Highland Park’s Dr. Alexandra Solomon is a thought leader in the world of intimate relationships, sexuality, and self-empowerment. A practicing licensed clinical psychologist at The Family Institute at Northwestern University and a clinical assistant professor at Northwestern University, her insights and wisdom have been featured in many media outlets including the TODAY Show, The New York Times, Vogue, O Magazine, and Psychology Today. Her TEDx talk, “Relational Self-Awareness: The Key to Navigating Modern Love” reached over 60,000 views in its first month. Her newest book, TAKING SEXY BACK: How to Own Your Sexuality and Create the Relationships You Want, hit the shelves on February 2. Here is this busy doctor’s prescription for staying on trend.

ON HER NIGHTSTAND

“I have always been a book nerd, and one of the best parts of my work is that I need to stay current on all things love, sex, and marriage. I just started reading Dr. Cheryl Fraser’s new book, Buddha’s Bedroom: The Mindful Loving Path to Sexual Passion & Lifelong Intimacy. There is so much for us to learn about the intersection of love, sex, and mindfulness. I am a lifelong fiction lover as well, so I am also reading Elizabeth Gilbert’s book, City of Girls. It is colorful, subversive, transporting, and masterfully written. The perfect escape.”

IN HER EARBUDS

“I listen to a lot of news these days but when it gets too much, I switch over to Lizzo’s album, Cuz I Love You. I am captivated by her messages of self-compassion, empowerment, and body positivity. Plus my two teens love her, so we can all rock out together. A former student recently sent me an email (I love hearing from former students) encouraging me to check out the neo soul duo, Kindred the Family Soul. She thought I’d like them because they are a married couple whose songs are ‘supportive, healthy, and beautiful.’ Their 2003 Surrender to Love album is rich and romantic, and I can’t stop listening.”

ON HER MOBILE

“My friend, Esther Perel, has a magnificent podcast, Where Should We Begin? Each episode is Esther in conversation with a couple. The success of her podcast is proof positive that there’s a collective hunger for a deeper understanding of sex, love, and couple’s therapy. I also listen to the podcast, Making Your Heart Make Sense, created by my friend, Mark Groves. He brings on wonderful guests, and they always dive deep into the art and science of relationships. My favorite people to follow online are Glennon Doyle, Dawn Serra, Jaclyn Friedman, Roxane Gay, Amy Siskind, Jen Gunter, Elizabeth Lesser, and The Gottman Institute.”