THE ROLE OF SELF-HELP BOOKS IN THERAPY ~ MY PERSONAL RECOMMENDATIONS:

In today's fast paced society, we are overwhelmed with choice when it comes to access to information. Traditional self-help books can be a useful entry point for people who have never been to therapy before, or find the concept of talking to a stranger daunting. While some can be a standalone approach to therapy, others can be a useful adjunct. However, these books vary in their degree of grounding in psychological theory and evidence, as well as their accessibility and suitability for the individual.

​Working with clients to improve their self-esteem is one of my focus areas. The following books are my top recommendations as some of the most influential books that I have come across in this space. This blog will be a work in progress. If you have any specific questions or requests for book recommendations in a speciality area, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Don’t like or find it difficult to read? Audiobooks are a great alternative. Audible is my go-to, but local public libraries also have their own audiobook apps such as Libby, where you can borrow for free!

How to do the work by Nicole LePera
A comprehensive, holistic approach to healing long-standing maladaptive beliefs, emotional and behavioural patterns at their roots, often stemming from childhood. The book combines accessible theoretical explanations of the impacts of trauma and includes practical exercises, journal prompts, mindfulness, nutritional and exercise recommendations to build self-awareness and support self-healing and self-compassion.

---

How to love yourself by Teal Swan
A deeply personal, practical approach to cultivating self-acceptance and self-compassion. The action-based tools highlighted in this book follow from her heart-rendering account of her own journey to self-love. She explains the inherent belief of unworthiness that can underlie one’s inability to accept and ‘love’ oneself and draws on the concept of the inner child and other parts of the self in healing. Full of guides, journal prompts and visualisations to build your insight and self-awareness, you will come away with a much richer appreciation of yourself.