The Guide to Self-Help Books Top Twenty
Self-Help Books
Updated September 28, 2007 |
This updated list shows the most-requested titles at The Guide to Self-Help Books, going all the way back to February 2005.
Compare the archived Top Twenty from September 2006. Interestingly, all of those books have remained popular choices. Due to ties in the rankings, a number of new books have joined the list, resulting in a fascinating overview of what captures our readers’ interest.
A cursory look at this list shows that our readers are interested in mastering self-esteem issues, learning to control anger, overcoming anxiety, making peace with a childhood with narcissistic parents, forming successful blended families, healing from childhood trauma and abuse, making marriages work, finding sexual satisfaction, achieving better health and well-being, raising healthy and happy children, surmounting depression, embracing the meaning of growing up as a man, and finding inner peace and relaxation.
This is an enormously hopeful list, and reveals something of the determination of the reading public to address challenging personal and relationship issues.
These books represent much of the best of modern self-help literature. Americans have always valued self-reliance and self-improvement. Here is what we are reading about!
|
|
Thank You!
The Guide to Self-Help Books receives a small commission (at no extra cost to you!)
each time you use our website to purchase items from Amazon.com.
Thank you very much for your kindness and continued support!
|
|
|
 |
Self-Esteem: A Proven Program of Cognitive Techniques for Assessing, Improving, and Maintaining Your Self-Esteem
Matthew McKay, Patrick Fanning
Since its first publication in 1987, this book has been the first choice of therapists and savvy readers looking for a comprehensive self-care approach to improving self-image, increasing personal power, and defining core values. This book has helped millions of readers feel better about themselves, achieve greater success, and enjoy their lives to the fullest.
2000, New Harbinger, 3rd edition
See other Self-Esteem and Assertiveness Books. |
|
|
 |
The Anger Control Workbook
Matthew McKay and Peter Rogers
The ever-escalating costs of anger are well documented: sabotaging careers, alienating friends and family, triggering illness, causing bodily harm. Written by two well-regarded experts in the field, The Anger Control Workbook introduces a new and radically simplified approach to anger control. Step- by-step exercises will aid the reader in identifying, understanding, responding to and ultimately coping with their hostile feelings.
2000, New Harbinger
See other Anger Management Books. |
|
|

|
The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook
Edmund Bourne
Bourne teaches specific skills for overcoming problems with panic, anxiety and phobias. There is information on the appropriate use of medications and herbal supplements. This is a practical and highly regarded resource on the treatment of anxiety.
2005, New Harbinger
This book was a Pick of the Month! Read David's full
Book Review.
See other Anxiety and Panic Disorder Books. |
|
|
 |
Children of the Self-Absorbed: A Grown-Up's Guide to Getting over Narcissistic Parents
Nina W. Brown
Millions of adults grew up with immature, self-absorbed parents who made their children responsible for their physical and emotional well-being, expected admiration and constant attention, and reacted with criticism and blame when their slightest need went unmet. In this accessible book, Brown helps grown children come to terms with the results of such an upbringing, including tendencies to overcomply to others needs, withdraw when someone needs nurturing and lack self-esteem.
2001, New Harbinger
See other Narcissistic Personality Disorder Books. |
|
 |
Mind Your Heart: A Mind/Body Approach to Stress Management, Exercise and Nutrition for Heart Health
Aggie Casey and Herbert Benson
Casey and Benson offer a balanced and holistic approach to heart health that combines lifestyle changes with cutting edge medical procedures. With this program you can lower your blood pressure and cholesterol, lose weight, increase physical fitness and help prevent and manage heart disease.
2004, Free Press
See other Health and Wellness Books. |
|
|
|
Why Is It Always About You?: The 7 Deadly Sins of Narcissism
Sandy Hotchkiss
Hotchkiss explains how to cope with controlling and egotistical people who are incapable of the fundamental give and take that sustains healthy relationships. She shows how to recognize the hallmarks of unhealthy narcissism: shamelessness, magical thinking, arrogance, envy, entitlement, exploitation and bad boundaries.
2003, The Free Press
See other Narcissistic Personality Disorder Books. |
|
|
Stepcoupling: Creating and Sustaining a Strong Marriage in Today's Blended Family
Susan Wisdom, Jennifer Green
Blending two existing families into one cohesive whole is the challenge facing millions of remarried Americans today. Different parenting styles, finances, relationships with ex-spouses, legal matters -- all can chisel away at your union if you don't always make your marriage a priority. This invaluable remarriage manual can help you make your stepcouple the foundation of a strong, happy, and successful stepfamily.
2002, Three Rivers Press
See other Books on Blended Families . |
|
|
Ten Days to Self-Esteem
David Burns
Dr. Burns presents innovative, clear and compassionate methods to help the reader identify the causes of mood slumps and develop a more positive outlook on life. The book emphasizes that negative feelings do not result from the bad things that happen to you but from the way you think about these events. Burns provides a ten-step program to self-esteem; the book is filled with logs, charts and step-by-step guides.
1999, HarperCollins
See other Self-Esteem and Assertiveness Books. |
|
|
The Self-Esteem Workbook
Glenn R. Schiraldi, Matthew McKay
The Self-Esteem Workbook presents a course in self-esteem based on new research and sound principles. Checklists, fill-ins, and exercises show readers how thoughts, emotions, physical health, and behavior impact their self-esteem. Periodic check-ups help them gauge their progress, and final sections offer strategies for preventing relapse.
2001, New Harbinger
See other Books on Self-Esteem. |
|
|
|
Blending Families: A Guide for Parents, Stepparents, and Everyone Building a Successful New Family
Elaine Shimberg
Today more Americans are part of a second marriage family than a first. These newly blended families are confronted with special challenges – emotional, financial, disciplinary, and interpersonal. This problem-solving guide offers solid solutions and includes real-life stories from families who have been through the adjustment process.
1999, Berkley Publishing Group
See other Books on Blended Families. |
|
|
|
 |
Thoughts & Feelings: Taking Control of Your Moods and Your Life: A Workbook of Cognitive Behavioral Techniques
Matthew McKay, Patrick Fanning, Martha Davis
This book offers a simple and easy to understand discussion of how to use the principles and techniques of cognitive behavioral therapies to help control anxiety, depression, moods and build self-esteem in your life.
1998, New Harbinger
See other Books on Anxiety and Panic Disorder, Depression, and Self-Esteem. |
|
|
 |
Getting Through the Day: Strategies For Adults Hurt as Children
Nancy Napier
Napier presents practical approaches to dealing with the long-lasting consequences of childhood abuse, particularly dissociation, or “checking out”. This survival technique helped many children survive overwhelming childhood experiences, but often poses problems in adult life. The book teaches many effective strategies for meeting the demands of adult living while working through the wounds of childhood.
1994, Norton
See other Recovery from Childhood Abuse Books. |
|
|
 |
Coping With Premature Ejaculation: How to Overcome PE, Please Your Partner and Have Great Sex
Michael Metz and Barry McCarthy
Metz and McCarthy are leading experts in premature ejaculation. This book explores a multi-dimensional, bio-psychological approach to dealing with this problem and strengthening your sexual relationship. Many myths of male sexual performance and male sexual desire are explained. The authors teach about the different types of premature ejaculation and provide assessment exercises for the reader to determine which type of PE he suffers with. The authors suggest structured symptom-specific treatment strategies based on psychological, relational, and physiological techniques. Designed as a resource for couples, this book is a powerful tool for creating support and positive change in your relationship.
2004, New Harbinger
See other Men’s Sexual Health Books. |
|
|
 |
Too Good to Leave, Too Bad to Stay: A Step-by-Step Guide to Helping You Decide Whether to Stay In or Get Out of Your Relationship
Mira Kirsenbaum
This book offers a focused way to deal with the agonizing decision about staying in, or getting out of a troubled relationship -- one critical issue at a time. The book is sympathetic and filled with anecdotes that show how other people have responded to similar problems.
1997, Plume Books
See other Books on Abusive Relationships . |
|
|
 |
The Emotionally Abused Woman : Overcoming Destructive Patterns and Reclaiming Yourself
Beverly Mfcc Engel
If you feel unfairly criticized, controlled by others, or are afraid of being lonely, you could be suffering from emotional abuse. This compassionate source book guides you through a step-by-step recovery process to help you heal the damage done in the past.
1992, Ballantine Books; Reissue edition
See other Books on Abusive Relationships . |
|
|
 |
Rekindling Desire: A Step-by-Step Program to Help Low-Sex and No-Sex Marriages
Barry and Emily McCarthy
Sex and marital experts Barry and Emily McCarthy offer a ground-breaking ten-step program to help couples break down the barriers that have developed between them and rebuild closeness and longing. First they show couples how to root out the “poisons” that inhibit sexual desire: shame, guilt, anger, and passivity as well as medical side effects and physical dysfunctions. They then offer techniques and strategies to help couples revitalize desire and integrate intimacy and eroticism.
2003, Brunner-Routledge
See other Intimate Relationships Books. |
|
 |
Bodylove: Learning to Like Our Looks and Ourselves
-- A Practical Guide for Women
Rita Freedman
This book is for women who want to become less critical about their appearance, less preoccupied with weight and more in love with themselves – physically, sexually, and emotionally. Combining vivid case histories, practical techniques and simple exercises for moving from body-loathing to body-love, the book addresses family expectations, self-esteem, aging and social values.
2002, Gurze Books
See other Body Image Books. |
|
|
|
 |
The Drama of the Gifted Child: the Search for the True Self
Alice Miller
This well-known and classic book demonstrates how narcissistic parents unwittingly use their children to meet their own needs, thus negatively affecting the children’s development. By gifted, Miller means sensitive and alert to the needs of others; she believes that the sensitivity and empathy of gifted children predispose them to be used by people with narcissistic needs. This timely book has helped many people reclaim their lost childhoods.
1981, Basic Books
This book was a Pick of the Month! Read David's full
Book Review.
See other books on Narcissistic Personality Disorder and Recovery from Childhood Abuse.
|
|
|
 |
The Courage to Heal
Ellen Bass and Laura Davis
This book is a classic resource for women who were sexually abused as children. Clearly written and filled with writing exercises and self-assessments, it is a reliable guide to the healing process from childhood sexual abuse. Many survivors’ stories are woven into the text.
1994, HarperPerennial
See other Books on Recovery from Childhood Abuse . |
|
 |
The Optimistic Child: A Proven Program To Safeguard Children From Depression and Build Lifelong Resilience
Martin Seligman
According to noted psychologist Seligman, thirty percent of American children suffer from depression. His studies demonstrate that pessimistic children are at much higher risk for becoming depressed than optimistic children. His purpose in this book is to teach parents how to instill in children a sense of optimism and personal mastery. He proposes that self-esteem comes from mastering challenges, overcoming frustration, and experiencing individual achievement. The book offers a concrete plan of action based on techniques of self-evaluation and social interaction.
1996, Perennial
This book was a Pick of the Month! Read David's full
Book Review.
See other Books on Depression, Parenting: Toddlers To Pre-Teens, Positive Psychology, and Resilience. |
|
 |
The Seven Principles for Making Marriage Work: A Practical Guide from the Country’s Foremost Relationship Expert
John Gottman and Nan Silver
This highly ranked self-help book offers positive approaches for helping couples make sense of their difficulties and work to make their relationship successful. Gottman’s principles for successful marriage include turning toward each other instead of away, letting your partner influence you, moving through conflict and creating shared meaning.
2000, Three Rivers Press
See other Books on Intimate Relationships. |
|
 |
Lovingkindness: The Revolutionary Art of Happiness
Sharon Salzberg
Salzberg focuses on the Buddhist meditation practice that emphasizes feelings of love, happiness and compassion and offers practical guidance in performing this type of meditation.
2002, Shambhala
See other Books on Meditation and Spirituality. |
|
 |
Finding Our Fathers: How a Man’s Life Is Shaped by His Relationship with His Father
Samuel Osherson
This book examines the hidden struggle faced by millions of men: how to reconcile their childhood images of their fathers – and of all men – as silent, stoic breadwinners with the life they want to live now: embracing two-career marriages, closer ties with their children, and greater emotional awareness. Harvard psychologist Osherson shows you how your “unfinished business” with your father affects your relationships, your children, friends, and bosses – and how it can lead to a profound sense of loneliness, vulnerability, and rage. Osherson shows how you can resolve the inner conflict of the father-son relationship and develop a new sense of strength and purpose in your family life and career.
2001, McGraw Hill
See other Books on Men's Issues. |
|
 |
The Wizard of Oz and Other Narcissists: Coping with the One-Way Relationship in Work, Love, and Family
Eleanor Payson
Using simple metaphors from The Wizard of Oz, Payson illustrates how Dorothy's journey captures all the seductive illusions and challenges that occur when we encounter the narcissist. She empowers the reader with the ABCs of unhealthy narcissism and provides step-by-step practical tools to identify, protect, and heal from these destructive relationships.
2002, Julian Day Publications
See other Narcissistic Personality Disorder Books. |
|
|
 |
The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook
Martha Davis, et.al.
This fifth edition self-help classic offers many self-assessment tools and calming techniques to help overcome anxiety and promote physical and emotional wellbeing. It presents a comprehensive look at stress, its physical manifestations and the multiple ways it can be managed. Chapters on breathing, relaxation, meditation, thought stopping, stress management, time management, assertiveness training, and body awareness offer the reader focused approaches to dealing with the many varieties of stress.
2000, New Harbinger
See other books on Stress Management and Relaxation.
|
|
 |
The Verbally Abusive Relationship: How to Recognize It and How to Respond
Patricia Evans
The author interviews forty verbally abused women and describes categories of verbal abuse with clear examples of effective responses to the different types of abuse.
1996, Adams Media
See other Abusive Relationships Books. |
|
 |
Learned Optimism: How to Change Your Mind and Your Life
Martin Seligman
Seligman says that pessimists believe that bad events are their fault, will last a long time and undermine everything. Optimists, on the other hand, believe that defeat is a temporary setback or a challenge. In this book, he teaches the skills of changing from pessimism to optimism which will enable you to take charge, resist depression, feel better and accomplish more.
1998, Free Press
See other books on Depression and Positive Psychology. |
|
 |
Angry All The Time: An Emergency Guide To Anger Control
Ronald T. Potter-Efron
This major update of the best-selling classic on anger management teaches readers to understand and manage episodes of uncontrolled anger. The book gives clear and concrete direction for things a person can do to begin to bring anger under control.
2005, New Harbinger Publications; 2nd edition
See other Anger ManagementBooks. |
|
 |
Awakening From the Deep Sleep: A Powerful Guide For Courageous Men
Robert Pasick
Psychologist Rob Pasick challenges men to wake up from the condition of distance and isolation that results as they are confined to the stereotyped male attitudes and behaviors American society expects of them. He offers pragmatic and helpful ideas to help men identify and trust emotion, to connect comfortably with other men, and to approach sexuality in relationships with women with clearer eyes.
1992, HarperCollins
See other Books on Men's Issues. |
|
 |
Beyond Anxiety and Phobia: A Step-by-step Guide to Lifetime Recovery
Edmund Bourne
True recovery from anxiety symptoms requires understanding the meaning of those symptoms and going deeper to face their underlying sources in a fundamental way. This book provides an array of strategies including alternative therapies such as herbs, yoga, massage, acupuncture and homeopathy; and addresses the impact of perfectionism and other personality issues.
2001, New Harbinger
See other Anxiety and Panic Disorder Books. |
|
|
|
Breaking the Patterns of Depression
Michael Yapko
Depression is the most common psychological problem in America. The first part of this book explains the causes of depression, its diagnosis, and its treatment with psychotherapy as well as antidepressant medications. The second part explains the patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving that signal depression. Yapko uses case histories as well as more than 100 exercises to assist the reader in building the skills needed to manage depression. While there are many other titles on depression management, this book departs from the widely-held view that depression is mainly a biochemically-based disease treatable with medication.
1998, Main Street Books
See other Books on Depression. |
|
|
 |
The PTSD Workbook: Simple, Effective Techniques for Overcoming Traumatic Stress Symptoms
Mary Beth Williams and Soili Poijula
This workbook offers the most effective tools and strategies to help readers conquer trauma-related symptoms such as flashbacks, recurring memories, nightmares, frightening thoughts, emotional numbness, sleep disturbances, poor concentration, depression, anxiety, and irritability or outbursts of anger. Assessment tools help readers determine the type of trauma they experienced, identify their symptoms, and learn the most effective techniques and interventions they can use to overcome them.
2002, New Harbinger
See other books on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. |
|
|
 |
The Art of Sexual Ecstasy: The Path of Sacred Sexuality for Western Lovers
Margo Anand
This landmark book on human sexuality makes the sacred lovemaking techniques of the east fully comprehensible to western readers. Elegantly illustrated and filled with detailed exercises, it helps the reader acquire new attitudes and broaden his or her range of experience. The book is especially strong on methods for couples to revitalize and strengthen their relationship.
1991, Jeremy P. Tarcher
See other books on Sexuality and Tantra. |
|
|
 |
After the Affair: Healing the Pain and Rebuilding Trust When a Partner Has Been Unfaithful
Janis A. Spring
For the seventy percent of couples who have been affected by extramarital affairs, this book offers strategies for surviving the crisis and rebuilding the relationship. Dr. Spring, a psychologist, guides both hurt and unfaithful partners through the three stages of healing: normalizing feelings, deciding whether to recommit, and revitalizing the relationship. The book offers practical advice to help you cultivate trust and forgiveness and build a healthier partnership.
1997, Perennial Currents
See other Intimate Relationships Books. |
|
 |
Anxious 9 to 5: How to Beat Worry, Stop Second Guessing Yourself, And Work With Confidence
Larina Kase, Joe Vitale, Martin M. Antony
Anxiety, worry, perfectionism, self-defeating thoughts and fears of failure in the workplace can hold you back from achieving the success you deserve, despite how hard you work. This book offers simple and effective techniques to get your workplace anxiety under control once and for all so you can enjoy work and be more productive.
2006, New Harbinger
See other Anxiety and Panic Disorder Books. |
|
 |
Coping With Erectile Dysfunction: How to Regain Confidence and Enjoy Great Sex
Michael Metz and Barry McCarthy
With a therapeuticaly integrated technique and a unique couple centered approach, two of America's most prominent sex therapists offer men and their partners the most effective solutions available to overcome erectile dysfunction. According to the National Institutes of Health, between 15 and 30 million men experience chronic erectile dysfunction.
2004, New Harbinger
See other books on Men's Sexual Health. |
|
|
|
 |
Reclaiming Desire: 4 Keys to Finding Your Lost Libido
Andrew Goldstein and Marianne Brandon
Low libido is the most common sexual disorder in American women, affecting an estimated 22-43% of the population. Goldstein, a gynecologist, and Brandon, a clinical psychologist, say the problem is more complex than most therapists realize. “The collection of factors that influences a woman’s sex drive is as unique as the woman herself.” The authors advocate a holistic approach that address four spheres of a woman’s life: physical health, emotional resilience, intellectual fulfillment and spiritual contentment. This book is a practical, open-ended discussion about women’s sexual desire.
2004, Rodale Books
See other books on Women's Sexual Health. |
|
|
|
|
Authentic Happiness: Using the New Positive Psychology to Realize Your Potential for Lasting Fulfillment
Martin Seligman
Seligman states that trying to fix weaknesses doesn’t help; rather, incorporating strengths such as humor, originality and generosity into everyday interactions with people is a better way to achieve happiness. The book provides practical tools including self-tests and exercises for the conscious pursuit of happiness.
2002, Free Press
See other Positive Psychology Books. |
|
|
|
 |
Beginning To Heal: A First Book for Men and Women Who Were Sexually Abused as Children
Ellen Bass
Based on the author’s best seller, The Courage to Heal, this book takes the reader through the key stages of the healing process, from crisis times to breaking the silence, grief, and anger, to resolution and moving on. It includes compelling accounts of survivors’ pain, their strength and their triumphs.
2003, Perennial Currents
See other books on Recovery from Childhood Abuse. |
|
|
|
|