Hey there! One of my favorite things about being a therapist is all of the best self-help book and media suggestions I get. I also get a bunch of people asking for suggestions. So, I figured that I would put some of my top picks for the best self-help book on one big list.
If you have read self-help books or consumed some type of media that you feel deserves to be on this list, reach out here and let me know! I am always looking for new suggestions. If I can share that suggestion and give it to someone who may help,? Well, that is a huge bonus!
Let’s get into this suggested reading list from a therapist.
“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk
“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk is one of the best self-help books that I would recommend. It explores the ways trauma affects the mind and body and presents all kinds of treatment methods that can help people recover from trauma. If you are someone who has experienced trauma, this book can be helpful in several ways.
First, the book comprehensively explains how trauma affects the body and brain. It explains the physical and emotional symptoms that trauma can cause. It also helps you to understand why you may be experiencing these symptoms. This knowledge can be empowering and validating, as it can help you to feel less alone and more understood. Nothing is more powerful than having something you can share with others to help them understand.
Second, the book offers all kinds of tools that can help you recover from trauma. These therapies include mindfulness, yoga, and neurofeedback. These tools are designed to help you regulate your emotions and reduce the physical (somatic) symptoms of trauma. Also, this book emphasizes the importance of finding a therapist trained in trauma treatment who can offer a personalized and holistic approach to your recovery.
Finally, one of the most important reasons I put this book at the top of my list of the best-self-help books is that it offers hope for those seeking to heal from their trauma. It emphasizes that recovery is possible and that, with the right treatment and support, you can learn to live a fulfilling, authentic, and meaningful life despite your experiences. It highlights the importance of self-care and self-compassion and encourages you to take care of yourself as you work through your trauma.
When push comes to shove, this is typically one of the first books I suggest. Many consider it one of the most powerful and influential books on recovering from trauma. If you have not read it yet, definitely give it a look.
“Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl
“Man’s Search For Meaning” is another one of those self-help books that I think absolutely everyone should read at least on time. Frankl wrote it during his time in captivity during the Holocaust. This book is a fairly quick read, but it will leave a lifelong impression with its insights on meaning and perseverance.
Be warned, reading it is emotionally heavy. But it packs wisdom and also offers hope. It is one of those books that I have read four times, and each time through, I recognize or learn something new. At its core, the book aims to provide insight into the ability of humans to persevere and find hope and meaning to keep pushing, even in places seemingly devoid of hope.
If you want a thought and emotion-provoking book, give this one a try. You will not regret it.
“Self Love Poetry: For Thinkers & Feelers” By Melody Godfred
This book was shared with me by a client, and I am so glad that I picked it up. It is packed full of short, digestible poems that are thought-provoking and make you say… “Hmmm.”
If you are working on self-compassion and kindness, this is for you. It is full of write-downable quotes that are sure to lift you up. My favorite part is it will provide two poems for the same concept. One for those of us with overactive/analytical minds. And then another one for those of us with overly intense feelings.
If you find that you tend to resonate with what I say about authenticity and self-compassion, this one is for you.
This is a great book to keep on the coffee table and read chunks at a time. Check it out!
Final Thoughts
My goal for this article is for it to be something that is constantly evolving and changing as I have new books or podcasts suggested to me. There is a lot of power in taking your journey into your own hands through self-help content.
Now sometimes, there is no replacement for therapy. If you live in the state of Maine, don’t hesitate to reach out. If you have questions about therapy, are interested in starting, or need more information, I would be honored to help in any way I can.
