BOOKS | SELF CARE | WELL-BEING
Recommended Reading List
Counselling Psychologist Client Recommended Reading List
This carefully curated collection features books selected by Anneke Kirsten to support your mental health journey. Whether you’re seeking to deepen your understanding of psychological concepts, explore self-help strategies, or find comfort in shared experiences, these resources offer valuable insights and practical guidance. Dive into this reading list to discover tools that can enhance your well-being and complement your therapeutic experience.
“The Myth of Normal” by Gabor Mate
A groundbreaking investigation into the causes of illness, a bracing critique of how our society breeds disease, and a pathway to health and healing.
“The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk
Focuses on how trauma impacts the body and brain and offers insights into various treatments. Recommeded reading for anyone interested in understanding and treating traumatic stress and the scope of its impact on society.
“Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy” by David D. Burns
A guide to cognitive-behavioral techniques for combating depression and developing a positive outlook. Recognise what causes your mood swings, Nip negative feelings in the bud, deal with guilt, handle hostility and criticism, overcome addiction to love and approval, build self-esteem, feel good everyday.
“The Gifts of Imperfection: Let Go of Who You Think You’re Supposed to Be and Embrace Who You Are” by Brené Brown
Encourages embracing vulnerability and imperfection as a path to a wholehearted life. A decade of research on the power of Wholehearted Living-a way of engaging with the world from a place of worthiness.
“Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones” by James Clear
Provides strategies for creating lasting positive habits and breaking negative ones. Simple life hacks (the forgotten art of Habit Stacking, the unexpected power of the Two Minute Rule, or the trick to entering the Goldilocks Zone), and delves into cutting-edge psychology and neuroscience to explain why they matter. Along the way, he tells inspiring stories of Olympic gold medalists, leading CEOs, and distinguished scientists who have used the science of tiny habits to stay productive, motivated, and happy.