A good self-help book should offer a pleasant and engaging reading experience even if the topic is a heavy or difficult one. The author should also be experienced on the topic of the book, either by way of education, life experience, or both. The solutions discussed in the book should be supported by scientific research, such as Cognitive Behavioral techniques rather than just offering the opinions of the author. Self-help books have been growing in popularity and can be very helpful, whether you are on a journey of self-improvement, healing, or wish to use books along with your talk therapy journey. Self-help books written for women specifically can offer added insight and guidance during an emotional healing or self-exploration process. Here, the best self-help books for women, according to a licensed mental health counselor. The guidance and CBT techniques offered here focus on those who struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders, depression, substance addiction, and even relationships. There is a lot packed into one book with this option, and therefore it will require a significant commitment of time and energy to work through and put into practice. Designed as a self-help book, it is also a great option to use in conjunction with therapy to allow for further processes and guidance along the journey. Price at time of publication: $27 This book is an emotional journey of finding yourself through the experiences of others while offering sound advice on how to manage emotional defenses to begin practicing vulnerability, even if it’s in small ways at first. Both inspirational and motivating, this book will help break through emotional defenses that keep people from experiencing love and connection. It is helpful to know that this is not a workbook or guidebook. There are no writing prompts or techniques shared. This is a good option for people who want to simply enjoy reading and appreciate the writing style of good storytelling. Price at time of publication: $17 This is a good option if you don’t like writing or journaling, and scientific statistics are not your favorite learning style. Some personality types benefit more from direct language and humor, which the book expertly displays. The humor and charm of this writing style take a lot of the heaviness out of serious topics while still addressing subjects that are difficult and need discussing. Inspiration and increasing motivation are the main goals of this book, rather than education or research. Price at time of publication: $17 The worksheets help individualize the journey and help you focus on improving thought patterns and daily habits that lead to accomplishing goals and feeling empowered in your daily life. Even though CBT techniques work for many types of people, this guidebook is written specifically for women and their unique experiences through life and healing. Best used along with a talk therapy journey to get the most out of both therapy and the concepts discussed in the book. Some topics may uncover deeper issues that are best resolved in therapy rather than by yourself. Price at time of publication: $16 Even though this book is memoir-styled, the authentic style that the author uses to discuss ways she held her own self back from happiness and healthy living can be helpful to those experiencing similar feelings. Some personality types learn more effectively through storytelling and identifying with similarities in like-minded perceptions and struggles. This book does a great job of inspiring readers to question their own paths in life and to ask if they are living the way they want to be living. If not, what changes need to be made? Price at time of publication: $28 Stone stresses that this is not a feel-good romp through self-revelation like other memoirs. This is a knock-down, drag-out profanity-laced fight with having to accept painful things beyond our control. Peace and self-love happen, but only after the anger and festival of swear words have their fair share of time. Sometimes we need a reminder that we don’t have to get through painful things gracefully, we just have to get through them. This book grants that much-needed permission. Price at time of publication: $18 The book’s design and layout make it a great gift, coffee table book, office book, and something you can pick up for a quick mood lift when short on time. This is a great option when you only have time for a quick inspirational quote or 15 minutes of quiet time in the morning with coffee. Price at time of publication: $20 The 28-day structure allows readers to immerse themselves in the practice of gratitude and see real and lasting results in their personal and professional lives. The structure of this book not only teaches gratitude but starts a new habitual mental routine focused on gratitude to decrease long-term negative thought patterns and promote a healthier mentality and emotional state over time, not just in the short-term span of 28-days. Price at time of publication: $19 Learn how to set boundaries and decipher between who is a real friend and who may be trying to take advantage of you. The advice given helps readers feel confident and motivated to take on career challenges without getting weighed down by confusion and struggle with decision-making. Price at time of publication: $17 This journal also gives plenty of room to write, which allows the process to be completely tailored to your situation, emotional needs, and writing style. Journals allow you to keep a record of your progress, which increases motivation to keep growing and improving. It’s inspiring to look back and see the challenges that have been overcome through time, personal growth, and effort. Price at time of publication: $15 If a reader doesn’t emotionally connect with the format and writing of the book, then the reader will be more likely to quit and feel defeated in their self-improvement journey.
Fits Your Schedule
People are busy. Make sure the book you choose fits within the realistic time and space you can commit, and invest in the journey. Choose a shorter book or a book with shorter, bite-sized chapters if you only have a few minutes each day. Something small is better than nothing or giving up the process altogether due to feelings of overwhelm. If you have more space and time, or you are choosing a book to coincide with therapy, then choose something more in-depth and informative.
Science-Supported Techniques
Many authors have strong opinions about techniques that they think work, but the techniques and guidance offered must be backed by science and previous research. Following opinions alone may not lead to desired results and lead to feelings of defeat or frustration. Choose authors that are either experts in the field or are using their personal stories of resilience as inspiration for others.
Why Trust Verywell Mind?
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of experience working with clients to improve mental and emotional health, Mary K. Tatum understands the importance of finding quality resources and techniques that work for each person. Not everyone will have the same kind of healing journey, therefore having lots of options to choose from is vitally important in creating a lifestyle that combats mental illness and promotes health and wellbeing.
