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Self Help Books

Looking for a good self help book to read? Check out the self help books reviewed below to get started. Happy reading!

#1 The Road Less Traveled 

This book is written by famous psychiatrist Scott Peck after years of working with clients. Packed full of insight, Peck is talking to anyone who has struggled in life. He speaks to us of discipline and love. You come away after reading this book loving yourself and loving this great therapist who wants to share what he has learned. 

The Road Less Traveled    

#2 The Four Agreements

This book is about how making positive mental agreements with yourself can change your life. It proposes individuals: be impeccable with their words, not take things personally, do not make assumptions, and do their best. Miguel Ruiz explains the logic behind Toltec wisdom and opens our eyes to a new way to live with ourselves and each other.

 The Four Agreements  

#3 The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People

 

Do you ever wonder why you are not as successful or happy as you would like to be? Chances are you aren't practicing the 7 habits. Covey gives us specific habits that are crucial for change to occur. My husband reads a lot of business books and I thought this would just be another boring read about financial success. I quickly realized it's about figuring out how to be our personal best.

 The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People 

#4 The Power of Now

 Learn a timeless philosophy spoken by spiritual masters throughout the ages. Tolle takes many complex concepts and reduces them to the lowest common denominator. His message is both simple and profound: enter the portal of the present moment and start living your life free from fear. This is a master work that will provide great self help knowledge for generations to come.

 The Power of Now  

#5 How to Win Friends & Influence People

I hesitated to read How to Win Friends & Influence People because I thought it would be about manipulation and compromised personal ethics. When I finally read it, I was pleasantly surprised. It turned out to be a book that reminds us how to treat other people which is why I am assuming it is a classic. Carnegie’s suggestions transform the way we communicate to make us more genuine and effective.

How to Win Friends & Influence People  

#6 The Wisdom of Insecurity

 

This great book is often left off self help lists. Why? Because it is not an easy read. Chess is an amazing game.  But if your mind is tired and you would rather be on autopilot, then I wouldn't recommend playing. The Wisdom of Insecurity is full of concepts that require conscious thought and contemplation. You might spend an hour processing a brief section. For the brave and curious, you should check out this book either in spite of the depth or because of it.   

The Wisdom of Insecurity  

#7 The Greatest Salesman in the World

 

It's hard to find an Og Mandino book that is not worth your time to read. Like other books in this list, it is not new. Yet it continues to appeal to individuals looking for happiness in their lives. Unlike the other picks, it is a story. A story that contains timeless wisdom the self help reader seeks. If you have never experienced the genius of Og Mandino, start with this inspiring read that is a must for your library. 

The Greatest Salesman in the World

Ok, now it's your turn.

What self help book do you like?

Please share your favorite below.

Advice Column

Michelle's Take

Check out what clients are asking and see what advice is given. Michelle's Take™ is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional mental health services. 

Afraid to be Alone

Topic:  Dependent Personality Disorder

Question:  I struggle when it comes to relationships and have made poor choices in the past because I can't stand being alone.  I have been researching this and wonder if I have a dependent personality?

Michelle's Take:  Always in a relationship or loo…

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How to stop a panic attack

Topic: Anxiety

Question: My doctor who has been prescribing anxiety medications for me said that I should find a counselor. I have panic attacks on a daily basis and do not see how talking about them is going to help me feel better.

Michelle's Take: Your doctor is probably aware of research fi…

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Drinking has become a problem

Topic: Substance Abuse

Question: My wife's drinking has become a problem since our children have left home. She does not work and judging by her level of intoxication when I get home at night, she is drinking all day. I have approached this topic more than once and let me just say, she is less t…

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I want a divorce

Topic: Marriage

Question: I am tired of the constant arguing. No matter how much I try, I don't think my marriage is going to make it. He thinks I am emotional and over reacting. I think I would be better off alone than always angry and unhappy. Thank God we don't have any children. Do you think th…

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Most days I stay in bed

Topic: Depression

Question: I am going through a hard time and can’t seem to pull myself out of it. I don’t work. I don’t go anywhere. Most of my friends don’t call me anymore. Most days I just want to stay in bed and sleep. I hate what I am becoming but don't know how to fix this. What should I …

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I caught my teenager smoking pot

 Topic: Parenting

Question: I am worried about my 16 year old teenager who I just found out has smoked pot. So far, I have taken his phone away and grounded him but I want to make sure he does not do it again. What else should I be doing?

Michelle's Take: Use this situation to start communica…

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Why does this arouse me?

Topic: Sexuality

Question: I am so embarrassed and ashamed but I like being spanked when my husband and I have sex. I have never told anyone about this. Am I weird and why does this arouse me?

Michelle’s Take: No, you are not weird or alone in what you find arousing. The Kama Sutra, an anci…

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Help for borderline personality disorder

Topic: Borderline Personality Disorders

Question: I was previously diagnosed with borderline personality disorder when I was in college. I don't want to share with anyone my past but I am starting to have major problems in my current relationship. What should I do?  

Michelle's Take: Borderline…

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