Melissa Pennica, our seasoned relationship and certified sex therapist at Holding Hope who specializes in supporting clients in all of their interpersonal relationships, and has a strong passion for destigmatizing sex therapy and disrupting the many myths that keep us from expressing our true selves.
We have a sliding scale rate that we offer to selected individuals who qualify for this benefit depending on their financial and personal circumstances. Our intention is to create a safe, informative, anti-oppressive space, so if you are unsure about cost but interested in joining, please reach out and we can talk further to see what we can make work.
To maintain an intimate and safe space for open discussion, we limit the group size to a manageable number (typically between 8-15 people).
We meet every 2 weeks for 90 minutes per session, depending on group consensus. Each book is divided into 5 manageable sections so you have time to read each section of the book and reflect before returning to the group space.
You are welcome to join the book club at any time. However, we recommend joining at the beginning of a new book for the best experience and to allow yourself the benefit of learning and growing from others.
We focus on thought-provoking, introspective psychology books that promote personal growth and self-awareness. While some might relate to specific topics (ie attachment, dating, polyamory, etc) we plan to do our best to create a diverse and inclusive list of books and are always open to suggestions!
Sessions include introduction/check in, open discussion as a group about the readings, guided reflection questions, a reflection activity, and time for group reflection and sharing. Group reflection might occur at times all together and other times in smaller groups of people.
We want this to be a space YOU benefit from so while we encourage group interaction to enhance everyone's experience, you absolutely do not have to speak nor will you ever be put on the spot. All your parts (internally focused ones and all) are welcome and truly accepted in this space.
You'll get to connect with a supportive community, engage in stimulating discussions, and participate in reflection activities, all guided by a seasoned therapist. The club promotes personal growth and self-discovery.
Absolutely! Our reading schedule is designed to be manageable, even for those who don't read often.
While regular attendance is encouraged for consistency and group cohesion, we understand life happens. If you need to miss a session, just let us know and we will do our best to share important information from the session missed.
The books are carefully chosen by our facilitator Melissa Pennica, who selects texts that often are inspired by her clinical work or current client needs and will stimulate meaningful discussion and promote personal growth amongst a team.
While the book club is therapeutic in nature and facilitated by a certified therapist, it should not be considered as or replaced by individual therapy. It is designed as a supplement to individual therapy and to give you a place to build community and discuss vulnerable topics.
While we provide a reading schedule to follow between sessions, the only homework is to engage with the book and come ready to discuss, ask questions, and observe the conversation.
You can sign up by filling out your contact details in the form below. We will be in touch with you by email within 24 to 48 hours regarding next steps.