10 Mental Health Book Recommendations
Did you know that reading can actually enhance the quality of your life? Studies show that reading can reduce stress, increase the quality of your sleep, and improve the functioning of your brain. This is good news for me, because in addition to being a mental health therapist, I’m a reader and a book lover. Here’s a list of the top mental health books that I frequently recommend to therapy clients, friends, and family.
Man’s Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl - Written by a survivor of the Nazi concentration camps who was a renowned psychiatrist, this memoir details Frankl’s experiences as a prisoner as well as the development of his theory of logotherapy, which emphasizes the importance of finding meaning in life, even in the midst of unchangeable suffering.
The CBT Toolbox by Jeff Riggenbach, Phd - A workbook featuring 185 cognitive behavioral therapy exercises and techniques to help manage symptoms of anxiety, depression, anger, problem behaviors, and stress.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk, MD - An exceptional guide on healing the brain, mind, and body from trauma, using recent scientific advances to provide a deeper understanding of the impact of traumatic experiences. A word of warning that this book can be overwhelming for some readers and may be helpful to go at a slow pace and process with a professional.
It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine - A book about grief and loss, Devine approaches grief as a normal experience to be tended to with compassion rather than a problem to be solved.
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown, PhD, LMSW - No modern mental health booklist could be complete without a book from ever-popular Brené, who has spent the past two decades researching courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy. This bestseller’s tagline says it all: “Let go of who you think you’re supposed to be and embrace who you are”.
When Bad Things Happen to Good People by Harold Kushner - With his background as a spiritual leader and a parent who lost a child to a devastating disease, Rabbi Kushner uses hope and wisdom to explore the often asked question of why painful things happen to people who don’t deserve it.
The Anxiety and Phobia Handbook by Edmund J. Bourne, PhD - This evidence-based workbook is jam-packed with tools for anxiety, panic attacks, and phobias. It uses CBT-based strategies to increase understanding of anxiety and teach effective skills.
Boundaries: Where You End and I Begin by Anne Katherine, MA - Published in 1994, it might be considered an older book, but the purpose remains just as important- learn how to stand up for yourself, protect your well-being, and have a healthier relationship with yourself and others.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook by Bob Stahl, PhD and Elisha Goldstein, PhD - Mindfulness is certainly a popular psychology term and with good reason: practicing mindfulness is shown to have a host of benefits, including reduced stress, anxiety, and depression; cognitive improvements and increased memory; increased emotional regulation; better focus, better relationships, and better physical health. This workbook, using a clinically-proven program, will teach you to how to replace stress-promoting behaviors with mindful ones to help you relieve the symptoms of stress.
Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristin Neff, PhD - We are often taught to be kind to others, but what about being kind to ourselves? Neff teaches you how to “stop beating yourself up and leave insecurity behind” with exercises and action plans for a variety of life struggles.
Bonus books: Supernatural Therapy and Harry Potter Therapy by Dr. Janina Scarlet - For my fellow nerds, these are great reads to combine your love for fandom with evidence-based self-help strategies.
Have you read any of these books? Are there any books you’d add to this list?
Disclaimer: I do not receive any compensation for recommending these books. The recommendations are based solely on my individual opinion and may not be a good fit for everyone. Please note that reading about certain topics may bring unexpected issues to the surface — please seek counseling if you need additional support.
