Throughout my journey as a counselor, I’ve read many self-help books, memoirs, and mental health related books that have brought insight, encouraged me, challenged me, and soothed me through stories I could relate to on many levels. I’ve narrowed these books down to three that are my top ‘must reads’ based on themes. Let's jump right in! 

Untamed by Glennon Doyle

Glennon speaks candidly through stories that cover themes including-

Internalized misogyny

Homophobia

Addiction

Mental Health- Depression, anxiety, eating disorders

Marriage

Divorce

Motherhood

Boundaries

Self Care

If you prefer to listen, I highly recommend the audiobook version and/or Glennon’s new podcast called ‘We Can Do Hard Things’.

 https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/we-can-do-hard-things-with-glennon-doyle/id1564530722

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

This title speaks for itself and is backed by Brene’s clinical experience as a social worker and researcher. Brene speaks about themes including-

Courage

Shame 

Authenticity

Vulnerability

If you prefer listening to content, I also recommend Brene’s Podcast called ‘Unlocking Us’.

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unlocking-us-with-bren%C3%A9-brown/id1494350511 

Maybe You Should Talk To Someone by Lori Gottlieb

Lori is a therapist herself and shares someone heartwarming, heart breaking, and challenging experiences with her own clients as well as her own experience being a client herself. If you’ve ever been curious about therapists going to their own therapy or hearing therapists share some versions of client stories, this ones for you! Lori’s memoir covers themes including:

Breakups

Grief

Depression

Addiction

Self-destructive relationships

The therapeutic journey

Writing

If you prefer listening to content, I also recommend Lori’s podcast called ‘Dear Therapists’. 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dear-therapists/id1523340696