Bookshelf | Flourish Therapy

My Self-Help Bookshelf

I love books and often gain important insights, ideas and inspirations from them. Sometimes we can read something that offers us a 'glimmer' of hope and encouragement, and other times it gives us that 'aha moment' where we've discovered a new understanding, awareness or overall feel less alone in the world. Books connect and create connections!

My Favorite Books

The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook by Drs. Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer.

This book is a wonderful guide to practicing self-compassion. I recommend it to many (if not most) of my clients and reference it frequently for myself.

The Gifts of Imperfection by Dr. Brene Brown. This was the first book I've read by Brene Brown and it guided me to further reading on self-compassion, resilience, gratitude, play and creativity. Brene blends humour, honesty, kindness and backs up her advice with research and personal experience.

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Drs. Emily & Amelia Nagoski.

This book is empowering, inspiring, encouraging and blends research with humour and compassion. It will help you learn how to manage stress (aka complete the stress cycle) and feel more comfortable in your body and with yourself.

The Highly Sensitive Person: How to Thrive When the World Overwhelms You by Dr. Elaine Aron. If you find yourself more sensitive to the sights, sounds and emotions around you, you may be highly sensitive. This book helps explain how (and why) 'HSP's' experience the world differently and how to utilize your strengths and protect your peace.

2026 Books

These are the books that I'm either reading or are waiting to be read. While books are a personal choice (we each take different messages and meaning from them), I hope there is one that grabs your interest too. Follow me @compassionate_counsellor for weekly #sundayreads suggestions.

Beyond anxiety

By Martha Beck

I feel drawn to this book as it offers insights on how to navigate anxiety with curiosity, creativity and compassion.

How to live a meaningful life

By Bill Burnett and Dave Evans

So many of my conversations have been focused on feeling lost, disconnected or seeking purpose and meaning in life. I hope this book expands my understanding and research in this area.

Good Inside

By Dr. Becky Kennedy

Parenting is one of the hardest and most fulfilling jobs. I cringe at books that offer 'advice', but this book focuses on the value of listening to and validating the feelings of kids, while holding boundaries for everyone's health and wellbeing. Enjoying it so far!

Stop people pleasing

And find your power

By Hailey Magee

I've read several books on people-pleasing and have been impressed with how comprehensive this book has been. It covers (re)connecting with our feelings, values and sense of self, while setting healthy boundaries and navigating fear, guilt and grief.

Mattering

By Jennifer Breheny Wallace

This is the first book I added to my shelf this year. Recommended by Adam Grant and speaks to a topic that is close to my heart. And, the first chapter focuses on the connection between acts of compassion and mattering.

Dealing with feeling

by Marc Brackett

His first book, "Permission to Feel", discussed the importance of understanding, expressing and regulating feelings. I'm excited to read this book which I hope will debunk the idea that the best decisions are made with logic- as in my heart, I believe they are often informed from the wisdom of our emotions.