Recommended Books
A few Cautionary Comments About Self-Help Books, Tapes and Videos
Self-help books are not about the truth. They must be read with a critical mind. While you may find a self-help book helpful, another may not.
The following list of books is a small sample of self-help books. At least one of our therapists has read the following titles. All this means is that a professional has found the information accurate and possibly helpful. You will be the best judge of whether it is helpful to you.
Safety Guidelines
It may seem silly to talk about safety and books. After all the book is not a dangerous chemical! But what the book contains and how you interpret it may have potential to harm. Thus, we recommend the following "safety" guidelines when reading all self-help material:
- Take care of yourself when using self-help material. Read the book in a way that fits for you.
- Be critical of what you are reading. If it doesn't fit for you, then don't read it. Move on to a book that fits your needs, thoughts, values, or beliefs.
- Pick a book that captures your interest. Ask your therapist for some book titles to consider. Also ask if they have read the book.
- If while reading a paragraph you begin feeling uncomfortable or upset with the content, then don't read it. Move to another paragraph or chapter.
- If you continue to be upset by what you have read, stop reading and
call a friend, or talk to your therapist.
It may happen that you feel upset by what you have read and not know why. Sometimes it can take some time to figure it out. This is normal. If it continues to bother you, talk to someone you trust who is supportive and a good listener. - Who says you must read a book from front to back ... cover to cover? Start where the book captures your interest. If a chapter does not appeal to you, move to a different one.
- If someone recommends a book to you, it doesn't mean you will find it helpful too.