Jessica Smith

As a therapist who regularly integrates CBT into my work, I’ve personally used each of these resources in one way or another and have found real value in all of them. This list includes a mix of tools for both therapist learning and client support, from free printable worksheets to full workbooks and demonstration videos. Each resource helps bring CBT to life in practical ways, whether you are brushing up on your conceptualization skills, introducing a new idea to a client, or deepening your own understanding of the model. Most of these are completely free and easy to access, making them perfect to keep bookmarked for sessions, supervision, or your own professional growth.

As a family therapist, I use board games for much more than just rapport building. The games I use in my practice have been highly effective in promoting communication, collaboration, problem-solving, and social skills within families. Each one provides unique opportunities for family members to engage, interact, and practice important skills in a playful and meaningful way. Many of these games are easily ordered online or picked up at Target, making them convenient options for both therapy sessions and family game nights at home. This collection reflects tools that are not only fun but also practical for strengthening family connections, encouraging teamwork, and fostering positive interactions in a supportive environment.

As a therapist who works with kids, I have spent a lot of time trial and erroring different board and card games to see what really works in sessions, and this list reflects the ones I have found to be most effective. These games are great for building social skills, emotional awareness, patience, frustration tolerance, and teamwork, all while keeping sessions playful and engaging. Most of them are easy to pick up at Target, which makes adding them to your therapy toolkit simple and convenient. I have seen firsthand how using games like these can help kids open up, practice important skills, and enjoy the process of learning about themselves and others.

I’m a therapist who works with college students, and every item on this list is a recommendation that I’ve given to my actual clients. These are practical, supportive, and even fun items that I’ve actually seen make actual differences in the way students feel calmer, more confident, more focused, and more at ease in their day-to-day campus life. College can be overwhelming with the stress from academics, roommates, and living away from home, so having tools that can create comfort, boost focus, and bring a sense of relaxation can be game changing. Each of these items is designed to make students feel more in charge and in control of their well-being. I’ve watched clients use these items to sleep better, study more effectively, and feel happier in their dorms, and I believe they can make a similar difference in the lives of college students all over with a little bit of dedication and intention.

I put together this self-care list specifically for teens based on my experience as a therapist who works with them regularly. Every item on this list is something I have personally recommended to clients, and I have seen firsthand how these tools and practices help teens manage stress, build confidence, and take small but meaningful steps toward prioritizing themselves. From cozy blankets and slippers to fun creative outlets, calming scents, and practical tools for focus and relaxation, each item is chosen to support both emotional and physical well-being in ways that teens actually enjoy and use. This is a collection designed to make self-care approachable, enjoyable, and effective for real teens in their everyday lives.

I work with real dads every day, and I have collected all of the most effective recommendations that actually help dads relax and prioritize themselves. This list is full of practical, easy-to-use tools and self care items that make life a little smoother, more comfortable, and less stressful. Every item on this list is something I recommend as a therapist because it helps dads carve out space for self care, reduce stress, and feel more grounded, refreshed, and ready to enjoy time with their families.

I wrote this list based on actual recommendations I have given to my clients who are moms dealing with anxiety, feeling overwhelmed, and just trying to keep it all together. Being a mom is nonstop motion, so taking care of yourself often gets pushed to the bottom of the list. From cozy weighted blankets and heated eye masks, to essential oil diffuser necklaces and scalp massagers, to practical items like noise reducing earplugs, each item is designed to help you relax, reset, and feel grounded, even in the middle of a hectic day. Everything on this list is mom tested and therapist approved, so you can finally give yourself the care you deserve without guilt or stress. Whether you are looking for a moment of calm, a small indulgence, or a way to feel more organized and in control, this list is your blueprint for a little sanctuary in your everyday life.

This list is basically a love letter to New England in the fall. It’s full of ways to soak up the season, mostly highlighting spots in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire. From cozy outdoor adventures and scenic drives to hands-on farm experiences, seasonal treats, and a touch of spooky fun, it’s packed with ideas to enjoy crisp autumn days. Whether you’re looking for relaxing escapes, autumn flavors, or just a day surrounded by vibrant foliage, these picks capture the very best vibes of New England in the fall.

As a therapist, I’ve spent a lot of time noticing what kids actually enjoy when they’re hungry or need a little boost. This list is full of snacks that are gluten-free, wholesome, and surprisingly kid approved. I keep these on hand because kids really reach for them. They are fun, tasty, and feel like a treat while still being made with thoughtful ingredients. Whether it’s chewy fruit bars, crunchy veggie straws, or chocolate chip granola bars, these are the snacks that actually get eaten and enjoyed.

I put this list together based on years of experience both working in therapy spaces and talking with therapists about the little things that make their day easier or more enjoyable. I have tried a lot of different tools, gifts, and office items myself, so I know what actually gets used and appreciated. Everything here is something I would personally recommend because it is thoughtful, practical, or just a little bit fun. This list is meant to save you time and help you find gifts or supplies that therapists will really love.

I’ve tried a lot of different chairs, furniture, and supplies in both my home office and my office office, and I know how overwhelming it can be to figure out what actually works. My goal with this list is to share the things I’ve personally used and loved, as well as a few trusted recommendations from colleagues and supervisors, so you can skip the trial and error. I want to give therapists the best options to create a comfortable, professional, and functional office space without wasting time and money on things that don’t quite fit. These are pieces that make the workday feel smoother, more supportive, and more enjoyable, both for you and your clients.

In my practice, I keep a fully stocked snack area because I know how much a small treat can comfort kids and help them feel at ease. I want my clients to enjoy snacks that taste fun and familiar while also being free of artificial dyes and unnecessary ingredients. These options are kid-approved favorites that feel like a treat but are made with cleaner ingredients parents and therapists can feel good about. Children never notice the difference, which makes the transition to dye free snacks easy and stress free. This list includes some of my go-to choices that are kid-approved that balance great taste with peace of mind.

Fidget toys are a great addition to any classroom or therapy session. They help keep hands busy, reduce stress, and improve focus without being too distracting. Whether it’s for calming down, boosting concentration, or supporting sensory needs, these spinners are a simple tool that can make a big difference. They’re also perfect for fine motor practice, making them a win for both teachers and therapists looking to support their students or clients in a fun, effective way. Great for helping kids focus or supporting anxious and hyperactive adults!