Therapy Self-Led: The Most Useful Books You’ll Want to Read
Have you ever had a burning question about mental health that Google just couldn’t answer? I’ve been there too. Google might provide information, but it often lacks the personal touch that a good book can offer. Over the years, I have stumbled across a few therapy focused books that have helped me gain a better understanding of the illness. Some books detailed the smallest things, making me think about my actions and why I took them.
Something truly relaxing and comforting is ending the day with a good book in hand. And what better way to unwind than with a book that serves as a self-led therapy session? reading therapy or self-help books can help you find answers to the burning questions within. This will make it easier for you to relax having gained the clarity you were seeking.
Reading is known to benefit our mental health. Around three-quarters (74%) of people surveyed say reading has a positive impact on their well-being. And more than 40% feel that it helps them connect with others. These statistics apply to any book, showing that all books serve as a form of self-led therapy.
That Personal Therapy Touch That Books Have
I’ve found that reading books focused on mental health has been far more helpful than searching for answers on Google. Googling for answers never brought me anywhere. I was craving real stories from real people—something that made me feel less alone on my journey.
Reading about real-life experiences helps you gain a better understanding of what others have gone through. It offers authentic insights, emotional connections, and practical advice that you just can’t get from a search engine. These experineces not only make you feel understood but also provide the reassurance that you’re not facing your challenges alone.
Also building a relationship through a book with the author may feel somewhat like therapy. Whenever I am struggling I always reflect back to the experience the authour went through.
My Top 5 Mental Health books
Rehabilitate, Rewire, Recover!: Anorexia recovery for the determined adult
‘Rehabilitate, Rewire, Recover!’ written by Tabitha Farrar.
This book is the first on the list because it’s the most amazing resource I’ve ever read for anorexia recovery.
It dives deep into every aspect of the illness, helping countless people recognize that even the smallest behaviors and actions they once thought were normal are actually influenced by their eating disorder.
In my first hospital admission, this book practically became a trend. You’d see a copy everywhere you looked—it was that impactful. This book is all about:
- rewiring your brain
- breaking free from restrictive habits
- exercise compulsions
- anorexia-driven thoughts and behaviors.
It guides you through creating your personalized recovery plan, packed with unique ideas and practical tools, offering a “Toolkit” to help you rewire your brain and take action to eat without restriction.
Good Vibes, Good Life by Vex King – Self-Love and Acceptance Therapy
‘Good Vibes, Good Life‘ by Vex King has sold over a million copies globally and spent nearly 100 weeks on the Sunday Times non-fiction paperback bestsellers list. Focused on self-love and self-acceptance, King’s writing is both direct and engaging, offering a practical ‘toolkit’ for creating a happier, healthier life. The book emphasizes bringing good vibes into our lives through self-care, overcoming toxic energy, and building positive habits.
The book is divided into short chapters, each no longer than seven pages. Alongside the insightful content, these chapters include hand-drawn images and beautiful quotes that resonate deeply.
Some of my favorite quotes from this book are:
Sometimes you have to unplug yourself from the world for a moment so that you can reset yourself.
Vex King-Good Vibes, good life
Step out of your comfort zone and face your fears. Growth takes place when you’re challenged, not when you’re comfortable.
Lack of time isn’t an excuse. If you can’t make the time for something, it’s not a high enough priority. If something is important to you, you’ll make the time for it.”
You can find more quotes from ‘Good Vibes, Good Life’ here
Here is an overview of the different chapters and topics within this book;
Part One: A Matter of Vibes Part Two: Positive Lifestyle Habits Part Three: Make Yourself A Priority Part Four: Accepting Yourself Part Five: Manifesting Goals: Mind Work Part Six: Manifesting Goals: Taking Action Part Seven: Pain and Purpose
The Inside Scoop of an Eating Disorder
The Inside Scoop of an Eating Disorder by therapists Colleen Reichmann and Jennifer Rollin offers a unique and insightful perspective. As both the authors have personally conquered their own eating disorders. Blending humor, personal narratives, and research-backed therapy strategies, this book provides practical advice for reclaiming your life from an eating disorder. Through engaging narratives and proven techniques, the authors present relatable and actionable steps that make the content both accessible and impactful.
The book doesn’t just explore the behaviors typically associated with eating disorders; it also tackles often-overlooked topics like:
- clean eating
- orthorexia
- exercising in recovery
- fat positivity
These subjects are rarely addressed in depth, making this book one of the best resources available.
As I’ve mentioned, reading a book that combines personal experience with expert therapy advice offers a much deeper understanding than simply searching for answers online. It makes the journey of recovery feel more relatable and less isolating, providing comfort and guidance that resonates on a personal level.
And just look at the book cover—the image of an ice cream scoop says it all. These therapists are truly dedicated to helping those struggling with eating disorders, and their approach to therapy is both compassionate and effective.
52 Weeks of Wellbeing – A Therapy-related Toolkit
52 Weeks of Wellbeing: A No-Nonsense Guide to a Fulfilling Work Life by Ryan Hopkins is a practical, therapy-based toolkit designed to help you navigate everyday challenges with greater ease.
In today’s fast-paced world, balancing a fulfilling and healthy life outside of work can feel nearly impossible. We’re constantly faced with dilemmas, whether work-related or personal, that can drain our energy and motivation. This book provides straightforward guidance to help you untangle those dilemmas, ensuring you stay healthy, strong, and motivated throughout the year.
My top favourite points mentioned in the book are: - Just breathe - Say cheese - The power of routine - Opening your eyes to the power of sleep - Happiness vs joy
That Little Voice Inside Your Head
Correct me if I’m wrong, but I believe everyone has that little nasty voice (Gollum) inside their head. Some hear it louder than others, but it’s always there, lingering in all of us. That Little Voice Inside Your Head by Mo Gawdat is a bestselling book that tackles negative self-talk and helps us change the way we think. For example, it encourages shifting from an “I must/Have to” mindset to an “I want” mindset.
This book provides readers with practical exercises to help reshape their mental processes.
A Big Thank You to You
I want to thank you all for reading this article. I hope that you find some helpful books within this blog, that will help you get through your everyday lives. But more importantly answer those unanswered questions.
Until next time!
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