How about someBiblio-Therapy?
“A good book offering solace, enlightenment, and inspiration may become a factor in the healing process by presenting choices and pointing out a path.” ~ Judit Hajnal Ward
Below you’ll find an eclectic assortment of books; some are specifically mental health-related, others offer important shifts in perspective or even deep inspiration. The links for each will take you to their page on Bookshop, an online bookstore with a mission to financially support local, independent bookstores.
Whether feminist is a controversial word to you, or you’ve fully embraced your identify as a feminist, this book may give you the language to understand and describe how your journey as a woman is affected by the culture in which we live.
Technically, this is a book about finding a relationship that feels great. But I recommend it for understanding what “attachment styles” even are. The book guides you through determining your own attachment style (anxious, avoidant, or secure), and offers a road map for building stronger, more fulfilling connections.
Accessible, gentle guidance for healing from the trauma of child sexual abuse. Written specifically for women, this book has a detailed index and is written so you can start on any page that feels right to you. Easy to read, with short bullet-point lists and exercises to try on your own, this book is the first resource I recommend as a companion for survivors.
Septuagenarian dancer, choreographer, and author, Twyla Tharp offers series of no-nonsense meditations on how to live with purpose as time passes. From the details of how she stays motivated to the stages of her evolving fitness routine, Tharp models how fulfillment depends not on fortune—but on attitude, possible for anyone willing to try and keep trying.
“When told by a patriarchal society the story of menopause is one about deserted youth, frailty, and diminished worth. The story I want you to remember is about value, agency, and voice and the knowledge to keep yourself in the best of health while demanding an equal seat at the table.” ~ Dr. Jen Gunter
Written for a young adult/teen audience, this is a book women of all ages will benefit from. A quick and meaningful read, Tovar offers a clearly-written guide to questioning the standards of beauty we see in the media. Discover ways to move beyond your own inner-critic and start building the unconditional love for yourself you deserve.
“When things are shaky and nothing is working, we might realize that we are on the verge of something. We might realize that this is a very vulnerable and tender place, and that tenderness can go either way. We can shut down and feel resentful or we can touch in on that throbbing quality.” ~ Pema
I can’t say enough about how valuable this book is. First suggested to me by a client, I’ve shared it with many others for whom it’s made an enormous difference and helped them to feel less “crazy” when dealing with a partner who has controlling behaviors. “There may not be much difference between the man who talks down to you and the one who elevates you; both are displaying a failure to respect you as a real human being and bode ill.” ~ Lundy Bancroft
If you don’t feel like a badass when you pick up this book, you will by the time you finish it. If you’re sometimes exhausted by holding yourself to impossible standards, Sincero offers important encouragement and reminders of how awesome you already are.
Another quick and accessible read and my go-to primer for understanding the roots of imposter syndrome. Confidence is a learned skill and this little book (it is kinda tiny!) is a good place to start.
A book of playful graphic design and deceptively light insights that turn out to be profound. When you’re in the muck and really going through it, this is an easy book to flip through and find comfort in. Salmansohn offers 70 bits of advice, inspired by everything from Greek philosophy to happiness research.
A mix of personal reflections, inspirational quotes, questions for reflection, and lovely watercolor visuals, My Friend Fear asserts that fear can be an opportunity to make big changes, to discover the remarkable potential inside ourselves.
Short but meaningful insights from each interviewee along with gorgeous environmental portraits of the widely diverse artists. A great group of inspiring women offering perspectives on the journey of entrepreneurship. Loved it. Whether you’re a business owner yourself, or just starting to imagine a working life on your own terms, I think there’s something here for you.
