4 Recommended Psychology Self Help Books (plus a few extras)
I teach clients a variety of ways to manage distress. Sometimes though reading something further can add a different dimension to what my clients learn in session.
I have a few that I often recommend.
It’s generally reported that these books have been helpful to those I’ve suggested them to.
So, here are my 4 recommended Psychology Self Help Books:
- Keys to Unlocking Depression, by Michael D Yapko, PhD
- The Happiness Trap: Stop Struggling, Start Living, by Dr Russ Harris, M.D.
- Self Help for Your Nerves, by Dr Claire Weekes
- The Woman Who Cracked The Anxiety Code: The Extraordinary Life of Dr Claire Weekes, by Judith Hoare
Keys to Unlocking Depression
This book has been written as a resource for people to dip into for tips that might assist them to manage depression.
Michael Yapko writes in a straightforward way and presents a science backed treatment approach to managing.
He helps you to approach depression in a realistic way.
Depression is a challenge that can be managed through action and shifting perspectives.
Michael Yapko did a public presentation when he visited Melbourne a few years; he covered the information in the book.
I’ve posted the video of the past… you can check it out here – Keys to Unlocking Depression
Information about the book and accessing it can be found here – Keys to Unlocking Depression Book
The Happiness Trap: Stop Struggling, Start Living
The Happiness Trap has been written for anyone who feels like they are always struggling to live.
When get caught up in a cycle of forever trying to find happiness we end up feeling discontented with so much.
Russ Harris takes the reader through a journey of discovering how to apply mindfulness and discover those values that might represent your compass to living and making values-aligned choices.
The approach Russ outlines fits within Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
The book is full of exercises that you can engage with to learn how to “stop struggling and start living”.
More information can be found here – The Happiness Trap: Stop Struggling, Start Living – Self Help Book
Self-Help for Your Nerves
This book was first published in the UK in 1962… yes, it’s old! Claire teaches more from experience than from having studied much psychology.
The approach to managing anxiety that Claire outlines throughout this book is before her time. She directs her writing to you, the reader, and talks specifically to you.
Claire knows what it’s like to struggle with anxiety and panic, and she knows how to manage effectively… so well that she calls her method a “cure”.
There’s a clear explanation of the physiological aspects to anxiety and then she describes her approach to managing these symptoms – Face, Float, Accept and Let Time Pass.
Her approach is very similar to the ACT approach described by Russ Harris.
You can find a further explanation of her approach in Complete Self Help for Your Nerves which was published in the same year in Australia. Both books are available as e-books.
Information on Claire Weekes and her books and other resources can be found here – Self-Help for Your Nerves by Claire Weekes
The Woman Who Cracked the Anxiety Code
This is a biography of Dr Claire Weekes.
I add this here as a book that might be useful because it gives a very good picture of Claire Weekes’ experiences and how she came across her theories.
Judith gives a lovely picture of Claire’s struggles as well her compassionate and giving approach to helping people across the world.
It’s clear to see the reasons for the popularity of her approach to managing anxiety when she was alive and since.
This can be found on Amazon, but also at good local bookstores.
Bonus book….
I’m adding this book here as a a lighter read.
Clare is an Australian performer who grew up in Melbourne, this is the memoir that she promised herself she’d write when she was older.
She struggled with a number of significant issues as she grew up. She had a breakdown in her early 20’s while overseas and had to come home.
She describes being given Dr Claire Weekes book and learning to apply her method of managing anxiety to find a way to live.
I devoured the paper version of her book and have since purchased the audiobook to listen to Clare tell the story herself highlighted with music from her albums.
Clare now has a 5 episode podcast on Audible titled Tame Your Inner Critic that teaches you how to use CBT concepts to respond to that inner critic alongside neuroscientist Dr Charlotte Keating (and yes, you have to pay to get access).
And here’s a few others…
In addition to the books I suggest to clients here are a few others that might also help you to find a different perspective or learn something that could be helpful…
- The Hope Circuit by Martin Seligman
- The Brain the Changes Itself by Norman Doidge, M.D.
- The Whole Health Life by Shannon Harvey
- The Wheel of Life by Dr Elisabeth Kübler-Ross – this is her memoir
- The Telomere Effect by Elizabeth Blackburn, PhD & Elissa Epel, PhD
I would love to hear if you have any others that have been particularly helpful to you.