The Best Books Recommended by Therapists

Playing Big: Practical Wisdom for Women Who Want to Speak Up, Create, and Lead” by Tara Mohr

First published in 2014, Playing Big has become a modern classic in the self-help genre. Tara Mohr, a women’s leadership expert, explores how women often hold themselves back and provides practical tools to overcome self-doubt and reach their full potential. This book comes highly recommended by our LIT co-founder, Melissa Parks. 

“Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life” by Emily Nagoski

This groundbreaking book explores women’s sexuality through the lens of scientific research. It’s insightful, evidence-based, and deeply compassionate – a must-read.

LIT member Carolina Díaz shares:

“I have recommended ‘Come As You Are’ to several patients for various reasons—from sexual issues to body image and self-acceptance. It’s a great mix of clear scientific information and an integrative, empathetic perspective.”

“The Happiness Trap” by Russ Harris

Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), The Happiness Trap challenges the idea that happiness is about eliminating negative emotions. Instead, Russ Harris offers practical techniques to help readers navigate difficult thoughts and feelings while building a more meaningful life. The book provides tools for breaking free from the cycle of self-doubt and avoidance, making it a valuable resource for both therapists and clients.

Recommended by our co-founder Sonia Jaeger, it’s an insightful, actionable read for anyone who feels stuck in the pursuit of happiness. 

“Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle” by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski

For anyone experiencing burnout (or supporting clients through it), this book is essential reading. Burnout can affect anyone, but it often impacts women differently. This book explains why and offers science-backed strategies for managing stress and reclaiming joy.

LIT member Cynthia Rodríguez explains why she recommends it:

“Since I work with many women experiencing burnout, this is a book I frequently recommend. Everyone I’ve recommended it to has found it valuable.”

“Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals” by Oliver Burkeman

Forget traditional time management books—this one will change how you think about time altogether. Instead of productivity hacks, Burkeman challenges readers to redefine their relationship with time and construct a meaningful life by focusing on what truly matters. This book gets the seal of approval of our co-founder, Sonia Jaeger. 

“Dare to Lead” by Brene Brown

Brené Brown’s research on vulnerability, courage, and leadership has changed the way many people approach their work and relationships. In Dare to Lead, Brene Brown shows us how to put ideas into practice and step up to become daring leaders.

If you’ve ever felt unsure of your capabilities or shied away from the pressure of leadership, this book could provide a gentle but encouraging push to discover your potential. 

“The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love” by bell hooks

The influence of patriarchy comes up often in therapy—not just for women and non-binary clients, but for men too. While its harm to women is widely recognized, we’re only beginning to unpack how it also limits and wounds men.

In The Will to Change, bell hooks explores how patriarchy enforces toxic masculinity, discourages emotional expression, and isolates men from love and connection. She makes a compelling case for a feminist movement that includes men in dismantling these harmful norms, encouraging a more compassionate and liberated society. This is a top pick for Sonia Jaeger, who has often suggested it to clients who are exploring these issues. Read more of Sonia’s thoughts on this book here.

“The Gift of Therapy” by Irvin D. Yalom

If there’s one book many therapists return to throughout their careers, it’s The Gift of Therapy by Irvin D. Yalom. This collection of insights, drawn from Yalom’s decades of experience as an existential psychiatrist and psychotherapist, offers guidance for both new and seasoned clinicians.

One LIT member, Biyang Wang, shared: “As a therapist, I’ve really loved the author Irvin D. Yalom. He talks about his client work, and his style resonated with me.”

Yalom’s writing is deeply personal and universally relevant, encouraging therapists to embrace authenticity, connection, and the human experience in their work. Whether you’re new to therapy or have been practicing for years, this book offers timeless wisdom on the therapeutic relationship.

“I’m Glad My Mom Died” by Jeanette McCurdy

A powerful and unflinching memoir, I’m Glad My Mom Died explores complex family dynamics, eating disorders, and grief.

LIT member Carolina Díaz shares why she recommends it:

“I’ve suggested this book to patients with complicated relationships with their mothers or their own eating habits. It resonates deeply with many.”

“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho

This modern classic tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy on a journey of self-discovery. While you might not think of recommending fiction to your clients, it can have a profound impact – potentially much more than your average self-help book. The Alchemist is a prime example. 

LIT member Eric Castonguay explains why it’s one of his go-to recommendations:

“It’s a great hero’s journey, and fiction often speaks to clients in ways that self-help books don’t.”

Biyang Wang also shares a personal connection to the book:

“I’ve read The Alchemist at different stages of my life. When I was hiking through the desert at Giza, I thought, ‘This is my Alchemist moment!’”

“The Heart Principle” by Helen Hoang

This novel is more than just a romance—it offers a powerful portrayal of an autistic protagonist navigating relationships, identity, and personal challenges. Reading fiction can be an excellent way to get a deeper understanding of a lived experience that differs from your own.

LIT co-founder Melissa Parks discovered The Heart Principle through the LIT Book Club and has since recommended it to clients: “I’ve suggested this book to several clients who were wondering if they might be autistic.”

In this book, the protagonist is diagnosed with autism later in life. Author Helen Hoang weaves her own experience of receiving an autism diagnosis into the story, making it an insightful and deeply personal read. It’s refreshing to see neurodiverse main characters portrayed realistically and sensitively in fiction. 

“Excavations” by Hannah Michell

Recommended by our LIT Member Chu Hui Cha, Excavations is a gripping literary mystery set in South Korea, inspired by the 1995 Sampoong Department Store collapse. It delves into corruption, hidden truths, and the weight of history. The novel follows a woman searching for answers about her missing husband while uncovering a deeper web of deception tied to South Korea’s rapid economic rise.

As Chu Hui Cha describes: “This novel is a page-turner about a tragic and important event in modern Korean history… It does a wonderful job of weaving in Korean history with interesting and relatable characters.”

“The Unbearable Lightness of Being” by Milan Kundera

Another recommendation from Mila Petkova, The Unbearable Lightness of Being offers rich psychological insights and poetic prose. Set against the backdrop of 1968 Czechoslovakia, this novel explores the tension between personal freedom and emotional weight through the lives of its four central characters. It’s an introspective and deeply moving read, perfect for those drawn to existential questions, the complexities of love, and the way history shapes personal choices.