Below is a selection of some of my favourite books. Perhaps you are already a client who wants to work on some of the things we have discussed in sessions, or you are considering reading before starting therapy with me. In any case, have a look at some of the books below and see if any sparks your interest.
BOOKS
Reading to support reflection, insight and personal growth.
If you’d like more suggestions don’t hesitate to reach out.
Happy reading, Unzela.
It’s Not Always Depression
My favourite book on understanding emotions and why we feel the way we do. A great initial guide into understanding what you are feeling and how those feelings show up in your body. I find it a really good starting point for building emotional awareness.
Who this might be helpful for: Anyone who feels emotionally stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure what they’re feeling — especially if emotions tend to show up physically.
How are You Feeling Today
Similar theme, but this time for kids! I find this a sweet book by Molly Potter on teaching children about feelings and what we can do when we feel a certain way. Can help kids to learn to express emotions rather than suppress them.
Who this might be helpful for: Children (and parents) wanting a gentle, age-appropriate way to talk about emotions and emotional expression.
Reinventing Your Life
Rooted in Schema Therapy, this book is a good introduction into understanding long term patterns in how we think, feel and relate. This book helps make sense of behaviours and beliefs that may once have been protective, but no longer serve us, and can help us to slowly them change with compassion rather than blame.
Who this might be helpful for: Anyone noticing repeating patterns in their life or relationships and wanting to understand them more kindly.
When the BODY SAYS NO
In this book Gabor Maté looks at how stress and suppressed emotions can show up in the body. The book gently encourages greater self-awareness and compassion by helping us understand the mind–body connection, something you will find I am passionate about!
Who this might be helpful for: Those curious about the link between stress, emotions and physical symptoms, especially if their body feels like it’s carrying more than words can explain.
The Body Keeps Score
A well-known book that helps us understand how difficult or overwhelming experiences can stay with us, not just in our minds but in our bodies too. It offers a compassionate look at healing and why talking alone isn’t always enough.
Who this might be helpful for: Anyone curious about trauma, the nervous system, or why their body reacts before their mind catches up.
Love, Sex and Relationships
An open, down-to-earth guide to relationships, intimacy and communication. This book invites curiosity and self-reflection, helping you make sense of your needs, desires and the ways you connect with others.
Who this might be helpful for: Those wanting a kinder, more honest understanding of intimacy and how they show up in relationships.
The Dance of Anger
An oldie but a good one!
A thoughtful and reassuring book about anger and what it can teach us. Rather than seeing anger as a problem, which many of us do, Lerner helps us listen to it as an important signal about boundaries, values and relationships.
Who this might be helpful for: Anyone who struggles with expressing anger, or who feels overwhelmed, guilty or misunderstood when it shows up.
The CBT Good Habit Journal
A practical and supportive journal designed to help you build small, helpful habits over time. Great if you like structure and reflection, with gentle prompts to notice patterns and encourage positive change.
Who this might be helpful for: People who enjoy writing things down and want simple, manageable ways to support change between sessions.
Attached
A classic, and an easy-to-read introduction to attachment and how it shapes our relationships. This book can be really helpful in making sense of closeness, distance and emotional needs — both your own and others.
Who this might be helpful for: Anyone noticing repeating patterns in relationships and wanting to understand them with more clarity and compassion.
The State of Affairs
I found this an eye opening and interesting read. It’s thoughtfully written, exploring love, desire and commitment in modern relationships. I felt that the book encourages reflection rather than judgement around intimacy and connection.
Who this might be helpful for: Those curious about desire, emotional complexity and the realities of long-term relationships.
Hold me Tight
Again a classic from Sue Johnson. Written in a reassuring tone, this book looks at emotional connection in relationships. It focuses on understanding conflict, strengthening bonds and creating a sense of safety through openness and responsiveness.
Who this might be helpful for: Couples or individuals wanting to feel more secure, connected and emotionally understood in relationships.
Come as you are
A warm, science-based and very normalising book about sex and desire. Nagoski helps us understand how different we all are, encouraging curiosity, kindness and acceptance towards our bodies and experiences.
Who this might be helpful for: Anyone wanting a more relaxed, compassionate and shame-free understanding of sexuality.
Grief Works
A gentle and compassionate book about loss and grief in all its forms. Drawing on real stories, it offers comfort and reassurance, reminding us that there is no timeline or ‘right’ way to grieve.
Who this might be helpful for: Those living with loss, or supporting someone who is grieving, and wanting to feel less alone in it.
Grit
This book looks at what helps people keep going when things are hard. Rather than focusing on talent, it explores resilience, purpose, and sticking with things over time. I often find it useful when reflecting on failure, self-expectations, and long-term goals.
Who this might be helpful for:
Anyone who is feeling discouraged, stuck, or self-critical around achievement or progress, particularly those who are navigating burnout, career transitions, or big life changes.
Sensitive
This book looks at sensitivity and how being sensitive can actually be a strength, not a weakness. I find it’s a really helpful way of looking at sensitivity for anyone who feels deeply or gets easily overwhelmed. I found the practical ways to manage overwhelm whilst still validating the feelings and also suggesting ways to look after yourself helpful.
Who this might be helpful for:
Highly sensitive people, those who feel emotions deeply, or anyone who becomes easily overstimulated and wants to better understand their inner world and boundaries.
Quiet
I really like this book about introversion and the often-overlooked strengths of quieter people. Susan Cain gently challenges the idea that being outgoing is the ideal, and instead highlights the power of reflection, sensitivity, and depth. I would recommend reading this if you have ever felt “too quiet” or out of place in louder environments.
Who this might be helpful for:
Introverts, highly sensitive people, or anyone who has felt pressure to be more outspoken than feels natural. I feel this is also a helpful book for partners, parents, or managers wanting to better understand and support quieter personalities.
Ready to Get Started?
If you are feeling anxious or overwhelmed or just want to work some things out for yourself with professional support, and feel I could be the right therapist for you, get in touch.