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A good self-help book is written with the purpose and intention of offering solutions to personal problems or challenges and to increase healthyself-esteem. For women, the content of the book should speak to the unique challenges and experiences that women face in life. Even though the purpose of a self-help book is to focus on improvements and problem-solving options, the writing should still be well done and entertaining.
Self-help books have been growing in popularity and can be very helpful, whether you are on a journey of self-improvement,healing, or wish to use books along with yourtalk therapyjourney. Self-help books written for women specifically can offer added insight and guidance during an emotional healing orself-exploration process.
Here, the best self-help books for women, according to a licensed mental health counselor.
ProsVery informativeEffective techniques and guidesWell-writtenExpert authorsConsRequires significant time commitment
ProsVery informativeEffective techniques and guidesWell-writtenExpert authors
Very informative
Effective techniques and guides
Well-written
Expert authors
ConsRequires significant time commitment
Requires significant time commitment
The guidance and CBT techniques offered here focus on those who struggle with anxiety, panic attacks, eating disorders, depression, substance addiction, and even relationships. There is a lot packed into one book with this option, and therefore it will require a significant commitment of time and energy to work through and put into practice.
Designed as a self-help book, it is also a great option to use in conjunction with therapy to allow for further processes and guidance along the journey.
Price at time of publication: $27
ProsWell-written and entertainingExpert author and writerImportant topic addressedConsNot individualized
ProsWell-written and entertainingExpert author and writerImportant topic addressed
Well-written and entertaining
Expert author and writer
Important topic addressed
ConsNot individualized
Not individualized
Ph.D. researcher Brené Brown is the modern-day guru and expert of vulnerability and why it is essential to healing, connection, and a happy life. Dr. Brown uses profound storytelling to convey the strength foundthrough vulnerabilityrather than the myth of it being a display of weakness. Despite logically knowing that vulnerability isessential to connection, strong defense mechanisms from past pain can get in the way of being able to practice it effectively.
This bookis an emotional journey of finding yourself through the experiences of others while offering sound advice on how to manage emotional defenses to begin practicing vulnerability, even if it’s in small ways at first. Both inspirational and motivating, this book will help break throughemotional defensesthat keep people from experiencing love and connection.
It is helpful to know that this is not a workbook or guidebook. There are no writing prompts or techniques shared. This is a good option for people who want to simply enjoy reading and appreciate the writing style of good storytelling.
Price at time of publication: $17
ProsFunny, witty writing styleEncouraging and motivatingShort chapters make for easy readingConsNot individualized
ProsFunny, witty writing styleEncouraging and motivatingShort chapters make for easy reading
Funny, witty writing style
Encouraging and motivating
Short chapters make for easy reading
Need a swift kick in the rear to get you moving?This bookis just that kick. Filled with hilarious stories and broken down into 27 bite-sized chapters, you can nose-dive into this book or read for just a few minutes a day to feel inspired, motivated, and ready to overcome any challenge. The author uses humorous stories and the occasional therapeutic swearing to help readers identify negative thought patterns and replace them with confidence and a strong belief in yourself and your abilities.
This is a good option if you don’t like writing or journaling, and scientific statistics are not your favorite learning style. Somepersonality typesbenefit more from direct language and humor, which the book expertly displays.
The humor and charm of this writing style take a lot of the heaviness out of serious topics while still addressing subjects that are difficult and need discussing. Inspiration and increasing motivation are the main goals of this book, rather than education or research.
The 7 Best Self-Help Books to Change Your Life
ProsExpert authorEffective techniquesIndividualized worksheets and promptsConsFewer stories and anecdotesRequires time investment
ProsExpert authorEffective techniquesIndividualized worksheets and prompts
Expert author
Effective techniques
Individualized worksheets and prompts
ConsFewer stories and anecdotesRequires time investment
Fewer stories and anecdotes
Requires time investment
The worksheets help individualize the journey and help you focus on improving thought patterns and daily habits that lead to accomplishing goals and feeling empowered in your daily life. Even though CBT techniques work for many types of people, this guidebook is written specifically for women and their unique experiences through life and healing.
Price at time of publication: $16
ProsEmotional and motivatingMeaningful stories and honest styleConsNot individualized
ProsEmotional and motivatingMeaningful stories and honest style
Emotional and motivating
Meaningful stories and honest style
Even thoughthis bookis memoir-styled, the authentic style that the author uses to discuss ways she held her own self back from happiness and healthy living can be helpful to those experiencing similar feelings. Some personality types learn more effectively through storytelling and identifying with similarities in like-minded perceptions and struggles.
This book does a great job of inspiring readers to question theirown paths in lifeand to ask if they are living the way theywant to be living. If not, what changes need to be made?
Price at time of publication: $28
ProsReal and honest writingAddresses important topicThe humor is good medicineConsNot individualized
ProsReal and honest writingAddresses important topicThe humor is good medicine
Real and honest writing
Addresses important topic
The humor is good medicine
Stone stresses that this is not a feel-good romp through self-revelation like other memoirs. This is a knock-down, drag-out profanity-laced fight with having toaccept painful thingsbeyond our control. Peace and self-love happen, but onlyafter the angerand festival of swear words have their fair share of time.
Sometimes we need a reminder that we don’t have to get through painful things gracefully, we just have to get through them.This bookgrants that much-needed permission.
Price at time of publication: $18
The 10 Best Mental Health Books to Read This Year
ProsBeautiful designInspirationalGood for a busy scheduleConsNot individualized
ProsBeautiful designInspirationalGood for a busy schedule
Beautiful design
Inspirational
Good for a busy schedule
This is abookthat speaks to multiple senses with its beautiful design and creative layout. Divided into 15 lessons (instead of chapters), author Alexandra Elle focuses on her own stories and anecdotes of inspiration and self-care stemming from her journey from self-doubt to self-love.
The book’s design and layout make it a great gift, coffee table book, office book, and something you can pick up for aquick mood liftwhen short on time. This is a great option when you only have time for a quick inspirational quote or 15 minutes of quiet time in the morning with coffee.
Price at time of publication: $20
ProsEffective techniquesOrganized structureImportant topicConsRequires consistent commitment
ProsEffective techniquesOrganized structureImportant topic
Organized structure
Important topic
ConsRequires consistent commitment
Requires consistent commitment
The 28-day structure allows readers to immerse themselves in the practice of gratitude and see real and lasting results in their personal and professional lives. The structure ofthis booknot only teaches gratitude but starts a new habitual mental routine focused on gratitude to decrease long-term negative thought patterns and promote a healthier mentality and emotional state over time, not just in the short-term span of 28-days.
Price at time of publication: $19
ProsSound adviceWell-written for target audienceMotivating and inspirationalConsRequires good focus and time
ProsSound adviceWell-written for target audienceMotivating and inspirational
Sound advice
Well-written for target audience
Motivating and inspirational
ConsRequires good focus and time
Requires good focus and time
ProsGood writing prompts and spaceSimple but inspiring layoutGood affirmations and quotesConsRequires time and quiet to be effective
ProsGood writing prompts and spaceSimple but inspiring layoutGood affirmations and quotes
Good writing prompts and space
Simple but inspiring layout
Good affirmations and quotes
ConsRequires time and quiet to be effective
Requires time and quiet to be effective
Journaling has been ascientifically supported methodof self and mood improvement for years.The Positive You journalwas created specifically for women with all the aspects of a good journal that focuses on emotional health, which include writing prompts tailored to boost your mood andeffective techniques for soothing stressand improving self-care.
This journal also gives plenty of room to write, which allows the process to be completely tailored to your situation, emotional needs, and writing style. Journals allow you to keep a record of your progress, which increases motivation to keep growing and improving. It’s inspiring to look back and see the challenges that have been overcome through time, personal growth, and effort.
Price at time of publication: $15
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Final Verdict
What to Look for in Self-Help Books for Women
Fits Your Style of Learning
Different people learn and grow in different ways. It’s important to choose a book that fits within your specificlearning style. Some like research and statistical styles of writing, while others prefer stories, anecdotes, and a visual style of writing.
If a reader doesn’t emotionally connect with the format and writing of the book, then the reader will be more likely to quit and feel defeated in their self-improvement journey.
Fits Your Schedule
People are busy. Make sure the book you choose fits within the realistic time and space you can commit, and invest in the journey. Choose a shorter book or a book with shorter, bite-sized chapters if you only have a few minutes each day. Something small is better than nothing or giving up the process altogether due to feelings of overwhelm.
If you have more space and time, or you are choosing a book to coincide with therapy, then choose something more in-depth and informative.
Science-Supported Techniques
Frequently Asked QuestionsLife throws all sorts of obstacles and challenges our way, and self-help books can offer a range of benefits—from comfort and reassurance to actionable advice for making positive changes. “Self-help books can be great resources for self-improvement and self-discovery,” says licensed mental health counselorGinaMarie Guarino, LMHC.Guarino believes they can help a person expand their perspectives, build a healthier sense of self, learn coping methods, and deal with life stressors.One review of scientific literature found that self-help books can be effective in helping people learn new life skills, such as assertiveness and problem-solving.Self-help books can also be useful if you’re looking for ways to be happier and more appreciative of what you have in life. “People should make use of all the help they can get,” saysMatt Lundquist, founder and clinical director of Tribeca Therapy. While he points out that a lot of self-help books out there may not be especially useful, it’s wonderful when you find the right self-help book for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Life throws all sorts of obstacles and challenges our way, and self-help books can offer a range of benefits—from comfort and reassurance to actionable advice for making positive changes. “Self-help books can be great resources for self-improvement and self-discovery,” says licensed mental health counselorGinaMarie Guarino, LMHC.Guarino believes they can help a person expand their perspectives, build a healthier sense of self, learn coping methods, and deal with life stressors.
One review of scientific literature found that self-help books can be effective in helping people learn new life skills, such as assertiveness and problem-solving.Self-help books can also be useful if you’re looking for ways to be happier and more appreciative of what you have in life. “People should make use of all the help they can get,” saysMatt Lundquist, founder and clinical director of Tribeca Therapy. While he points out that a lot of self-help books out there may not be especially useful, it’s wonderful when you find the right self-help book for you.
Why Trust Verywell Mind?
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of experience working with clients to improve mental and emotional health,Mary K. Tatumunderstands the importance of finding quality resources and techniques that work for each person.
Not everyone will have the same kind of healing journey, therefore having lots of options to choose from is vitally important in creating a lifestyle that combats mental illness and promotes health and wellbeing.
3 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sansone RA, Sansone LA.Gratitude and well being: the benefits of appreciation.Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2010;7(11):18-22.Smyth JM, Johnson JA, Auer BJ, Lehman E, Talamo G, Sciamanna CN.Online positive affect journaling in the improvement of mental distress and well-being in general medical patients with elevated anxiety symptoms: a preliminary randomized controlled trial.JMIR Ment Health. 2018;5(4):e11290.Williams C.Use of written cognitive–behavioural therapy self-help materials to treat depression.Advances in Psychiatric Treatment. 2001 May. doi: 10.1192/apt.7.3.233
3 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Sansone RA, Sansone LA.Gratitude and well being: the benefits of appreciation.Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2010;7(11):18-22.Smyth JM, Johnson JA, Auer BJ, Lehman E, Talamo G, Sciamanna CN.Online positive affect journaling in the improvement of mental distress and well-being in general medical patients with elevated anxiety symptoms: a preliminary randomized controlled trial.JMIR Ment Health. 2018;5(4):e11290.Williams C.Use of written cognitive–behavioural therapy self-help materials to treat depression.Advances in Psychiatric Treatment. 2001 May. doi: 10.1192/apt.7.3.233
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Sansone RA, Sansone LA.Gratitude and well being: the benefits of appreciation.Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2010;7(11):18-22.Smyth JM, Johnson JA, Auer BJ, Lehman E, Talamo G, Sciamanna CN.Online positive affect journaling in the improvement of mental distress and well-being in general medical patients with elevated anxiety symptoms: a preliminary randomized controlled trial.JMIR Ment Health. 2018;5(4):e11290.Williams C.Use of written cognitive–behavioural therapy self-help materials to treat depression.Advances in Psychiatric Treatment. 2001 May. doi: 10.1192/apt.7.3.233
Sansone RA, Sansone LA.Gratitude and well being: the benefits of appreciation.Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2010;7(11):18-22.
Smyth JM, Johnson JA, Auer BJ, Lehman E, Talamo G, Sciamanna CN.Online positive affect journaling in the improvement of mental distress and well-being in general medical patients with elevated anxiety symptoms: a preliminary randomized controlled trial.JMIR Ment Health. 2018;5(4):e11290.
Williams C.Use of written cognitive–behavioural therapy self-help materials to treat depression.Advances in Psychiatric Treatment. 2001 May. doi: 10.1192/apt.7.3.233
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