Therapist recommended books
Books I recommend
A collection of books I've found thought-provoking in exploring our relationship with ourselves and others. These are ones I have read myself whilst on my own journey and regularly recommend to my clients.
From self-worth and personal growth to slowing down, healing and understanding love, these are resources that invite curiosity, reflection and a different way of looking at life.
They aren't a substitute for therapy, and no one book will be right for everyone. Consider this a starting point for exploring ideas that may resonate with where you are in your own journey.
Rewriting the relationship with yourself
When we question defining our worth, making choices for ourself and stop measuring our life through other people's expectations:
The Courage to Be Disliked — Ichiro Kishimi & Fumitake Koga https://amzn.to/4h9SMpI
I love this book! Written in an interesting way as a conversation between a philosopher and a student they explore why we place so much emphasis on our worth defined by others and helpful prompts and reflections to shift this.
The Gap and The Gain: The High Achievers' Guide to Happiness, Confidence, and Success - Dan Sullivan https://amzn.to/4y1ZYeS
A great book for shifting our perspective on how and where we measure success - definitely on the recommended list!
Single On Purpose: Prioritizing Self-Love and Personal Growth in Your Journey Through Life, Dating, and Relationships - John Kim https://amzn.to/4hxKwQP
A personal favourite of mine that I rave on about! Creating a relationship with ourself is so important and coming from a place of people pleasing can be revolutionary!
Slowing down and finding peace
Living Beautifully with Uncertainty and Change - Pema Chödrön https://amzn.to/4gY0rZq
I read this when going through a period of uncertainty and its thought provoking content helped me to explore my relationship with uncertainty - something I know many of my clients also experience.
The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down: Bring calm to your life with the ultimate mindfulness guide from a Buddhist monk - Haemin Sunim https://amzn.to/4AdTzi2
In a world that moves so fast, calming our minds and controlling what we can is so important. A great read with exercises to promote mindful practice.
Healing and personal growth
Healing Is the New High: A Guide to Overcoming Emotional Turmoil and Finding Freedom - Vex King https://amzn.to/4yGxaIJ
One of my favourite authors! In this book Vex talks through his healing journey as a therapist and human. It helps to explore the roots, belief systems that hold us back and provides exercises to work through your own. A high recommendation from me!
Love, connection and relationships
Things No One Taught Us About Love - Vex King https://amzn.to/3ULR7iP
Another one from Vex that explores the concept of love, the illusions and misbeliefs about what it is, encouraging the reader to redefine outdated and unhelpful concepts of love.
Secure - Amir Levine https://amzn.to/3ULR7iP
I loved this book that explores attachment patterns and how to move towards a more secure attachment style - definitely a topic that emerges within the therapeutic space.
Some of the links on this page are affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend resources I believe may be useful.