Books by Kerry Makin-Byrd
START HERE: A Practical Guide For The Overwhelmed
Coming to North America October 2026!
This is a rare kind of self-help book—deeply humane, scientifically grounded, and courageously honest. With both rigor and gentleness, she guides the reader toward a life of meaning, compassion, and intentional change.
- Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., co-originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
With her latest book 'Start Here' Dr. Makin-Byrd shares a succinct and effective way to meet our stress with kindness and care, offering readers a no-nonsense roadmap for connecting with their deepest intentions.
- Sharon Salzberg, author of Lovingkindness and Real Life
As a chronically anxious and overwhelmed person, I found in this book a gentle reminder of what is within my control. Kerry helped me reconnect with my own strength, my power, and my ability to find peace.
- Amie McNee, author of WE NEED YOUR ART
BOOK DESCRIPTION: Many of us yearn for a map which will guide us from languishing to flourishing, narrated by an expert who has climbed the same mountain. This book is that map - distilling a century of science into a three-step recipe for treating burnout: Soothe, transcend, then move.
Research is supported by relatable personal stories, practical real-life lessons and beautiful illustrations. This is the emotional life manual that the overwhelmed reader needs; just Start Here.
Available where books are sold or loaned.
Northern American outlets coming soon!
BALLAD OF BURNOUT: A Helper Lost and Found
Devastatingly honest, Ballad of Burnout reads like a confession made specifically to let you know you aren’t alone...sings with humanity, and it was just what I needed to read tonight.
- Kelly McGonigal, PhD, Oprah's Magazine 2020 Visionary and best-selling author of The Willpower Instinct
Makin-Byrd lays her soul bare, describing webs that I imagine most therapists have been caught in…I was moved and inspired.
– Ben Sedley, PhD, clinical psychologist, author of Stuff That Sucks and Stuff That's Loud
A journey that is so familiar in this modern world. I thoroughly enjoyed sinking into this and reflecting on my own life. I think you will too.
- Louise Hayes, PhD, Co-author of The Thriving Adolescent and What Makes You Stronger
Such a personal and revealing manifesto, touching the sorrow of overdone sacrifice and emerging into a Phoenix – a full resurrection into life and reclamation. Thank you for bearing your soul and, through ingenious flow from page to page, inspiring me (and I know it will inspire others, too) into the capacity to rise and live wholly. This work is amazing, and I am grateful that you have chosen to share it with others.
- Robyn D. Walser, PhD, International ACT and Trauma expert and Author of the Heart of ACT and many other books
Dr. Kerry Makin-Byrd has written a heartfelt, raw, and brutally honest account of burnout. If you’ve ever experienced work burnout, you will resonate with Kerry’s story. Through her powerful words, you will glean deep wisdom.
- Debbie Sorensen, PhD, psychologist, cohost of the Psychologists Off the Clock podcast and author of ACT Daily Journal and ACT for Burnout
BOOK DESCRIPTION: Clinical psychologist Kerry Makin-Byrd appeared successful and balanced. She treated trauma survivors at the University of California, San Francisco and published research at the National Center for PTSD and New York University. But as COVID-19 spread across the globe, Kerry joined approximately 5 million medical professionals experiencing work burnout.
This lyrical poem details first her unraveling, then her journey to a new peace. Makin-Byrd reports her disintegration with wrenching precision. Happily, her evolution receives the same care and scrutiny. Drawing from her expertise in posttraumatic growth, moral injury, and compassion practices, she deftly integrates the wisdom of poets, philosophers, and scientists into a healing roadmap for us all.
Ballad of Burnout is a personal memoir, a travel log to transformation, and a love letter to all helpers. Recommended reading for every teacher, medical professional, caregiver, and working parent who is exhausted.