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The 50 Greatest Self Help Books

Best Self Help Books

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New Self Help Books Archive
Winter 2006

We've added exciting new titles to the Guide for Winter, 2006!

Check the sections below to see what's new -- or just scroll down to browse through all the new books.

Addictions

Anger Management

Anxiety and Panic Disorder

Bipolar Disorder

Blended Family

Body Image

Career Development

Depression

Divorce

Eating Disorder

Family Issues

Gay and Lesbian Issues

Health and Wellness

Intimate Relationships: Relationship Advice

Journaling

Meditation

 

Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Parenting

PSTD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Prosperity Consciousness

Recovery from Childhood Abuse

Self Esteem and Self Confidence

Social Anxiety Disorder

Spirituality

Success and Personal Effectiveness

Women's Issues

 

 

Click New Self Help Books Archive to view a menu of other previous What's New pages.

New Listings in Anger Management

Anger by Thich Nhat HanhAnger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames
Thich Nhat Hanh

Thich Nhat Hanh tells us that, fundamentally, to be angry is to suffer and that it is our responsibility to alleviate our own suffering. The way to do this is not to fight our emotions or to "let it all out," but to transform ourselves through mindfulness. Serious, though light-hearted, this is a self help hand-book not only for transforming anger, but for living each moment beautifully. 2002, Riverhead Trade


Angry All the Time by Ronald Potter-EfronAngry All The Time: An Emergency Guide To Anger Control
Ronald T. Potter-Efron

This major update of the best-selling self help 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


When Anger Hurts by Matthew McKay, Peter Rogers, Judith McKayWhen Anger Hurts: Quieting the Storm Within
Matthew McKay, Peter Rogers, Judith McKay

This self help book is a complete step-by-step guide to changing habitual anger-generating thoughts while developing healthier, more effective ways of meeting your needs. It guides you through the process of creating your own personal intervention strategy for controlling angry impulses. 2003, New Harbinger Publications; 2nd edition


When Anger Scares You by John LynchWhen Anger Scares You: How to Overcome Your Fear of Conflict and Express Your Anger in Healthy Ways
John Lynch

Anger is a natural response that can be, if properly channeled, a powerful source of energy and motiviation for growth. Some people, whom author Lynch calls "anger avoiders" habitually shy away from their own angry feelings and potentially anger- provoking situations. This book teaches you to separate anger from rage or fear. Then simple, easy to follow exercises coach you to openly express your anger and constructively address difficult people and situations. 2004, New Harbinger

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New Listings in Blended Family, Divorce, Family Issues and Parenting

Angle of Repose by Wallace StegnerAngle of Repose
Wallace Stegner

Stengner won a Pulitzer prize for this long thoughtful novel about a retired historian who researches and writes about his pioneer grandparents. As the protagonist learns about the lives his grandparents lived, he comes to see them as real people who struggled with issues not so different from his own. 1992, Penguin Books; reprint edition


For Lesbian Parents by Johnson and O'ConnorFor Lesbian Parents: Your guide to Helping Your Family Grow Up Happy, Healthy, and Proud
Suzanne M. Johnson, Elizabeth O'Connor

The authors, both developmental psychologists, are co-parenting two daughters. Their book offers help on explaining lesbianism to children and explores what lesbian parents can do to help children explain their family situation to their peers. The book also addresses the complexity of dealing with the attitudes of the outside world, including relatives, school, and doctors or mental health specialists. 2001, The Guilford Press


Saturday by Ian McEwanSaturday
Ian McEwan

This prize-winning novel covers 24 hours in the life of London neurosurgeon Henry Perowne. An ordinary day is punctuated by a random threat of violence, and Dr. Perowne sees his life work and family relationships with renewed clarity. Of particular interest is the nuanced portrait of his complex family relationships - with his aging mother, his wife, and his adult children.  2005, Nan A. Talese


Stepwives by Oxhorn, Oxhorn-Ringwood, and KrauszStepwives: Ten Steps to Help Ex-Wives and Step-Mothers End the Struggle and Put the Kids First
Louise Oxhorn, Lynne Oxhorn-Ringwood, Marjorie Krausz

Once bitter enemies (Louise married Lynne's ex-husband), the authors, with the assistance of psychologist Krausz, created a ten-step program called Co-Mamas to help ex-wives and step-mothers build a healthy relationship that puts children first. This self help book offers practical suggestions for developing empathy and learning to lessen tension and support the children caught in a divorce. 2002, Fireside


We're Still Family by Constance AhronsWe're Still Family: What Grown Children Have to Say About Their Parents' Divorce
Constance Ahrons

Twenty years later, Prof. Ahrons followed up her original research, reported in The Good Divorce. Her new book provides unique insights into how divorce affects children.  She asked the “kids” – now 30-somethings -- what made a difference to them when their parents were divorcing.  Since children are very tuned into-and upset by-parental warfare, they said that "how parents relate to each other" is key. Parents battle over joint custody schedules, oblivious to how stressful the transitioning between parents can be. Ahrons reminds parents it's not the quantity of time they spend with their child, but the quality of relationship they establish. It’s the reliability, consistency and genuine interest in their lives that matter most to children. Ahrons’ supportive guidebook should aid anyone trying to make a "good divorce" better. 2005, Harper Paperbacks


When Parents Disagree and What You Can Do About It by Ron TaffelWhen Parents Disagree and What You Can Do About It
Ron Taffel

This book is a hands-on practical guide to understanding child rearing differences between parents and how to work through conflicts arising from these. It is filled with real life examples from Dr. Taffel's practice and offers practical and reasonable guidance that helps both parents feel that they are, after all, on the same side. 2002, The Guilford Press

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New Listings in Addictions

Controlling Your Drinking by Miller and MunozControlling Your Drinking: Tools to Make Moderation Work for You
William R. Miller, Ricardo F. Munoz

This updated version of a clinically tested manual offers tools for successful moderation - like spacing alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic ones and timing drinks to maintain low levels of blood alcohol concentration, as well as tactics for dealing with common challenges like hard-drinking friends and social anxiety. 2004, The Guilford Press


Over the Influence by Denning, Little and GlickmanOver the Influence: The Harm Reduction Guide for Managing Drugs and Alcohol
Patt Denning, Jeannie Little, Adina Glickman

This guide, an alternative to abstinence-only programs, offers solace, support, information, and the skills you need to understand harm reduction and use it to make positive changes in your life. 2003, The Guilford Press


New Listings in Bipolar Disorder

The Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide by Davis MiklowitzThe Bipolar Disorder Survival Guide: What You and Your Family Need to Know
Davis Miklowitz

This self help book is designed to help readers recognize the early signs of bipolar disorder and to find proper medication and treatment. It is a helpful tool for both patients and families and offers practical information about dealing with mood swings. 2002, Guilford Press


Loving Someone with Bipolar Disorder by Fast and PrestonLoving Someone With Bipolar Disorder: Understanding and Helping Your Partner
Julie A. Fast, John D. Preston

This is a ground-breaking self help book for couples who want to prevent manic-depressive disorder from hijacking their relationship. Once medication has been prescribed, the key is studying the specific ways your partner is affected. This allows couples to develop proactive strategies for treating and stabilizing mood swings and symptoms, before they develop into full-blown crises. This book is an oasis of relief and hope. 2004, New Harbinger

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New Listing in Body Image and Eating Disorder

Help Your Teenager Beat an Eating DisorderHelp Your Teenager Beat an Eating Disorder
James Lock, Daniel le Grange

The authors emphasize the need for parents to take immediate action in obtaining help for their teens and not to dwell on the "why." This comprehensive book summarizes recent research and moves on to help parents understand eating disorders, looking at the distorted thinking behind a teenagers behavior and what the research says about the best ways to treat anorexia and bulimia. 2005, The Guilford Press


Overcoming Binge Eating by Christopher FairburnOvercoming Binge Eating
Christopher Fairburn

This is a lucid and comprehensive account of the nature and treatment of binge eating by one of the world's leading clinical researchers. It includes a detailed self-help program with state of the art techniques for overcoming binge eating. 1995, The Guildord Press; Reissue edition

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New Listings in Journaling, PTSD - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Recovery from Childhood Abuse

A Bright Red Scream by Marilee StrongA Bright Red Scream: Self-Mutilation and the Language of Pain
Marilee Strong

Journalist, Marilee Strong, explores the reasons that lead over 2 million Americans to injure themselves regularly and deliberately with such items as knives, razor blades, and broken glass. Most "cutters" claim to use self-injury to distance themselves from pain and rage or to "feel something" after years of abuse have left them emotionally numb. Including powerful first person stories, the author also explores the comprehensive programs and treatments available to those who self-mutilate. 1999, Penguin


When Your Child Has Been molested by Brohl and PotterWhen Your Child Has Been Molested: A Parents Guide to Healing and Recovery
Kathryn Brohl and Joyce Case Potter

This new edition includes current research and information on the nature and effects of molestation on boys and girls, as well as proven techniques for therapy, healing, and recovery. 2004, Jossey-Bass, Revised Edition


Writing to Heal by James PennebakerWriting to Heal: A Guided Journal for Recovering from Trauma and Emotional Upheaval
James W. Pennebaker

This self help book takes readers through a series of guided writing exercises that help them explore their feelings about difficult experiences. The approach is based upon the field of expressive emotions therapy (EET), developed by the author. The book stresses thoughout the healing power that lies in story-telling, whether through fiction, dance, or art. The reader is left with a strong sense of their value in the world. 2004, New Harbinger

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New Listings in Anxiety and Panic Disorders, Depression, and Social Anxiety Disorder

Coping with Anxiety by Bourne and GaranoCoping with Anxiety: 10 Simple Ways to Relieve Anxiety, Fear, and Worry
Edmund J. Bourne, Lorna Garano

Anxiety affects 25 million people in the United States, and treatment can be difficult and daunting. This self help book takes a sensible, clinically based approach by teaching ten simple steps. The tips range from "thinking realistically" to "taking constructive coping actions" and include friendly exercises for combating a particluar aspect of anxiety. 2003, New Harbinger


Depressed and Anxious by Thomas MarraDepressed and Anxious: The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Workbook for Overcoming Depression & Anxiety
Thomas Marra

DBT begins with the assumption that psychological problems are the result of emotional responses that are in conflict. It integrates a range of therapeutic techniques to tease apart and resolve the competing internal needs and urges that generate anger, depression, and anxiety. Exercises focus on assisting readers to become more responsive to uplifting aspects of their environment and tolerant of unavoidable emotions. 2004, New Harbinger


Natural Relief for Anxiety by Bourne, Brownstein, and GaranoNatural Relief for Anxiety: Complementary Strategies for Easing Fear, Panic & Worry
Edmund J. Bourne, Arlen Brownstein, Lorna Garano

This user-friendly self help book offers a drug-free approach to overcoming anxiety. It outlines an alternative and more lasting way to control anxiety by making gentle, natural changes to your lifestyle that promote wellness in mind and body. 2004, New Harbinger


10 Simple Solutions to Panic by Antony and McCabe10 Simple Solutions to Panic: How to Overcome Panic Attacks, Calm Physical Symptoms, & Reclaim Your Life
Martin M. Antony, Randi E. McCabe

The authors provide easy to follow guidelines that will help sufferers of panic attacks better understand their condition and gain control over it. Exercises, empowering suggestions for dealing with specific situations, and self-care tools for setting and achieving short and long-term goals are included. 2004, New Harbinger


Social anxiety by Leary and KowalskiSocial Anxiety
Mark R. Leary, Robin Mark Kowalski

This compendium of the research literature on social anxiety covers the interpersonal basis of the disorder. It looks at how self-presentation, expectancies, self-efficacy, interpersonal behavior, and motivation contribute to the subjective aspects of social anxiety - physical, mental, and emotional. 1997, The Guilford Press

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New Listings in Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder

Children of the Self-Absorbed by Nina BrownChildren 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. 2008, New Harbinger

New Listings in Career Development, Prosperity Consciousness, Self Esteem and Self Confidence, and Success and Personal Effectiveness

Awake at Work by Michael CarrollAwake at Work: 35 Practical Buddhist Principles for Discovering Clarity and Balance in the Midst of Work's Chaos
Michael Carroll

This collection of teachings is designed to illuminate the power that mindfulness can have at work. By surrendering to the moment one becomes alert, open, and unusually skillful. In brief chapters, Carroll expounds some thirty-five slogans designed to be both fodder for meditation and mnemonic devices for when that particular message can help the most, during an opportune moment at work. "Welcome the tyrant" helps one to disarm a cranky boss; "avoid idiot compassion" reminds one to eschew giving merely superficial help. 2004, Shambhala


Emotional Intelligence Quickbook by Bradberry and GreavesEmotional Intelligence Quickbook: Everything You Need to Know to Put Your EQ to Work
Travis Bradberry, Jean Greaves

The authors outline techniques anyone can use to achieve goals in an easier and more fulfilling way, improve relationships, enhance health, and become more accomplished. 2005, Fireside


Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. harv EkerSecrets of the Millionaire Mind: Mastering the Inner Game of Wealth
T. Harv Eker

Using pithy statements such as "Rich people focus on opportunities; poor people focus on obstacles," Eker argues that poverty or wealth begin first in one's imagination. This inspiring book challenges the reader to develop an intensly positive and optimistic focus and provides a set of tools and techniques to do so. 2005, HarperBusiness


Self-Esteem by Matthew McKay, Patrick FanningSelf-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


The Self-Esteem Workbook by Schiraldi, McKayThe 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


The Success Principles by Canfield and SwitzerThe Success Principles: How to Get From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be
Jack Canfield, Janet Switzer

Canfield knows about success: he is co-creator of the Chicken Soup for the Soul series which have sold more than 80 million books. He presents 64 success principles and draws on his own experience and that of others to illustrate them. Canfield's energy and enthusiasm bounce off the page: those starting off in business or in need of a refresher course may consider this book required reading. 2004, Collins

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New Listings in Health and Wellness and Meditation

Anger by Thich Nhat HanhAnger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames
Thich Nhat Hanh

Thich Nhat Hanh tells us that, fundamentally, to be angry is to suffer and that it is our responsibility to alleviate our own suffering. The way to do this is not to fight our emotions or to "let it all out," but to transform ourselves through mindfulness. Serious, though light-hearted, this is a self help hand-book not only for transforming anger, but for living each moment beautifully. 2002, Riverhead Trade


Comint to Our Senses by Jon Kabat-ZinnComing to Our Senses: Healing Ourselves and the World Through Mindfulness
Jon Kabat-Zinn

From the book: "Awareness offers a safe haven in which to restore ourselves and rest in a vital and dynamic harmony, tranquility, creativity and joyfulness NOW, not in some far off, hoped for future time when things are 'better' or we have gotten things under control, or have 'improved ourselves.'" Katat-Zinn blends his personal story with compelling and practical guidance for self-healing. 2005, Hyperion


Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine by Murray and PizzornoEncyclopedia of Natural Medicine
Michael Murray, Joseph Pizzorno

This self help book shows you how to improve your health through a positive mental attitude, healthy lifestyle, health-promoting diet and supplements, with plenty of practical tips. Learn disease prevention through enhancing key body systems. The book details natural remedies for treating more than 70 ailments. 1997, Three Rivers Press, Revised second edition


Fibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain by Devin StarlanylFibromyalgia and Chronic Myofascial Pain: A Survival Manual
Devin J. Starlanyl

This updated second edition of the classic fibromyalgia survival manual includes an extensive set of healing tools including targeted bodywork for painful trigger points and strategies to help cope with chronic pain, sleep problems, and the numbing effects of "fibro fog." Also included is coverage of promising new research, evaluation of new treatments, and the latest information on medication. 2001, New Harbinger

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New Listings in Gay and Lesbian Issues

For Lesbian Parents by Johnson and O'ConnorFor Lesbian Parents: Your guide to Helping Your Family Grow Up Happy, Healthy, and Proud
Suzanne M. Johnson, Elizabeth O'Connor

The authors, both developmental psychologists, are co-parenting two daughters. Their book offers help on explaining lesbianism to children and explores what lesbian parents can do to help children explain their family situation to their peers. The book also addresses the complexity of dealing with the attitudes of the outside world, including relatives, school, and doctors or mental health specialists. 2001, The Guilford Press


Lesbian Couples by Clunis and GreenLesbian Couples: A Guide to Creating Healthy Relationships
Merilee Clunis and Dorsey Green

For lesbians (as for all couples) achieving and sustaining intimacy remains a challenge. From mind-reading and making assumptions to conflict and disillusionment, the book examines the strengths and weakness, flagging potential problem areas and offering real-life examples and solutions to the challenges lesbian couples experience. 2005, Seal Press


Sex and Spirit by Robert BarzanSex and Spirit: Exploring Gay Men's Spirituality
Robert Barzan

This book is an exciting and provocative collection of essays highlighting a variety of approaches to spirituality. Essays address a twelfth century monastic community based on man-to-man love; the shamanic foundation of the Wizard of Oz; Zen as a tradition compatibile with gay male spirituality; and healthy sexuality and how it brings healing to the whole person. 1985, White Crane Press

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New Listings in Intimate Relationships: Relationship Advice

Reconcilable Differences by Christensen and JacobsonReconcilable Differences
Andrew Christensen, Neil S. Jacobson

This book speaks directly to the heart. Couples in conflict will recognize themselves in these pages and learn how to move beyond conflict to acceptance, understanding and change. 2002, The Guilford Press


Take Back Your Marriage by William DohertyTake Back Your Marriage: Sticking Together in a World that Pulls Us Apart
William J. Doherty

This book helps couples pinpoint hidden marital problems and take positive steps to stay close and connected everyday. Readers learn to break free of such common traps as confusing desires with needs, drifting apart without working on the relationship, or becoming over-time parents instread of full-time partners. This book shows how to fight back to restore a marriage worth saving.  2003, The Guilford Press

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New Listings in Spirituality

Infinite Life by Robert ThurmanInfinite Life: Seven Virtues for Living Well
Robert Thurman

Thurman invites readers to recognize that our lives and even our moment-to-moment choices have eternal ramifications. He challenges students to understand that this is the path to freeing ourselves and the rest of the world from suffering. 2005, Riverhead Trade


Sacred Therapy nby Estelle FrankelSacred Therapy: Jewish Spiritual Teachings on Emotional Healing and Inner Wholeness
Estelle Frankel

Hasidic master Menachem Mendel taught, "there is nothing more whole than a broken heart." This fascinating book uses Biblical, Hasidic, Talmudic and Kabbalistic traditions to teach that healing begins with brokenness and leads to transformation, whole-heartedness, and renewal. 2005, Shambhala


Sadhana by Rabindranath TagoreSadhana: The Realization of Life
Rabindranath Tagore

This book is an excellent primer on classical Hinduism, beautifully conveying the loveliness of the vocal cadences of ancient Sanskrit (in translation). Sadhana is an enduring classic of world spiritual literature for its directness, simplicity and beauty of expression. Tagore's Sadhana delivers the message of the human connection to universal transcendence in hauntingly beautiful English prose. 1942, Kessinger Publishing


Shambhala by Chogyam TrungpaShambhala: Sacred Path of the Warrior
Chogyam Trungpa

This deceptively simple book can alter your life. Trungpa teaches how to live an honorable life without violence. He uses examples from everyday life, showing how one can make a difference in the world by changing simple habits. 2009, Shambhala

New Listing in Women's Issues

Lot's Daughters by Robert PolhemusLot's Daughters
Robert M. Polhemus

In this provocative volume, Polhemus, chair of Stanford's English Department, uses the "disreputible Bible story of father-daughter incest" as a lens to understand family and gender relations through the centuries. He casts a wide net over literature, art, psychology, show-busines, and politics to argue that the power dynamic between younger women and older men "in which daughters fall in love with their father's lives and older men are tempted by the intoxicating power and promise of youth" - is integral to our society. 2005, Stanford University Press

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