Self Help Bibliotherapy
Many people - perhaps even the majority - develop emotional or psychological problems at some time during their life. At any one time, for example, about 10% of adults are feeling somewhat depressed. There is a wide range of emotional problems including panic attacks, low self-esteem, anxiety and stress. People can be helped by reading appropriate self-help material. The use of books as a means of providing psychological therapy is known as Bibliotherapy.
Below you will see a list of self help books that are usually available through local library services. The books cover a wide range of mental health needs such as anxiety, stress, depression, and include self-help exercises, which reflect a similar approach as if the reader was engaged with a therapist. The books have been written by eminent therapists in these specific areas or service users who have previously experienced these types of problems and have taken the opportunity to write their experiences for the benefit of others.
Anger
Overcoming Irritability and Anger by Will Davies
Managing Anger by Gael Lindenfield
Anorexia Nervosa
Anorexia Nervosa: A Survival Guide by Janet Treasure
Overcoming Anorexia Nervosa by Christopher Freeman & Peter Cooper
Anxiety
Overcoming Anxiety by Helen Kennerly
Assertiveness (Women)
Woman in your own right by Anne Dickson
Bereavement
Living with Loss by Lisa McNeill Taylor
Binge-Eating Disorder & Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa & Binge Eating by Peter Cooper
Overcoming Binge Eating by Chris Fairburn
Getting Better Bit(e) by Bit(e) by Ulrike Schmidt and Janet Treasure
Depression
Overcoming Depression by Paul Gilbert
Mind over Mood by Dennis Greenberger & Christine Padesky
The Feeling Good Handbook by David Burns
Gambling
Overcoming Compulsive Gambling by Alex Blazynski
General
How to Cope When the Going Gets Tough by Wendy Dryden & Jack Gordon
Head Injuries
Head Injury: A Practical Guide by Trevor Powell
Health Anxiety
Stop Worrying About Your Health by George Zgourides
Manic Depression
Overcoming Mood Swings by Jan Scott
Obsessions & Compulsions
Understanding Obsessions & Compulsions by Frank Tallis
Panic
Overcoming Panic by Derrick Silove
Panic Attacks by Christine Ingham
PTSD/Trauma Overcoming
Traumatic Stress by Claudia Herbert & Ann Wetmore
Self-Esteem
Overcoming Low Self-Esteem by Melanie Fennell
Self-Esteem for Women by Lynda Field
Self-Esteem by Gael Lindenfield
10 days to Great Self-Esteem by David Burns
Child Sexual Abuse
Breaking Free by Carolyn Ainscough & Kay Toon
The Courage to Heal by Ellen Bass & Laura Davies
Social Anxiety/Social Phobia
Overcoming Social Anxiety and Shyness by Gillian Butler
Stress
The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook by Robbins Davis & McKay Eshelman
Managing Stress: Teach Yourself by Terry Looker & Olga Gragson
Worry
How to Stop Worrying by Frank Tallis