Welcome to my curated list of self-help books for women, recommended by expert counsellors and psychotherapists specialising in women’s personal and spiritual growth. In a world where navigating life after trauma can feel overwhelming, these insightful books offer practical tools, empowering insights, and actionable strategies to support women in their journey towards self-discovery and empowerment. From overcoming trauma to embracing vulnerability and fostering resilience, these recommended reads cover a wide range of topics to help women thrive in all aspects of their lives. Join us as we explore these resources handpicked to inspire and empower women on their path to personal transformation and post-traumatic growth.
31 Life Changing Self-Help Books for Women
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
In The Gifts of Imperfection, Brown encourages readers to embrace their vulnerabilities and imperfections, offering guidance on cultivating self-compassion and wholehearted living.
Recommended by Kate Landete. PACFA Registered Clinical Counsellor®️. Kate works with women, anxiety, depression and trauma, and in the perinatal mental health space (conception, pregnancy birth debrief, birth trauma, transitioning into Motherhood) utilising EMDR therapy. Kate practises on the Central Coast of NSW and online.
Rage Becomes Her by Soraya Chemaly
In Rage Becomes Her, Chemaly explores the societal factors contributing to women’s anger and offers a powerful call to harness this emotion for positive change.
Recommended by Crystal Hardstaff. Registered Counsellor. Crystal supports the mental health and wellbeing of parents and children on the Gold Coast & online.
Broken (in the Best Possible Way) by Jenny Lawson
In Broken (in the Best Possible Way), Lawson shares candid and humorous anecdotes about her struggles with mental health, offering solidarity and laughter to those navigating similar challenges.
Recommended by Leanne Storey. Registered Counsellor. Leanne works with teens & adults experiencing poor body image, disordered eating, & eating disorders, as well as their carers & loved ones. Leanne practises on Qld’s Sunshine Coast & online Australia-wide.
Women Who Run with the Wolves by Clarissa Pinkola Estés
In Women Who Run with the Wolves, Estés delves into the myths and stories of the wild woman archetype, offering insights and empowerment for women to reclaim their intuition, creativity, and innate wisdom; invaluable for trauma recovery.
Recommended by Linda Tuxford-Adams. PACFA Certified Practicing Counsellor®️. Linda works with autistic adults and trauma, online based in Forrest Beach, QLD
Finding Meaning In The Second Half of Life: How to Finally, Really Grow Up by James Hollis
In Finding Meaning In The Second Half of Life: How to Finally, Really Grow Up, Hollis provides essential insights, empowering people to navigate adulthood with resilience, reclaim their sense of self, and foster profound personal growth
Recommended by Michelle Seelig. Registered Counsellor and MindBody Practitioner. Michelle works with midlife women navigating the unique challenges of this life stage. Online from Melbourne.
Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times by Katherine May
In Wintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times, May explores the concept of “wintering” as a metaphor for periods of struggle and transition, offering insights and practices for finding renewal and growth in challenging times.
Recommended by Jodie Gale. Trauma Warriors Founder & Eco-Psycho-Spiritual Registered Clinical Psychotherapist®️. Jodie works with women, trauma, emotional eating and the trance of unworthiness on the Northern Beaches of Sydney & online.
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
In the The Alchemist, Coelho’s timeless novel follows the journey of self-discovery and transformation of a young shepherd, offering profound insights into the pursuit of one’s dreams and destiny.
Recommended by Dimitra Tsoukalas. PACFA Registered Clinical Counsellor®️ & Psychotherapist. Dimitra works women, men and adolescents with trauma, behaviour change & couples counselling in Melbourne, Bayside and online.
Connect with Dimitra Website
Women Don’t Owe You Pretty by Florence Given
In Women Don’t Owe You Pretty, Florence Given challenges societal norms and expectations placed on women, empowering readers to embrace their authenticity and reject toxic narratives.
Recommended by Samantha Sellers. Registered Therapist. Samantha works with religious trauma and the queer community in Goulburn, NSW and Online.
The Dance of Anger by Harriet Lerner
In The Dance of Anger, Lerner explores the role of anger in relationships and personal growth, offering insights and strategies for expressing and resolving this powerful emotion constructively.
Recommended by Janice Williams. Mother-Daughter Counsellor & Coach. Jan works with mothers and adult daughters, individually or as a mother-daughter pair in North Ryde and online across Australia and worldwide.
Living the Life Unexpected by Jody Day
In Living the Life Unexpected, Day provides guidance and support for women navigating the complexities of involuntary childlessness, helping them find meaning and fulfillment in alternative paths.
Recommended by Sarah Roberts. Counsellor, Trainer & Founder of The Empty Cradle. Sarah works with women who desired to be mothers coming to terms with involuntary childlessness in Australia and NZ online.
The Wild Woman’s Way: Connect to your Body’s Wisdom by Michaela Boehm
In The Wild Woman’s Way, Boehm explores the feminine archetype of the wild woman, offering insights and practices for reconnecting with one’s primal instincts and intuition.
Recommended by Tricia Ang. PACFA Registered Clinical Counsellor®️, Art Therapist & Body-Oriented Psychotherapist. Tricia works with individuals across the lifespan who struggle with complex trauma in Coffs Harbour & online.
Connect with Tricia Website
I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t) by Brené Brown
In I Thought It Was Just Me (But It Isn’t) by Brené Brown, Brown explores the experience of shame and offers strategies for overcoming its grip, promoting healing and resilience.
Recommended by Jaana Surakka. Registered Counsellor. Jaana works with women and adolescents in the space of life transitions, grief, and addiction online based in Canberra.
Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson
In Who Moved My Cheese, Johnson’s allegorical tale offers valuable lessons on adapting to change and navigating transitions, essential skills for trauma recovery.
Recommended by Tahira Hassan. Registered Counsellor & Leadership Facilitator. Tahira works with women on self-esteem and relationship issues especially those belonging to culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) groups in Melbourne southeastern suburbs and online.
Connect with Tahira Website
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel Van Der Kolk
In The Body Keeps the Score, Van Der Kolk explores the effects of trauma on the body and mind, offering holistic approaches to healing and recovery.
Recommended by Donna Robinson. Registered Counsellor & Couples Therapist. Donna works with busy, midlife professionals struggling in their relationships often due to affairs, substance misuse and disconnection. Donna practises in Melbourne.
Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals by Oliver Burkeman
In Four Thousand Weeks: Time Management for Mortals, Burkeman offers a refreshing perspective on time management, encouraging readers to focus on what truly matters in life, especially during challenging times.
Recommended by Jacob Mottram. PACFA Certified Practicing Counsellor®️. Jacob works with with ADHD and chronic pain online and by phone.
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
In Untamed, Doyle shares her journey of self-discovery and liberation, inspiring readers to break free from societal expectations and embrace their true selves.
Recommended by Lucy Orton. Internal Family Systems Practitioner & Certified Positive Psychology Coach. Lucy helps high-achievers to heal and thrive with Internal Family Systems Therapy (IFS) online.
Setting Boundaries: Care for Yourself and Stop Being Controlled by Others by Rebecca Ray
In Setting Boundaries, Ray provides practical guidance and exercises for establishing healthy boundaries in relationships, empowering individuals to assert their needs, protect their emotional well-being, and foster healthier connections, which is crucial for navigating trauma recovery with agency and self-care.
Recommended by Honni Hayton. PACFA Registered Clinical Counsellor®️& EMDRAA EMDR Therapist. Honni works with women, trauma and has a special interest in holistic self-care in Boonah, SE Qld and online.
How to Love Yourself by Teal Swan
In How to Love Yourself, Swan offers practical techniques and insights for cultivating self-love and acceptance, crucial aspects of trauma recovery.
Recommended by Mary Stompe. PACFA Certified Practicing Counsellor®️. Mary works with young women and men feeling unhappy or lacking self-esteem, to (re)discover their purpose and find meaning and joy in life again. Mary sees clients in Unley, South Australia (Adelaide) & online.
Mindful Compassion by Paul Gilbert & Choden
In Mindful Compassion, Gilbert & Choden combine mindfulness and compassion practices to support individuals in managing difficult emotions and experiences, fostering resilience and well-being.
Recommended by Ben Fishel. Registered Counsellor. Ben works with people who want to feel more calm, improve their relationships and find more meaning in their lives. Ben practises in Melbourne & online.
It’s OK That You’re Not OK by Megan Devine
In It’s OK That You’re Not OK, Devine provides a compassionate guide for processing grief and trauma, offering validation and support for those experiencing loss.
Recommended by Michelle Marazakis. Grief Counsellor. Michelle works with bereaved adults, supporting them with their grief. She works online.
The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine N Aron PhD
In The Highly Sensitive Person, Aron, offers insights and strategies for highly sensitive individuals to navigate and thrive in a world that can often feel overwhelming.
Recommended by Nicky Angelone. PACFA Registered Clinical Counsellor®️. Nicky works with women over 40 who are stressed, looking after everyone else and who have forgotten about caring for themselves. They’re typically experiencing anxiety, overwhelm, and even burnout. Nicky works in Melbourne Bayside, and online.
Letting Go by David R. Hawkins
In Letting Go, Hawkins explores the power of surrender and release, offering practical techniques for letting go of negative emotions and attachments, facilitating inner peace and healing.
Recommended by Lucia Stacchiotti. PACFA Registered Clinical Counsellor®️ and Psychotherapist. Lucia works with trauma, families and children in North Bondi & online.
A Blessing Not a Curse: A Mother-Daughter Guide to the Transition from Child to Woman by Jane Bennett
In A Blessing Not a Curse, Bennett offers a fresh perspective on menstruation, challenging societal taboos and reclaiming menstruation as a natural and sacred process.
Recommended by Amiee Robinson. PACFA Registered Clinical Counsellor®️ and Reiki Master Practitioner. Aimee works with women’s health and menstruation in Melbourne and online.
Come As You Are: The Surprising New Science That Will Transform Your Sex Life by Emily Nagoski
In Come As You Are, Nagoski offers a transformative guide to understanding and embracing one’s unique sexual identity and experiences.
Recommended by Ronald Hoang. Clinical Counsellor. Ronald works with couples and families, and specialises in infidelity and adult family therapy in Sydney’s Inner West & online
Hormone Repair Manual by Lara Briden
In the Hormone Repair Manual, Briden offers a comprehensive and accessible guide to understanding hormonal imbalances and empowering individuals to take control of their health and well-being through natural hormone management strategies.
Recommended by Cristina Williams. PACFA Registered Clinical Counsellor®️. Cristina works with trauma and addiction using somatic therapies, ACT and Brainspotting in Brookvale, Sydney.
Connect with Cristina Psychology Today
Fierce Self-Compassion: How Women Can Harness Kindness to Speak Up, Claim Their Power, and Thrive by Kristen Neff
In Fierce Self-Compassion, Neff empowers women to embrace kindness as a powerful tool for self-advocacy and empowerment, offering transformative insights and practical strategies for cultivating resilience and thriving in the face of adversity.
Recommended by Karen Bieman. PACFA Registered Clinical Counsellor®️. Karen works with straight spouse betrayal trauma, helping women recover and thrive after discovering their husband’s secret sexual orientation or gender identity. Karen practises in Melbourne & online worldwide.
It Didn’t Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn
In It Didn’t Start With You, Wolynn illuminates the profound impact of inherited family trauma on our lives, offering transformative insights and practical tools for breaking free from intergenerational patterns and creating a path towards healing and wholeness.
Recommended by Shani Prideaux. Counsellor. Shani works with parents, young people and adults with trauma, complex family dynamics and life changes in Adelaide and online.
Complex PTSD From Surviving to Thriving: A Guide Map for Recovering from Early Childhood Trauma by Pete Walker
In Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving, Walker provides invaluable insights and practical strategies for individuals recovering from complex post-traumatic stress disorder, offering hope and guidance on the journey towards healing and growth.
Recommended by Morgan Jai-Morincome. Psychotherapist. Morgan works with adult individuals who want support to navigate relational trauma, grief, loss and anxiety in Canberra and online.
Strange Situation: A Mother’s Journey Into the Science of Attachment by Bethany Saltman
In the Strange Situation, Saltman provides one of the best books on attachment theory; it delves into the fascinating world of attachment, offering readers a compelling exploration of how early childhood experiences shape adult relationships and behaviours.
Recommended by Andrea Szász. Psychotherapist & Clinical Supervisor. Andrea works with people who have had difficult lives using The Daring Way, EMDR and the Adult Attachment Interview in Bondi and Online.
Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle
In Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle, Emily and Amelia Nagoski provide readers with practical tools and insights to effectively manage and alleviate stress, leading to greater resilience and well-being.
Recommended by Minky van der Walt. Clinical Supervisor, Psychotherapist and Registered Music Therapist. Minky supports health professionals in Nipaluna / Hobart & online.
Care of the Soul: A Guide For Cultivating Depth And Sacredness In Everyday Life by Thomas Moore
In Care of the Soul, Moore tenderly invites us to explore the depths of our being, emphasising the soul’s natural inclination towards growth and self-discovery, free from any notions of pathology or diagnosis.
Recommended by Lindy Spanger. Soul Centred PACFA Registered Clinical Psychotherapist®️& Clinical Supervisor. Lindy works in private practice with women, men and young people, offering a space to heal and repair past traumas and wounds, and find ways to manage life in ways that work better for the whole of who they are now. Lindy practises in Melbourne.
Connect with Lindy Website
This list of 31 self-help books for women, recommended by seasoned counsellors and psychotherapists provide guidance and actionable strategies for navigating life’s challenges. Covering a diverse array of topics, from overcoming trauma to embracing vulnerability and fostering resilience, these books empower women to flourish in every facet of their lives.
Do any of these 31 self help books for women speak to you? A great way to get more out of your self help book, is to work through the themes in therapy. Try taking it to your current therapist or reach out to one of our therapists on this list.
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An amazing collection of reviews. Thank you. 🙂