As a therapist, I am often asked for book recommendations when it comes to setting boundaries, personal development, and prioritizing what is truly important in your life. This year was a challenging one for me but I used my free time to really dive deep into learning more about who I am today and who I want to be. I fully understand therapy isn’t always accessible, but learning is. 

I’m sharing what you can read if you’re in a season where therapy isn’t affordable and you’re wanting a mindset change in your life. I wholeheartedly believe you can learn new ways to change your mindset and perspective through reading books. Without further ado, here are seven books that I recommend to my therapy and coaching clients because they’ve changed my life!

How To Get Shit Done 

Women who are high overachievers or would describe themselves as having a Type A personality should absolutely read this book!

✅ How it changed me?

It allowed me to focus on areas that are truly important in my life versus trying to do it all. As women, there can be a lot of pressure to do it all, but often it is not sustainable.

Atomic Habits

If you have a hard time keeping habits understanding why you keep failing and lose momentum Atomic habits is the go to guide to breaking bad behaviors and adopting good ones in four steps! This book shows you how small, incremental, everyday routines compound into massive, positive change over time.

✅ How it changed me?

It allowed me to reframe how I was approaching habits as well as how my negative self-talk was impacting me. I was able to step into embodying someone who already identifies as the type of person who does this habit.

The Anxiety Toolkit

If you want a basic understanding of how anxiety works and crave tangible tools you can put into practice, read this!

✅ How it changed me?

It allowed me to understand what control I have around what makes me anxious. Whenever I find myself in a funk, I can go back and try the exercises in this book. Additionally, it has given me quick tools to provide clients who are seeking some immediate help with anxiety coping. What I love about this book is you don’t necessarily have to read it in sequence. You can decide to read whichever chapter fits into what you are currently struggling with.

Set Boundaries Find Peace

My people pleasers, this one is for you! If you struggle with setting boundaries, saying no, or find yourself constantly overwhelmed with the demands of life, you will want to pick up this book immediately. 

✅ How It changed me?

It allowed me to embrace less guilt toward the boundaries I set in place. Overall, it gave me a good starting point to understand how to state a boundary. It now see conflict not in a negative way, but in a way that I feels like I can handle it.

Come As You Are

If you are in a season of your life where you’re simply trying to understand more about your body and pleasure, listen up! This book can be a game changer for you!

✅ How it changed me?

After reading this, I feel more open to talk about pleasure and more informed about my body. I also feel it helped me become a better therapist when it comes to talking about topics of sex. Sex and pleasure are self-care practices and I believe we all have the right to know how it works. Also understanding what barriers may be affecting our sexual pleasure is critical!

Attached

Individuals who struggle with relationships should read this book! I also highly recommend it to new couples, and well.. honestly anyone! It’s an easy read with some really good, juicy information!

✅ How it Changed me?

This book allowed me to see how I am currently showing up in relationships and how my upbringing had an impact in this. It allowed me to expose my self-sabotaging behaviors as well. 

The Five Love Languages 

Couples or anyone in a season of dating, this book is a tool meant for you! Use it!

✅ How it changed me? 

Understanding how we, as individuals, love and how we like to be loved is so important! This needs to be talked about more! After reading this book, I can confidently say I am able to show up for my husband in a way that he needs me to. It has allowed me to build better relationships in my life. 

To reiterate, these books have changed my life and my mindset for the better and I know they’ll do the same for you! Comment down below which one you plan to read first! 

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