Top 5 Books for Personal Growth, Healing, and Connection
- Tiffany Bentley
- Sep 20
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 23
Reading can be a gentle and powerful companion to therapy. Between sessions, books provide space for reflection, new insights, and ways to practice concepts we explore in therapy. If you’re curious about integrating self-help reading into your personal growth journey, here are my top 5 recommendations for clients, organized from general personal growth to more trauma- and relationship-focused reads. Each comes with ideas about who might find it especially helpful and ways it connects to therapy modalities we offer at Somatic Women.
1. The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris
This book is for you if ... If you often struggle with perfectionism, self-criticism, or feeling “stuck” in anxiety, this book is for you.
Why I recommend it: Russ Harris introduces ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) concepts in a way that’s accessible, compassionate, and practical for everyday life. I recommend it because it’s a gentle guide for learning how to live in alignment with your values rather than trying to avoid uncomfortable feelings.
Therapy connection: ACT / Personal Growth
If you enjoyed this, you might also like: The Anxious Perfectionist by Michael J. Sinclair
2. Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson
This book is for you if ... If you grew up feeling unseen, invalidated, or responsible for someone else’s emotions.
Why I recommend it: Lindsay Gibson’s compassionate approach helps clients understand past dynamics and how they influence current relationships and emotional patterns.
Therapy connection: Anxiety / Boundary Work
If you enjoyed this, you might also like: I’m Glad My Mom Died by Jeanette McCurdy
3. Attached by Amir Levine & Rachel S. F. Heller
This book is for you if ... If you want to better understand your romantic attachment style or relationship patterns.
Why I recommend it: This book provides clear, actionable insights about attachment, helping you identify patterns that can contribute to anxiety or miscommunication in relationships.
Therapy connection: Relationship / Anxiety Work
If you enjoyed this, you might also like: Anxiously Attached by Jessica Baum
4. Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski
This book is for you if ... If you’re exploring sexuality, body awareness, or self-compassion around intimacy.
Why I recommend it: Emily Nagoski offers research-backed insights in a warm, accessible voice that helps clients normalize and celebrate their unique experiences of desire, stress, and connection.
Therapy connection: Sexuality / Self-Compassion
If you enjoyed this, you might also like: The Guide to Getting It On by Paul Joannides
5. Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection by Arielle Schwartz
This book is for you if ... If you’re interested in trauma recovery, nervous system regulation, or somatic approaches to emotional healing.
Why I recommend it: Arielle Schwartz translates the polyvagal theory into practical exercises that clients can use to feel safer in their bodies and relationships. This book brings trauma-informed tools into your hands without needing a therapist in the room.
Therapy connection: Trauma / Somatic Therapy
If you enjoyed this, you might also like: The Polyvagal Theory in Therapy: Engaging the Rhythm of Regulation by Deb Dana
Why Reading Between Therapy Sessions Can Help
Books can reinforce what you’re exploring in therapy, offer new perspectives, and create a sense of support when you’re working through challenging emotions. Reading is a way to practice self-reflection, integrate skills, and stay connected to your growth outside of sessions. It can be especially useful when paired with journaling or exercises from therapy.
Let’s Hear From You
We’re curious about your reading preferences and interest in connecting with others:
Which of these books are you most excited to read?
The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C.
Attached by Amir Levine & Rachel S. F. Heller
Come As You Are by Emily Nagoski
Ultimately
Reading is an act of curiosity, self-reflection, and care. Between sessions, books can be a gentle mirror, a source of insight, or a reminder that growth is possible. Remember, Light, you’re the keeper of your own journey, your own knowing, and your own path forward. Shine bright, explore thoughtfully, and keep moving.
If you want to know more about who I am and what therapy with me looks like, you can learn more here.
Thanks for reading!
About the Author
Tiffany Bentley, LCSW, is the founder of Somatic Women, a virtual therapy practice supporting women in MA, CT, RI, VT, and FL. She integrates EMDR, ACT, and somatic therapies to help women reclaim their voices, restore balance, and live with clarity.
Comments