25 Best Self Help and Psychology Books Recommended by Therapists

Are you looking for a new book to read, and do you enjoy reading about self help, mental health, or psychology topics? I asked a group of mental health professionals to recommend their favorite books, and here is a list of what they shared (Amazon links provided):

Recommended by Julie Mackey, M.S. LPC:

1-2-3 Magic: 3-Step Discipline for Calm, Effective, and Happy Parenting by Thomas Phelan

How to Raise an Adult: Break Free of the Overparenting Trap and Prepare Your Kid for Success by Julie Lythcott-Haims

Co-Dependent No More: How to Stop Controlling Others and Start Caring for Yourself by Melody Beattie

Braving the Wilderness: The Quest for True Belonging and the Courage to Stand Alone by Brene Brown

Rising Strong: How the Ability to Reset Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead by Brene Brown

Recommended by Devin Misener C.Y.W., R.P.:

The ADHD Book of Lists: A Practical Guide for Helping Children and Teens with Attention Deficit Disorders by Sandra Rief 

No Bad Kids: Toddler Discipline Without Shame by Janet Lansbury 

Recommended by Roya Dedeaux, LMFT:

SuperBetter: The Power of Living Gamefully by Jane McGonigal 

Keep Your Cool: How to Stop Yelling, Spanking & Punishing: What to Do Instead by Flo Gascon

Recommended by Jessica Carey, LMFT, Psy.D.:

All Dogs Have ADHD by Kathy Hoopmann

All Cats Have Asperger Syndrome by Kathy Hoopmann

Recommended by Cara Maksimow, LCSW, CPC:

Buddha’s Brain: The Practical Neuroscience of Happiness, Love & Wisdom by Rick Hanson & Richard Mendius

Option B, Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy by Sheryl Sandberg & Adam Grant

Self-Compassion: The Proven Power of Being Kind to Yourself by Kristen Neff

Recommended by Wayne Reynolds, LMFT:

Darkness Visible: A Memoir of Madness by William Styron

The Center Cannot Hold: My Journey Through Madness by Elyn R. Saks

An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness by Kay Redfield Jamison

Recommended by Melissa Schymberg Nixon, Psy.D.:

What Color is Your Parachute? A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers by Richard Bolles

No Time to Say Goodbye: Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One by Carla Fine

Recommended by Lyzaida Rivera-Bauer, Ph.D.:

The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are by Brene Brown

Recommended by Tom McGee, LCSW:

After the Affair: Healing the Pain and Rebuilding Trust When a Partner Has Been Unfaithful by Janis Spring

The Middle Passage (Studies in Jungian Psychology by Jungian Analysts) by James Hollis

Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert

Dark Nights of the Soul: A Guide to Finding Your Way Through Life’s Ordeals by Thomas Moore

Recommended by Dustin Weissman, Psy.D.:

Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked by Adam Alter