4 Books to Support Your Personal Growth & Therapeutic Journey
As a therapist, one of the most common questions I get is:
"What can I read to help me grow outside of our sessions?"
Whether you're in therapy, considering starting, or just working through life’s daily challenges, sometimes the right book finds you at the right time. The following four books are some of my go-tos, each one offering a unique perspective on growth, healing, and self-awareness. They’re accessible, insightful, and deeply human. If you’re looking to begin or deepen your personal journey, these are excellent places to start.
1. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Best for: Anyone ready to challenge their inner narrative.
This small but mighty book is based on ancient Toltec wisdom, and yet its teachings are incredibly relevant today. Ruiz offers four guiding principles, “agreements”, to help free ourselves from self-limiting beliefs and emotional suffering. They sound simple, but applying them is a lifelong practice:
Be impeccable with your word
Don’t take anything personally
Don’t make assumptions
Always do your best
From a therapeutic lens, The Four Agreements is a masterclass in boundaries, self-awareness, and emotional responsibility. It’s especially powerful for anyone struggling with people-pleasing, anxiety, or feeling stuck in cycles of miscommunication.
2. Atlas of the Heart by Brené Brown
Best for: Building emotional literacy and understanding your inner world.
Brené Brown is practically a household name for good reason. In Atlas of the Heart, she helps us explore 87 different emotions and experiences; and more importantly, how they shape the way we move through the world and connect with others.
This book is an incredible resource if you’ve ever said, “I don’t know what I’m feeling.” As a therapist, I often see how naming emotions gives us power. Brown combines storytelling, research, and reflection in a way that feels both validating and expansive.
3. Atomic Habits by James Clear
Best for: Those wanting real change, one small step at a time.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by change, this book will be a breath of fresh air. James Clear breaks down how tiny habits—done consistently—lead to massive transformation over time.
What I love from a therapeutic perspective is how Atomic Habits aligns with many behavioral techniques used in therapy. It encourages readers to shift their identity ("I am someone who...") and gives practical steps for getting unstuck. Change doesn’t have to be dramatic to be effective, and this book proves that beautifully.
4. The Garden Within by Dr. Anita Phillips
Best for: Spiritually-minded readers seeking emotional and spiritual healing.
This one is special. Dr. Anita Phillips is both a practicing pastor and a licensed clinician, and The Garden Within reflects that rare dual lens with depth and care. She explores emotional health through the metaphor of a garden; one that needs tending, truth, and trust in order to thrive.
This is a particularly meaningful read for those who identify as Christian or spiritual and are looking for an integrated approach to healing. It acknowledges how faith and mental health intersect, and invites readers into a healing journey rooted in both scripture and clinical insight. It’s thoughtful, soul-nourishing, and deeply compassionate.
Final Thoughts
Therapy isn’t the only way to grow, but it is a space where the work of these books can come alive. These titles offer powerful insights on their own, and even more so when paired with support and reflection.
If something in these pages resonates with you, or if you’ve been thinking about starting your own therapeutic journey, I invite you to reach out. You don’t have to navigate it all alone, and sometimes, a book is the perfect place to begin.