My Self-Help Bookshelf

I love books and often gain important insights, ideas and inspirations from them. Sometimes we can read something that offers us a 'glimmer' of hope and encouragement. Each week I will be adding a new book to this page that relates to the topics of my blogs and social media. As this virtual bookshelf grows, I hope you find one (or several) that is right for you!

My Favorite Books

The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Drs. Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer.

This book is a wonderful guide to practicing self-compassion. I recommend it to many (if not most) of my clients and reference it frequently for myself.

The Gifts of Imperfection by Dr. Brene Brown. This was the first book I've read by Brene Brown and it guided me to further reading on self-compassion, resilience, gratitude, play and creativity. Brene blends humour, honesty, kindness and backs up her advice with research and personal experience.

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Drs. Emily & Amelia Nagoski.

This book is empowering, inspiring, encouraging and blends research with humour and compassion. It will help you learn how to manage stress (aka complete the stress cycle) and feel more comfortable in your body and with yourself.

The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Dr. Elaine Aron. If you find yourself more sensitive to the sights, sounds and emotions around you, you may be highly sensitive. This book helps explain how (and why) 'HSP's' experience the world differently and how to utilize your strengths and protect your peace.

2026 TBR (to be read) List

I usually have more than one book on the go as each serves a different purpose or intention. This year, I decided to follow the fun trend of selecting a book to read, re-read, finish or listen to for each letter of the alphabet. As you can see I'm missing a few, message me your suggestions!

All that life can afford by Emily Everett (and Astral Library by Kate Quinn)

Breathe mama breathe by Shonda Moralis

Comfort Book by Matt Haig (finish)

Dealing with feeling by Marc Brackett

Every summer after by Carley Fortune

Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi- re-read

Grit by Angela Duckworth (Finish reading Good Inside by Becky Kennedy)

Hope for Cynics by Jamil Zaki (and Highly Sensitive Parent by Elaine N Aron)

(The) Invisible life of Addie LaRue by VE Schwab

Joy of movement by Kelly McGonigal- re-read

K??

Lightly by Francine Jay

Midnight library by Matt Haig (and Midnight bookshop by Amanda Jamen and Mister Rogers Effect by Anita Knight Kuhnley)

Night circus by Erin Morgenstern (and Night we met by Abby Jimenez)

(The) Only constant by Najwa Zabian

P??

Q??

Relaxed woman by Nicola Jane Hobbs- finish

Stop people pleasing by Hailey Magee- finish (And The Shippers by Katherine Center)

Tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow by Gabielle Zevin

Vanishing half Brit Bennet- re-read

When the body says no by Gabor Mate (and Wedding people by Allison Espach)

You, happier by Daniel Amen

Z??

Follow me @compassionate_counsellor to see my current reading. Often what I'm reading inspires my posts too.