Bibliotherapy list

We have a number of recommendations for therapeutic books on a range of topics related to emotional and psychological wellbeing. Books can be used as a self-help resource or alongside counselling.

How does it work?

There is a special shelf within the library's study skills section. Anyone can use the online catalogue to check the books' availability.

Check our Bibliotherapy Book List below  to find out what books have been chosen by the counselling team.

Can books really help?

There is good evidence that books can help people with many emotional and psychological issues. Some readers' comments from other University bibliotherapy schemes:

“After working through the exercises in this book I feel more in control of my moods, and I can cope better when I am feeling strong emotions.”

“The beauty of this book is its practical step-by-step approach.”

“After reading this book, I felt a new sense of well-being.”

“This book has really helped me to learn how to change those thoughts and become a more positive person.”

Bibliotherapy book list

Addictions

ADAMS, Gemini
The Facebook Diet: 50 Funny Signs of Facebook Addiction and Ways to Unplug With a Digital Detox
A humorous look at how to unhook yourself when you’re spending too much time on social media.
BLASZCYNSKI, Alex
Overcoming Compulsive Gambling
Gambling addictions have increased with the rise of internet gambling sites. This book offers straightforward guidance about how to overcome such difficulties.
BOYD, Deirdre
Addictions: Your Questions Answered
Self-help as well as advice and information about alcoholism- what it is, and how to get help for yourself or someone you care about.
CARNES, Patrick
Out of The Shadows: Understanding Sexual Addiction
Sexual addictions can easily be portrayed as a joke, but they can also cause serious harm to ourselves and those we care about. This book explores the subject seriously.
HODGKINSON, Liz
Alcoholism (Your Questions Answered)
Self-help as well as advice and information about alcoholism- what it is, and how to get help for yourself or someone you care about.
LANGTON, James
No Need for Weed: Understanding and Breaking Cannabis Dependency
Highly recommended for its direct and straightforward approach, this book has helped many people look at how to manage their cannabis use.
ROBERTS, Kevin
Cyber Junkie: Escape the Gaming and Internet Trap
An increasing number of people around the world are escaping work and play and living ‘virtually’. Sometimes this can lead to real life problems….
TIRBUTT, Edmund & Helen
Beat the booze: a comprehensive guide to combating drink problems in all walks of life
Many people go through periods where their drinking causes them harm. This book offers suggestions on how to address problem drinking.
WAITE, Terry
Plugged In: A clinicians and families guide to online video game addiction
If you or someone you know is spending so much time gaming that it’s getting in the way of real life, this book can help make sense of what’s happening.
WILSON, Gary
Your Brain on Porn: Internet Pornography and the Emerging Science of Addiction
Regarded as a leader in this field, Wilson outlines the difficulties people get into when viewing pornography compulsively. This book includes lots of first-hand accounts and tips.
WOITIZ, Janet
Adult Children of Alcoholics
A US Classic- and a very straightforward if somewhat academic book – exploring the legacy for adults who grew up with alcoholic (or drug abusing) parents.
YOUNG, Kimberly
Caught in the Net: How to Recognize the Signs of Internet Addiction - A Sure-fire Strategy for Recovery
Practical and hands- on guide for anyone wanting to look at their internet use and find ways to manage it.

Anxiety and panic attacks

ALLEN, David
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity
An audio CD with simple strategies for when you’re feeling overwhelmed by your workload and don’t know how to get things done.
ARMSTRONG, John
How to Worry Less About Money
Money can be a worry. But when the worrying starts getting in the way of resolving problems there’s a philosophical look at how we can learn to worry less.
BUTLER and HOPE
Manage Your Mind
This is a classic self-help book, containing exercises and useful suggestions the reader can work through at their own pace.
HARRIS, Dr Russ
The Happiness Trap: Stop Struggling, Start Living
A revolutionary mindfulness-based programme based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for overcoming stress, anxiety and depression based on ACT
HUGHES R, KINDER A & COOPER C L
The wellbeing workout: how to manage stress and develop resilience
How to effectively manage stress to create greater personal resilience to help us to cope better.
HUNT, Melissa G.
Reclaim your life from IBS: a scientifically proven plan for relief without restrictive diets
IBS is often linked to stress, most treatments focus only on restrictive diets. By contrast, this book addresses the emotional component of the disorder through new research based in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
INGHAM, Christine
Panic attacks, what they are, why they happen and what you can do about them.
Very informative and packed with information about what is happening during a panic attack and what you can do to stop them.
JEFFERS, Susan
Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway
A classic,: thought-provoking and practical. Jeffers helps the reader to understand how fear gets in the way and how to allow yourself to feel scared and still do what you need to do.
JOSEPH, Kate & IRONS, Chris
Managing Stress Pocketbook
Ideas and suggestions you can act on today to reduce the impact of stress on your life at university.
MADDERS, Jane
Stress and Relaxation, A Practical Guide to Self-Help Techniques
Full of physical and psychological tips and insights on practical ways you can learn how to relax.
OLIVER, HILL & MORRIS
ACTivate Your Life: Using acceptance and mindfulness to build a life that is rich, fulfilling and fun
A comprehensive workbook to help effortlessly navigate your way through the challenges in your life and transform it for the better.
SHAFRAN, Ros
Overcoming Perfectionism
A CBT based guide to changing perfectionist habits
STEIN Murray B. & WALKER, John R.
Triumph over Shyness: Conquering Shyness and Social Anxiety
A step-by-step guide to tacking social anxiety and self-consciousness

WILSON, Rob
Overcoming Health Anxiety
Self help guide to managing worries about your health

Assertiveness / Confidence / Self Esteem

BIRCH, Cathy
Asserting Your Self: How to Feel Confident About Getting More from Life
Great read for anyone wanting to feel more confident about being assertive.
BROWN, Brene
The gifts of imperfection: let go of who you think you're supposed to be and embrace who you are
Each day we face a barrage of images and messages from society and the media telling us who, what, and how we should be. We are led to believe that if we could only look perfect and lead perfect lives, we'd no longer feel inadequate.
BURTON, Kate
Building Self Confidence for Dummies
Audio CD. Another easy to grasp book from the ‘Dummies Series’- Useful if you’re not sure whether lack of Self-confidence is really your issue.
DICKSON, Anne
A Woman in Your Own Right: Assertiveness and You
Not just a book for women despite the title,! Dickson explores ways in which you can become your own person and overcome fear of judgement from others judgements.
FENELL, M.
Overcoming Low Self-Esteem.
Step by step guide to help challenge negative self-beliefs. Good CBT companion.
FERGUSON, Jan
Perfect Assertiveness – All you need to get it right first time
Thoughtful and sympathetic guide to developing assertiveness skills
GUTMAN, Joanna
The Assertiveness Workbook (Overcoming common problems)
A step by step guide, including practical exercises to help challenge passive behaviour and develop assertiveness skills.
MATTA, Christy
The Stress Response
A self help guide to using Dialectical Behaviour Therapy techniques to manage feelings of anxiety, anger and other stress symptoms
ROWE, Dorothy
Beyond Fear
Rowe describes how fear can limit your life and how you can learn to manage the feeling and fulfil your potential

Bereavement & Grief

ABRAMS, Rebecca
When Parents Die: Learning to Live with the Loss of a Parent
Bereavement explored from the perspective of the child as well and the adult.
BOYDELL, Katie
Death... And How To Survive It: A unique, practical and uplifting guide to coming to terms with the loss of your partner
Written by someone with first hand experience but very practical- useful reading for to anyone who’s lost a partner whether recently or in the past.
COBAIN Beverly & LARCH, Jean
Dying to Be Free: A Healing Guide for Families After a Suicide
Helpful resource for anyone who’s lost someone to suicide.
FINE, Carla
No Time to Say Goodbye. Surviving the Suicide of a Loved One
Useful and thought provoking book for anyone who has experienced bereavement by suicide.
JAMES, John. W
The Grief Recovery Handbook: The Action Program for Moving Beyond Death, Divorce, and Other Losses
A great book which explored different types of loss and provides practical ideas for coping and surviving.
KUBLER-ROSS, Elisabeth KESSLER, David
On Grief and Grieving: Finding the meaning of grief through the five stages of loss
The Classic book on bereavement-- offers support and advice on coping with loss as well as information about when and how to get help.
MORRIS, Sue
Overcoming Grief
A step by step self help approach to dealing with bereavement.
OKUN, Barbara
Saying Goodbye- Coping with a Loved One’s Terminal Illness
A helpful and thoughtful guide to coping with terminal illness within close relationships from diagnosis until death. This book outlines stages in the grieving process and ruptures in relationships than can happen when a terminal illness takes over.
WALLBANK, Susan
Facing grief : bereavement and the young adult
Wallbank is a very experienced specialist bereavement counsellor with a particular expertise ion how grief effects young adults.
WENHAM, Michael
My Donkey Body Living With A Body That No Longer Obeys You: A Journey with Terminal Illness
One man’s journey of dealing with his terminal diagnosis after helping many other face their own and their loved ones deaths.

Childhood Abuse (emotional/physical/sexual)

AINSCOUGH, Caroline & TOON, Kay
Breaking Free: Help for survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
A UK classic- practical and supportive guide for people who have experienced sexual abuse.
BRADSHAW, John
Homecoming: Reclaiming and Championing Your Inner Child
Practical and moving book for anyone facing up to pain caused by difficult experiences or abuse in childhood
DUFFEL, Nigel
The Making of Them: The British Attitude to Children and the Boarding School System
The only UK book dealing with the emotional and psychological legacy of growing up in the boarding school system
FORWARD, Susan
Toxic Parents; Overcoming Their Hurtful Legacy and Reclaiming Your Life
US classic for people recovering from experiences of abusive (emotional and mental as well as physical) parenting. Supportive and challenging.
FRIEL, John and Linda
Adult Children: Secrets of Dysfunctional Families
If you’ve ever wondered what was meant by ‘dysfunctional’ this book explains and explores the issues clearly and can help you to make sense of things in your family that may always have felt ‘wrong’.
LEW, Mike
Victims No Longer
Supportive and clear book for male survivors of sexual abuse provides information as well as advice on coping with the range of feelings male survivors’ experience.
MILLER, Alice
For Your Own Good: Roots of Violence in Child-rearing
A deep and though provoking exploration of the ways in which violence against children (emotional and physical) causes harm on a personal and cultural level.
MILLER, Alice
Thou Shalt Not Be Aware: Society's Betrayal of the Child
A radical and in depth, somewhat academic book exploring the ways in which cultures have not supported children and the legacy for individuals and society
MITCHELL, Rebecca
New Shoes: Stepping Out of the Shadow of Sexual Abuse and Living Your Dreams
A self-help and inspirational approach to coping as a survivor of abuse.
SANDERSON, Christine
The Warrior Within: Handbook to aid recovery from sexual violence
Helps survivors outside of counselling sessions to cope and control the paced direction of their healing.
SANFORD Linda T
Strong at the Broken Places: Overcoming the Trauma of Childhood Abuse
An exploratory look at the gains as well as losses for those affected by abuse.

Cultural Issues / Black Lives Matter

ADEGOKE, Yomi & UVIEBINENE, Elizabeth
Slay in Your Lane: The Black Girl Bible
This book celebrates the strides black women have already made and gives practical advice for those who want to do the same and forge a better, visible future.
BERGER, Maurice
White Lies: Race and the Myths of Whiteness
Encourages us to reckon with our own complex, and often troubling, opinions about race.
Di ANGELO, Robin
White Fragility
Change starts with us all at a practical, granular level, and it is time for all white people to take responsibility for relinquishing their own racial supremacy.
Hard copies and e-book version available.
EDDO-LODGE, Reni
Why I'm no longer talking to white people about Race
Exploring everything from eradicated black history to the inextricable link between class and race – an essential handbook for anyone who wants to understand race relations in Britain today.
Hard copies and e-book version available.
GOODWIN, Jane
The Price of Honour: Muslim Women Lift the Veil of Silence on the Islamic World
Highly regarded and well-reviewed by many from Muslim communities this book explores some of the issues for women in Islam.
GUPTA, Sangeeta
Emerging Voices, South Asian American Women Redefine Self, Family & Community
Many people experience stress and conflicts as a result of growing up in two cultures, this book explored first person accounts of how others have coped with and managed these complex issues.
KAPUR, Manju
A Married Woman
A classic novel about a Delhi woman’s search for her own identity.
KAPUR, Manju
Difficult Daughters
In this novel, set in the time of partition, Kapur deals with divorce in India.
KASSAM, Nadya
Telling it Like it Is- Young Asian Women Talk
Although this a is a few years old knowing that other young women have share some similar concerns and experiences can be really helpful, especially feeling isolated.
KHAN, Mariam
It's Not About The Burqa: Muslim Women on Faith, Feminism, Sexuality & Race
These essays are funny, sometimes sad, often angry and each a passionate declaration calling time on the oppression, the lazy stereotyping, the misogyny and the Islamophobia.
KHANKAN, Sherin
Women are the Future of Islam
In this urgent manifesto this remarkable woman challenges the idea that Islam should be defined by masculinity and conservatism.

SAAD, Layla.
Me and White Supremacy
Teaches readers how to dismantle the privilege within themselves so that they can stop (often unconsciously) inflicting damage on people of colour, and help other white people do too.
SANGHERA, Jasvinder
Shame
Sanghera’s personal journey and flight from an abusive family
SANGHERA, Jasvinder
Daughters of Shame
Sanghera’s sequel to her first book, see above.
SANGHERA, Sathnam
The Boy with the Top Knot
Novel which explored one man’s experience of growing up Sikh in a family where mental health problems are not compounded by cultural issues
SANGHERA, Sathnam
Marriage Material
Funny but poignant memoir of life in a Sikh Family in the Midlands…
SHAH, Hannah
The Imam's Daughter
Story of one girl’s experiences of living in an oppressive family.
SIRAJ AL-HAQQ KUGLE, Scott
Homosexuality in Islam: Critical Reflection on Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender Muslims
“There are no verses in the Qur'an that unambiguously condemn homosexuals and there are some that suggest they can be tolerated in Muslim communities”. This book explores attitudes toward gay Muslims and debunks some myths along the way.
Ta-Nehisi Coates
Between the World and Me
An attempt to answer questions about race in America, in the form of a letter to the author’s 14-year-old son.

Depression

BURNS,DR D
Feeling Good New Mood Therapy
Remarkable, scientifically proven techniques that will immediately lift your spirits and help you develop a positive outlook on life.
JOHNSTONE, M.
I Had a Black Dog.
Now classic illustrated experiential exploration of depression and recovery- great for showing to friends and relatives too.
JOHNSTONE, M AND JOHNSTONE, A.
Living with a Black Dog.
See above description.
LEWIS, Gwynneth
Sunbathing in the Rain- A Cheerful book about depression
An interesting and informative approach to depression
MARTELL, C. and ADDIS, M.
Overcoming Depression One Step at a Time.
Step by step, very CBT friendly approach to overcoming depression.
REAL, Terrence
I Don't Want to Talk About It: Overcoming the secret legacy of male depression
A very long overdue book which addresses the consequences of men not being allowed to talk about feelings of depression as well as supporting men to cope with depressive feelings- useful for partners and friends too.
ROWE, Dorothy
Depression: The Way Out of Your Prison
Rowe’s classic guide- both practical and thoughtful focuses on both understanding the causes of and changing the experience e of feeling depressed.
TEASDALE, WILLIAMS & Kabat-Zinn
The Mindful Way through Depression – Freeing yourself from chronic unhappiness (A self-help book including a CD of guided meditations)
Guide to using mindfulness techniques to help deal with depression and unhappiness

Domestic Abuse / Violence / Trauma

ABIONA, Norva Semoy
Time to Go: Leaving Emotional Abuse and other forms of Abusive Relationships
Your guide on how to leave your abusive spouse quickly and safely even if you have no money.
BANCROFT, Lundy and PATRISSI, Jac
Should I stay or should I go?
Supportive and straightforward guide offering a way for women to practically take stock of their relationships and move forward with or without their partners.
HERBERT, Claudia
Understanding your reactions to trauma : a guide for survivors of trauma and their families
This book is especially helpful if a loved one (friend or relative) has been through a trauma as well as for the survivor themselves.
HERMAN, Judith
Trauma and Recovery
The ‘Trauma Book’ - Herman describes in accessible but academically rigorous style what trauma is, who it effects and how to get help to manage the after effects.
Van Der Kolk, Bessel Dr
Body Keeps Score: Healing Trauma
Trauma reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers' capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. Exposes the tremendous power of our relationships both to hurt and to heal--and offers new hope for reclaiming lives

Body Image / Eating Disorders / Self Harm

BUCKROYD, Julia
Anorexia and Bulimia: Your Questions Answered
Practical advice on what eating disorders are and what helps and how to access suitable services

BUCKROYD, Julia
Understanding your eating: how to eat and not worry about it
A great guide to learning how to let go of food anxieties…
EARL, Rae
My Mad Fat Diary
A fictionalised and fun account of one young woman’s’ experience!
FAIRBURN, Christopher
Overcoming Binge Eating Disorder
A step by step guide, from a cognitive behavioural perspective on dealing with your binging patterns, lots of tips and detail on what works and helps when you’re struggling with this less widely understood type of food issue.
GILL, Sophia
101 Distractions from Depression, Self-harm (and other Soul-destroyers)
Practical and contemporary look at how to divert yourself from self defeating behaviours.
MORGAN, John F
The Invisible Man- A Self help guide for men with eating disorders…
More and more young men are developing emotional issues around food but the literature usually refers to women- this book is what it claims to be and addresses things from a male perspective
NORMANDI, Carol
Its Not about Food- End your obsession with food and weight.
It might seem strange at first to think of eating disorders as NOT being about food but this book makes sense of this idea.
ORBACH, Susie
On Eating
Orbach’s classic work about our emotional relationship with food and how difficulties can and do emerge.
SUTTON, Jan
Healing the Hurt Within: Understand Self-injury and Self-harm
A self help guide to developing healthier coping methods and ways of dealing with emotions.
TURNER, VJ
Secret Scars: Uncovering and Understanding the Addiction of Self-injury
An in depth study of self-harm- educative and thought provoking- includes first-hand accounts.

Family issues and problems

CASSELLA KAPUNSKI, Lynn
Now what do I do? : a guide to help teenagers with their parents' separation or divorce
A self help approach. Although it says for teenagers this is still a helpful text if you’re a bit older than that!
FORWARD, Susan
Toxic In Laws: Loving Strategies for protecting your marriage
If you are in a relationship with someone whose parents drive you mad this book could help…
FOSTER LEA, Brooke
The way they were: Dealing with your parents’ divorce after a lifetime of marriage
When parents divorce whilst you’re an adult it can feel as though you shouldn’t be upset given you’re now an adult. This book explores why this is usually not the case and how we can help ourselves.
NEUMANN, M Gary
The Long Way Home: The Powerful 4-Step Plan for Adult Children of Divorce
If your parents divorced when you were still a child you can find the effects are still with you years later- this book offers a ‘guide’ for how to address such issues.
OXENHANDLER, Noelle
A grief out of season : when your parents’ divorce in your adult years
Many people feel that they shouldn’t be so upset if their parents split once they’re adults, which can add to their distress….
STALL, Stephanie
The love they lost : living with the legacy of our parents' divorce
Parental divorce effects people in different ways but everyone is effected in some way or other, this book encourages you to understand your own experience.
VERRIER, Nancy Newton
Coming home to self: healing the primal wound
This is an in depth self help looking at the emotional aspects of being adopted. Despite being a lifeline for many, adopted people experience painful psychological feelings about their experiences, this book offers ideas to help the reader understand and come to terms with what is, perhaps inevitably a mixed experience for many.
ZIMMERMANN, Jeffrey
Adult children of divorce : how to overcome the legacy of your parents' breakup and enjoy love, trust, and intimacy
If you feel your own relationships might have been effected by your parents split this book can help offer some supportive ideas for dealing with your experience.

Gender and identity

BORNSTEIN, K & S. BEAR BERGMAN
Gender Outlaws: The Next Generation
Gender Outlaws includes essays, commentary, comic art, and conversations from a diverse group of trans-spectrum people who live and believe in barrier-breaking lives.
BORNSTEIN, Kate
Gender Outlaw: On Men, Women and the Rest of Us
Part Self help, part educational guide to understanding gender. Great resource for anyone struggling to ‘fit in’ and feeling alone on the journey.
BORNSTEIN, Kate
My Gender Workbook: How to Become a Real Man, a Real Woman, the Real You, or Something Else Entirely: How to Become the Kind of Man or Woman You ... You Could Be...or Something Else Entirely
Step by step guide to working through gender issues or confusion.
MOORE Robert & GIILLETTE, Douglas
King Warrior Magician Lover- Rediscovering the Archetypes of the Mature Masculine
A self-development book for men- encourages exploration of what it means to be a man in contemporary society

Meditation and mindfulness

AKINSETE, Rotimi
This Book Could Help: Techniques and Exercises for Living - the Men's Wellbeing Manual
Men’s head space manual – techniques and exercises for living.
DAVITCH, Victor
Eight Minute Meditation: Quiet your mind, change your life
Described as a perfect introduction to meditation for beginners and sceptics this book offers a simple set of guidelines to help you to develop meditation skills
GERMER Christopher
The Mindful Path to Self Compassion
A gentle guide to help you develop our relationship with yourself- helpful for anyone who feels that they’re highly self-critical in a way that stops them developing confidence in their own abilities.
HAY, Louise
Stress Free- Peaceful meditations
Audio CD: Louise Hay is something of a self help guru and these simple relaxing meditations are accessible and easy to follow.
SHAMASH Alidina
Mindfulness for Dummies
If you’re familiar with the ‘Dummies’ series then this coherent and straightforward ‘manual of mindfulness’ will appeal.
SINCLAIR M & BEADMAN B
The Little ACT Workbook: An Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
A mindfulness based guide for leading a full and meaningful life.
THUBETAN, G
A Monk's Guide to Happiness: Meditation in the 21st century
This book clearly illustrates why we all need meditation and mindfulness in our lives.
WILLIAMS, M & PENMAN, D
Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Finding Peace in a Frantic World
A general introduction to the idea of Mindfulness in our daily life. Includes a CD and an 8 week meditation programme

Personal development

ASTLEY, Neil
Being Alive
A collection of poetry about what it is to be alive in the modern world, funny, thought provoking and poignant.
De BOARD, Robert
Counselling for Toads- A psychological adventure
Modern classic whereby Toad (of wind in the willows fame) has exhausted his friend’s patience and they send him to counselling! Poignant & funny book about how counselling works
BURGO, Joseph
Why Do I Do That? Psychological Defence Mechanisms and the Hidden Ways They Shape Our Lives
If you’ve ever wondered what a ‘defence mechanism’ was or why you think and behave as you do then this book might be useful.
CATTON, Eleanor
The Rehearsal
Novel about a scandal that has unforeseen repercussions for a whole community when ‘reality’ and reality collide.
DAVIES, William
Overcoming Anger and Irritability
Practical method of addressing angry and irritable
DANN, Jill
The Emotional Intelligence Workbook
Step by step workbook to developing your emotional intelligence
DRYDEN Windy & GORDON, Jack
How to Cope with Difficult Parents
Great title- a supportive and informative guide which explores strategies for managing manipulative parents
GERHARDT, Sue
Why Love Matters- How Affection Shapes A Baby’s Brain
Easily accessible book-explores links between emotional and psychosocial difficulties and the latest research on infants brain development
GREENBERG, Joanne
Never Promised You a Rose Garden
Classic novel based on the author’s experience of a psychotic breakdown in adolescence.
GROSZ, Stephen
The Examined Life; How we Lose and Find Ourselves
An instant classic on the subject of understanding ourselves, what makes us tick and what therapy is all about- written as a series of ‘case studies’.
HAMILTON, Christopher
How to Deal With Adversity
How do we cope when things go wrong, what helps us weather the difficult experiences we have in life….
IRONS, J & BEAUMONT, E
The Compassionate Mind Workbook: A step-by-step guide to developing your compassionate self
Ideas and practices derived from Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT) and other approaches – to help engage with, understand and ultimately, try to alleviate suffering.

JAMES, Oliver
They F*** You Up: How to Survive Family Life
Exploration of families, relationships and how we develop into the people we are. Very informative and thought provoking
JAMES, Oliver
How To Develop Emotional Health
After ‘They F**** You Up’ and ‘Affluenza’ James offers a potted version what we can do to make ourselves healthier and happier.
MILLER, Alice
The Drama of Being a Child: The Search for the True Self
A Classic work exploring ways people can reconnect with their true self and manage emotional distress caused by difficulties in childhood
PERRY, Phillipa
How to Stay Sane
A Philosophical Guide…
PHILLIPS, Adam,
Missing Out: In Praise of an Unlived Life
Philips is a psychoanalyst and in this book he explores the possibilities of the paths we haven’t chosen.
SARKIS, Stephanie
10 Simple Solutions for Adult ADD
Practical tips to help you focus and concentrate, even if you don’t have an ADD diagnosis.
SEIGEL, Daniel
MINDSIGHT- Transform Your Brain with the new science of Kindness
A fascinating insight into ways in which we can develop our natural capacities for kindness to self and others.
SYMINGTON, Neville
How to Choose a Psychotherapist
Symington’s classic guide to finding the right therapist.
VAN DIYK, Sheri
Calming the Emotional Storm
Learning how to healthily manage difficult or overwhelming emotions is an essential life skill which can be hard to master! This guide uses straightforward techniques to help you learn how.
WALTON, David
Emotional Intelligence- A Practical Guide
Lots of people have heard of Emotional Intelligence but wonder what it is and how to attain it. This book offers a practical guide to developing yours.
WAX, Ruby
Sane New World
The well-known comedian writes about her own experience of mental health difficulties and how she got better.
WILDE-McCORMICK, Elizabeth
Change for the Better: Self Help Through Practical Psychotherapy
Practical ‘CAT’ based approach to helping people identify patterns in ways of being which cause difficulties demonstrates strategies for manage emotional traps, snags and dilemmas.
WINTERSON, JEANETTE
Why be Happy When You Could Be Normal?
Personal memoir of growing up in a dysfunctional home

Psychiatric Diagnoses / Autism Spectrum Disorders

De SILVA, Padmal. RACHMAN, Stanley
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (The Facts)
Practical and informative book on this increasingly common diagnosis.
DUBIN, Nick & ATTWOOD, Tony
The autism spectrum and depression
A self help book written by Nick Dubin who has personal experience of ASD & Depression.
DUBIN, Nick & ATTWOOD, Tony
Asperger syndrome and anxiety: a guide to successful stress management
Stress management tips specifically aimed at those on the Autism spectrum but also helpful for anyone struggling to cope with overwhelming feelings!
FREEMAN, Daniel, FREEMAN, Jason GARETY, Philippa
Overcoming Paranoid and Suspicious Thoughts
Practical strategies to help people manage troubling symptoms.
HIGASHIDA, Naoki & MITCHELL, David
The Reason why I Jump: One Boy’s voice from the silence of autism
A personal experience of autism
JONES, Stephen & HAYWARD Peter
Coping with Schizophrenia: A Guide for Patients, Families and Caregivers
One of very few self-help books for people experiencing psychosis and a must read for family members or carers.
KEUTHEN, Nancy J.
Help for Hair Pullers: Understanding and Coping with Trichotillomania:
Step by step, CBT based approach to dealing with Trichotillomania.

LEADER, DARIAN
Strictly Bipolar
Leader’s treatise of the psychology of our times explores the changing ‘fashions’ in psychiatric diagnosis.
MANNING, Sharyi Y.
Loving Someone with Borderline Personality Disorder: How to Keep Out-of-Control Emotions from Destroying Your Relationship
Dr. Shari Manning helps you understand why your spouse, family member, or friend has such out-of-control emotions and how to change the way you can respond.
MASON, Paul T & KREGER, R.
Stop Walking on Eggshells - Taking Your Life Back When Someone You Care About Has Borderline Personality Disorder
How to protect yourself from being controlled or manipulated and how to avoid the next confrontation.
MOSKOVITZ, Richard MD
Lost in the Mirror: An Inside Look at Borderline Personality Disorder
Supportive book- useful for those diagnosed or people close to them to help understand BPD
REDFIELD Jamison, K.
An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness
Inspirational first-hand account from a psychologist diagnosed with bi polar disorder.
ROTH, Kimberlee
Surviving a Borderline Parent
Growing up with unstable and emotionally demanding parents is a very troubling experience. This book gives lots of explanation and ideas of ways to help yourself deal with difficulties you might experience as result.
VAN GELDER, Kiera
The Buddha and the Borderline: My Recovery from Borderline Personality Disorder Through Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Buddhism, and Online Dating
One woman’s personal journey to resolving deep seated difficulties

Relationships

BEATTIE, Melody
Codependent No More: How to stop controlling others and start caring for yourself
A US classic on dysfunctional relationships and how to break self-defeating patterns of relating to others.
BEATTIE, Melody
Beyond Codependency: And Getting Better All the Time
BEHRENDT, Greg & RUOTOLA- BEHRENDT , Amiira
It's Called a Breakup Because It's Broken: The Smart Girl's Breakup Buddy
A ‘fun’ guide to dealing with life after the end of a relationship.
BOTTKE, Allison
Setting Boundaries with Difficult People
How to set limits, even with the most challenging of people, whether they’re friends, family or colleagues
BROWN, Brene
Daring Greatly- How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead Many people feel that to let others see them as vulnerable or having problems in life is a scary thing which shows weakness- Brown dispels this myth in a simple but challenging way.
COLE, Julia,
Loving yourself, Loving Another: The importance of self-esteem for successful relationships
One in the extensive series from Relate exploring essential aspects of relationships- self esteem is often mistakenly thought to just be about loving and valuing yourself Cole explores how in fact without it our most intimate relationships with others can be blighted.
COLEMAN, Daniel
Social Intelligence- The New Science of Social Relationships
Coleman identified Emotional Intelligence in his seminal book back in the 90s, here you can find out about social intelligence, why it’s important and how to make friends and what keeps our social connections alive.
ENGEL, Beverly
The Emotionally Abusive Relationship, How to stop being abused and how to stop abusing.
If you’re not sure if your relationship is abusive or not this book can help you become aware of the signs and challenge your own and other’s behaviour is safe and positive ways.
ELLIOT, Susan J.
Getting Past Your Breakup: How to Turn a Devastating Loss into the Best Thing That Ever Happened to You
When a relationship ends we can feel as though we are bereaved and will never be ok- this book shows how to turn that on its head.

FORWARD, Susan
Men Who Hate Women and the Women Who Love Them: When Love Hurts and You Don't Know Why
Helpful book if you’re struggling trying to understand patterns in your relationships and in the partners you choose.
HAYMAN, Suzie
Moving on: Breaking Up without Breaking Down (Relate Relationships)
Supportive and informative book about ending relationships. From RELATE the national relationship counselling service.
LANCER, Darlene
Codependency for Dummies
Explains what it is, where it comes from and how it manifests. This book contains lots of questionnaires and tips for changing codependent dynamics.
LITVITOFF, Sarah
Better Relationships: Practical Ways to Make Your Love Last
Supportive and informative book about developing healthy relationships. From RELATE the national relationship counselling service.
WEINHOLD. Barry & Janae
Breaking Free from the Co-dependency Trap
A self help guide to understanding relationship patterns and how to break them.
WHITFIELD, Charles
Boundaries and Relationships: Knowing, Protecting and Enjoying the Self
An excellent guide to understanding what healthy boundaries in relationships are and how to put them in place.

Sexuality

BORHEK, Mary
Coming Out to Parents- A Two Way Survival Guide
The classic ‘how to’ book for anyone wanting to talk with their parents about their sexual orientation.
DAWSON, James
This Book is Gay
A book that challenges the way language is used in a heterosexist way.
DUNHAM, C. G.
A Year Without A Name: A Memoir
Written with disarming emotional intensity in a voice uniquely theirs, A Year Without a Name is a potent, thrillingly unresolved queer coming of age story
REIS, Essie
How to come out: a guide for women questioning their sexual orientation
An essential guide for women sharing other’s experience and with lots of ideas about how to accept our sexuality and come out to others.
SANDERSON, Terry
Assertively Gay: How to Build Gay Self Esteem
A practical and supportive book focussing on helping the reader to come to develop positive feelings about themselves and their sexuality
SAVIN-WILLIAMS, Ritch C.
Mom, Dad, I'm gay : how families negotiate coming out
A supportive exploration of different ways families can deal with what can be a difficult time for all.
SIGNORILE, Michelangelo
Outing yourself : how to come out as lesbian or gay to your family, friends, and colleagues
Wondering and dreading how to talk to people about your sexuality? Learn from others experiences in this supportive and informative book.

Sleep Difficulties

ESPIE, Colin A.
Overcoming Insomnia and Sleep Problems. A self-help guide using Cognitive Behavioural Techniques
Practical, educational and supportive guide to managing insomnia
MARGO, Sammy
The Good Sleep Guide
Helpful, short and practical guide to help you get a good night’s sleep.

Student Life & Study

ACRES, David
How to Pass Exams without Anxiety: Every Candidate's Guide to Success
Classic text on the subject- loads of practical tips and advice
BURNAP, Dave
Getting Ahead as an International Student (Open Up Study Skills)
Advice and practical information about life as an international student
CLARKE, Lucy
Student Survival Guide- what to expect and how to handle it
If you’re already here it’s never too late to get some tips on Student Life.
FIORE, Neil A.
The now habit : a strategic program for overcoming procrastination and enjoying guilt-free play
Most of us procrastinate from time to time- if it’s getting your down or you realise you can’t relax as result this book could really help
FOWLIE, Julie & SMALE, Bob
How to Succeed at University: An Essential Guide to Academic Skills and Personal Development
Informative and supportive book about managing the challenges of student life.
MCFARLANE, Aidan
Fresher Pressure: How to Survive as a Student
Helpful, practical and emotional guide to starting University
MORGAN, Nicola
The Leaving Home Survival Guide.
You might wish you’d read this BEFORE you came to university but it’s still full of helpful tips.
PERRY, ANDREA
Isn't It About Time? How to Overcome Procrastination and Get on with Your Life
Practical and supportive guide to dealing with procrastination.
TAN, Chade-Meng
Search Inside Yourself- the secret to unbreakable concentration.
Offers some practical tips to improve concentration.
TOIBIN, Lucy
A Guide to Uni Life
What to expect, and what to do about it if things don’t feel right.

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