Bibliotherapy is the use of self-help books to address a range of practical everyday problems or common cognitive and emotional difficulties. It can be very effective, especially for people who are highly motivated and whose symptoms are mild to moderate. Self-help materials can be used independently, or alongside support from a doctor or counselor. Employee Assistance Services has listed by category books which could support you if suffering from mild to moderate symptoms of anxiety, depression or a range of common emotional difficulties. Bibliotherapy is not meant to replace professional counseling or evaluation and treatment by a medical professional. The difference between personal counseling and a “face-to-face” meeting with a Doctor or medical professional from self-help books is that the feedback from a professional will be specific based on your unique situation while bibliotherapy focuses on problems in a general way.
DEPRESSION:
Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy
Revised and Updated by David D. Burns
Review of how ways of thinking contribute to depression by several cognitive therapists. Direct- not a “warm fuzzy” self-help book, but instead gives a road map to change.
An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness
By Kay Redfield Jamison
Frank, graphic discussion from a psychiatrist living with Bipolar Disorder.
Night Falls Fast: Understanding Suicide
By Kay Redfield Jamison
Written by a psychiatrist about past suicide attempt/ Manic Depression. Very direct, powerful, gripping read."
Healing Anxiety and Depression
By Daniel Amen, M.D. and Lisa Routh, M.D.
EFFECTS OF CHILDHOOD:
Adult Children of Alcoholics
By Janet G. Woititz
The classic work about the impact of growing up in an alcoholic family.
Perfect Daughters
By Robert Ackerman
About daughters of alcoholic families- most love or hate this book!
If You Had Controlling Parents: How to Make Peace with Your Past and Take Your Place in the World.
By Dan Neuharth
A great explanation of how children of controlling parents develop an "internal critic".
Healing ADD
By Daniel Amen, M.D.
RESILENCE:
Man's Search For Meaning
By Viktor E. Frankl
Nazi prison camp survivor talks about search for personal meaning. A biography of hope.
The Resiliency Advantage: Master Change, Thrive Under Pressure and Bouce back from Setbacks
By Al Siebert, Ph.D.
INTIMATE REALTIONSHIPS:
The Dance of Anger: A Woman's Guide to Changing the Patterns of Intimate Relationships
By Harriet Lerner
Talks about women's anger styles and how family influences them.
I Never Called It Rape: The Ms. Report on Recognizing, Fighting, and Surviving Date and Acquaintance Rape
By Robin Warshaw
A thorough review of date/acquaintance rape.
Facing Love Addiction: Giving Yourself the Power to Change the Way You Love
By Pia Mellody
Relationships as a 12 step recovery addictive process. Powerful!
Boundaries
By Anne Katherine
Very simple and powerful discussion about personal boundaries.
The Language of Letting Go
By Melody Beattie
Good book of daily meditations for anyone struggling with boundaries.
You Just Don't Understand: Women and Men in Conversation
By Deborah Tannen
Great book about how differing male and female conversational styles can
lead to trouble!
Love Is Never Enough: How Couples Can Overcome Misunderstandings, Resolve Conflicts, and Solve Problems
By Aaron T. Beck
Thorough discussion from a pioneer in cognitive therapy about how negative
thinking, rules, and miscommunication affect relationships.
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE:
The Verbally Abusive Relationship: How to Recognize it and How to Respond
By Patricia Evans
Covers verbally abusive relationships which are often overlooked.
Surviving Domestic Violence: Voices of Women Who Broke Free
One of the best about domestic violence, written by a survivor.
It's My Life Now: Starting Over After an Abusive Relationship or Domestic Violence
By Meg Kennedy Dugan
For those just beginning to leave an abusive relationship.
I Never Told Anyone: Writings by Women Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
By Ellen Bass
Survivor stories about the long term effects of child sexual abuse.
EATING DISORDERS:
Dying to Be Thin: Understanding and Defeating Anorexia Nervosa and Bulimia--A Practical, Lifesaving Guide
By Ira M. Sacker
Great book on eating disorders, includes case studies.
Hunger Pains
By Mary Pipher
Another good one on eating disorders from author of Reviving Ophelia.
Reviving Ophelia: Saving the Selves of Adolescent Girls
By Mary Pipher
A classic on how culture shapes the identity of adolescent girls.
GRIEF AND LOSS:
Necessary Losses: The Loves, Illusions, Dependencies, and Impossible Expectations That All of Us Have to Give Up in Order to Grow
By Judith Viorst
Reframes losses as being necessary for personal growth. Good for anyone
who has had a recent loss.
DIVORCE:
Divorce Busting
By Michelle Weiner-Davis
OBSESSIVE/COMPULSIVE BEHAVIORS:
Stop Obsessing! How To Overcome Your Obsessions And Compulsions
By Edna B. Foa
Good review of how to manage OCD using behavioral therapy.
ANXIETY:
Don't Panic: Taking Control of Anxiety Attacks
By Reid Wilson, Phd
Anxiety Disorders and Phobias: A Cognitive Perspective
By Aaron Beck, M.D. and Gary Emery, PhD.
When Panic Attacks-The new drug free anxiety therapy that can change your life.
By David Burns, M.D.
Healing Anxiety and Depression
By Daniel Amen, M.D. and Lisa Routh, M.D.
STRESS:
Learned Optimism: How to change your mind and life.
By Martin Seligman, Ph.D.
The Survivor Personality
By Al Siebert, Ph.D.
MONEY MATTERS:
Total Money Makeover
By Dave Ramsey