Helpful reading list
- Tim Arthur
- Jul 30, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 22
These books cover a range of psychotherapy concepts and practical advice, making them suitable for anyone seeking to understand and improve their mental health.
- Explores the dynamics of social interactions and the subconscious "games" people play.
- A powerful account of finding purpose and meaning in life, written by a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist.
- Offers practical advice and insights from a seasoned therapist to both new therapists and clients.
- A self-help book based on cognitive behavioral therapy, providing techniques to combat depression and anxiety.
- Discusses how trauma affects the body and mind, and provides paths to recovery.
- Explores the nature of loving relationships and personal growth.
- Explains attachment theory and its application to adult relationships.
- A guide to applying cognitive therapy techniques to improve mental health.
9. The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living by Russ Harris
- Introduces Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help readers achieve a more fulfilling life.
10. Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brené Brown
- Examines the power of vulnerability and its impact on relationships and personal development.
11. Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions by Johann Hari
- Investigates the root causes of depression and anxiety, offering alternative solutions beyond traditional medication.
12. The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
- Offers a code of conduct based on ancient Toltec wisdom to achieve personal freedom and true happiness.
13. Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha by Tara Brach
- Combines mindfulness and self-compassion to help readers accept themselves and their circumstances.
14. The Mindful Way through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness by Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal, and Jon Kabat-Zinn
- Integrates mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy to alleviate depression.
15. Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love by Dr. Sue Johnson
- Introduces Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help couples strengthen their relationships.
16. Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can't Stop Talking by Susan Cain
- Explores the strengths of introverts and how they can thrive in a society that often favors extroversion.
17. Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard by Chip Heath and Dan Heath
- Provides insights into the psychology of change and practical strategies to implement it.
18. The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Elaine N. Aron
- Offers guidance for highly sensitive individuals to manage their sensitivities and lead fulfilling lives.
19. In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction by Gabor Maté
- Explores the roots of addiction through personal stories and the author's clinical experience.
20. Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine
- Presents a new approach to healing trauma by understanding the body's natural healing processes.
21. Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory by Deb Dana
- Discover your body's neural pathways to calmness, safety, and connection. One approach has proven to be incredibly effective in training our nervous system to stop overreacting and start responding to the world with greater safety and ease: Polyvagal Theory.
22. A Mindfulness Guide for the Frazzled by Ruby Wax
- An easy-to-understand introduction to mindfulness, weaved together with Ruby's trademark wit and humour.
These books cover a wide range of topics within psychotherapy and personal development, which have provided me with valuable insights, inspiration and tools to enhance my own mental well-being. If you have any other suggestions of helpful reads do email me and I'll happily add them to the list.
