40 Best Self-Healing Books

Self-healing is a powerful journey of self-discovery and personal growth. 

Books can be your trusted companions on this path, offering guidance, inspiration, and practical tools to help you heal emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. 

Whether you’re dealing with trauma, stress, or simply seeking to improve your overall well-being, there’s always a book out there for you. 

In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best self-healing books to help you transform your life and find inner peace and healing.

Let’s begin. 

Best Self-Healing Books

“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk

This book delves into the profound impact that trauma can have on both the body and mind. 

Bessel van der Kolk, a renowned trauma expert, explains how trauma reshapes both body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. 

He explores innovative treatments—from neurofeedback and meditation to sports, drama, and yoga—that offer new paths to recovery by activating the brain’s natural neuroplasticity.

“You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise L. Hay

Louise L. Hay’s book is centered around the idea that thoughts and beliefs can directly affect one’s health and wellbeing. 

The book provides powerful insights into how the mind and body are connected and suggests practical ways to use this knowledge for healing. 

It includes positive affirmations and teaches readers how to change their thinking patterns to improve their quality of life.

“The Power of Now” by Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle’s “The Power of Now” is a spiritual guide that emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment to achieve enlightenment.

The book argues that many people’s lives are dominated by pain and regret about the past or fear and anticipation of the future, preventing them from experiencing true happiness and peace in the now. 

It offers practical teachings to help readers discover the freedom and joy of living in the present moment.

“Healing After Loss” by Martha W. Hickman

This compassionate book offers daily meditations for those grieving the loss of a loved one. 

Martha W. Hickman provides thoughtful and comforting reflections for each day of the year, helping readers process their grief and gradually find healing. 

It’s an invaluable resource for anyone going through the pain of loss, offering solace and hope in difficult times.

“Anatomy of the Spirit” by Caroline Myss

Caroline Myss’s book explores the intimate connection between spirituality and physical health. 

She presents an innovative model of the body’s seven centers of spiritual and physical power, blending ancient wisdom with modern science. 

Myss argues that personal health is connected to spiritual health and that illnesses of the body reflect deep emotional and psychological disturbances.

“Full Catastrophe Living” by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Jon Kabat-Zinn discusses the use of mindfulness meditation as a powerful tool in managing stress, pain, and illness. 

The book is based on his renowned Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction program at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

It provides practical advice on cultivating mindfulness in everyday life and using it to confront physical and emotional challenges.

“Daring Greatly” by Brené Brown

In this transformative book, Brené Brown explores the power and importance of vulnerability in human experience. 

She argues that vulnerability is not a sign of weakness but a source of strength, courage, and engagement. 

Brown encourages readers to embrace vulnerability and imperfection, to live wholeheartedly, and to courageously engage in our lives.

“The Miracle of Mindfulness” by Thich Nhat Hanh

Vietnamese monk Thich Nhat Hanh presents a simple yet profound guide to living a life of mindfulness. 

This book teaches how to practice mindfulness in everyday activities to achieve peace and happiness. Hanh provides practical exercises and reflections to aid in cultivating a moment-to-moment awareness in all aspects of life.

“Emotional Freedom” by Judith Orloff

Dr. Judith Orloff presents strategies for dealing with negative emotions and developing emotional resilience. 

The book combines traditional medicine with energy medicine, proposing ways to achieve emotional freedom by understanding, nurturing, and transforming emotions. 

It’s an insightful guide for anyone seeking to manage their emotional life more effectively.

“Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl

Viktor E. Frankl’s powerful memoir and psychological exploration stems from his experiences in Nazi concentration camps. 

He discusses how finding meaning in all forms of existence, even the most brutal ones, is what sustains people through difficult times. 

Frankl introduces his theory of logotherapy, which asserts that our primary drive in life is not pleasure, as Freud had believed, but the discovery and pursuit of what we personally find meaningful.

“Radical Acceptance” by Tara Brach

Tara Brach’s “Radical Acceptance” is a transformative book that introduces the concept of embracing our life experiences with kindness and mindfulness. 

Brach argues that the path to freedom and emotional healing lies in accepting our experiences, including our pain and imperfections, with compassion. 

The book offers practical techniques derived from Buddhist teachings to help readers break free from the grip of fear and shame.

“When Things Fall Apart” by Pema Chödrön

Pema Chödrön’s book offers profound wisdom for coping with life’s most challenging moments. 

Drawing on her own experiences as well as Buddhist teachings, she provides insight on how to thrive in chaotic and uncertain times. 

The book encourages embracing difficult emotions and situations as a path to true growth and enlightenment.

“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz

In this insightful book, Don Miguel Ruiz draws on Toltec wisdom to present a simple yet effective code of personal conduct for attaining personal freedom and true happiness. 

The Four Agreements are: Be impeccable with your word; Don’t take anything personally; Don’t make assumptions; Always do your best. 

These agreements serve as a guide for living a life free of self-limiting beliefs that rob us of joy.

“Mind Over Medicine” by Lissa Rankin

Lissa Rankin explores the incredible power of the mind over the body in this groundbreaking book. 

She examines medical evidence that supports the body’s natural ability to heal itself and suggests that positive thinking, strong social connections, and other non-physical factors can promote healing. 

Rankin urges a blend of traditional medicine and holistic approaches for best health outcomes.

“A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle

Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth” expands on the powerful ideas introduced in “The Power of Now”, focusing on how personal awakening can lead to a new consciousness and a more peaceful world. 

The book discusses the ego, its role in personal suffering, and how to transcend it for spiritual awakening and personal growth.

“The Mindful Way Through Depression” by Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal, and Jon Kabat-Zinn

This book combines the forces of mindfulness and cognitive therapy to present an effective approach to managing depression. 

It provides insight into how mindfulness can prevent the recurrence of depression and offers practical tools for cultivating a mindful awareness in everyday life.

“The Untethered Soul” by Michael A. Singer

Michael A. Singer’s “The Untethered Soul” offers a pathway to self-discovery and inner peace. 

The book explores the idea of personal consciousness and helps readers release habitual thoughts and emotions that limit self-realization. 

Singer guides readers in exploring the limitless possibilities of achieving inner freedom and living a more fulfilled life.

“Self-Compassion” by Kristin Neff

Kristin Neff’s book delves into the transformative power of self-compassion. 

She argues that self-kindness, rather than self-criticism, leads to greater emotional resilience, stronger self-confidence, and a more positive outlook on life. 

The book includes practical exercises and strategies for cultivating self-compassion in daily life.

“Awakening Intuition” by Mona Lisa Schulz

In this innovative book, Mona Lisa Schulz explains how intuition can be a powerful tool for healing. 

She combines insights from neuroscience and psychology with her own experiences as a medical intuitive to guide readers in recognizing and developing their intuitive abilities. 

Schulz offers practical advice on using intuition to make better health and life decisions.

“The Art of Happiness” by Dalai Lama and Howard Cutler

This unique collaboration between the Dalai Lama and psychiatrist Howard Cutler merges Eastern spiritual tradition with Western psychology to explore the pursuit of happiness. 

The book is structured as a series of conversations, where the Dalai Lama shares his wisdom and practical advice on achieving lasting happiness in modern life, emphasizing the importance of compassion and self-awareness.

I Thought It Was Just Me (but it isn’t)” by Brené Brown

In this book, Brené Brown tackles the complex issue of shame and the feeling of not being “enough.” 

She emphasizes the importance of embracing imperfection and vulnerability. 

Brown uses extensive research and personal stories to demonstrate how societal expectations and messages can lead to self-doubt and shame, and offers ways to cultivate greater courage, compassion, and connection as a pathway to embracing our imperfections.

“The Language of Emotions” by Karla McLaren

Karla McLaren’s book provides a deep dive into understanding and effectively managing emotions. 

She posits that emotions hold essential wisdom that can guide us to better mental health and emotional balance. 

The book offers practical strategies for deciphering the messages within emotions and harnessing their power to foster personal growth and healthier relationships.

“Waking the Tiger” by Peter A. Levine

Peter A. Levine presents a compelling understanding of trauma in “Waking the Tiger.” 

He explains how trauma is stored in the body and how it can be resolved by understanding and tuning into the body’s natural restorative abilities. 

Levine introduces a series of exercises that help release trapped traumatic energy and restore the body’s balance and resilience.

“Broken Open” by Elizabeth Lesser

Elizabeth Lesser explores the transformative power of difficult times in “Broken Open.” 

She shares stories, including her own, of individuals who faced crisis and adversity and emerged stronger and more fulfilled. 

Lesser offers insight into how challenges can be a catalyst for personal growth, spiritual awakening, and deeper understanding of oneself and life’s purpose.

“Healing the Shame that Binds You” by John Bradshaw

John Bradshaw’s book addresses the debilitating impact of toxic shame. 

He differentiates between healthy shame, which can guide behavior, and toxic shame, which diminishes self-worth. 

Bradshaw provides insights into the origins of toxic shame and offers therapeutic techniques to heal and move beyond it, promoting a journey towards emotional freedom and self-acceptance.

“The Tao of Pooh” by Benjamin Hoff

In this unique book, Benjamin Hoff uses the beloved character Winnie the Pooh to explain the principles of Taoism, a Chinese philosophy. 

Hoff illustrates how Pooh embodies the Taoist principles of simplicity, contentment, and understanding the natural world. 

The book provides an accessible and charming introduction to Taoism, encouraging readers to appreciate and embrace the Taoist way of life.

“The Journey from Abandonment to Healing” by Susan Anderson

Susan Anderson provides a roadmap for those dealing with the pain of abandonment. 

The book offers a comprehensive understanding of the abandonment experience and presents strategies for overcoming its painful effects. 

Anderson provides a three-phase model of recovery (Shattering, Withdrawal, and Lifting) and practical tools for healing and regaining self-esteem.

“The Seat of the Soul” by Gary Zukav

Gary Zukav’s “The Seat of the Soul” offers a profound exploration of the connection between emotions, power, and spiritual growth. 

The book discusses how the development of emotional awareness and intuition can lead to spiritual evolution. 

Zukav encourages readers to engage in soulful living, where intuition and harmony replace external control and power as guiding principles.

“Wherever You Go, There You Are” by Jon Kabat-Zinn

Jon Kabat-Zinn presents mindfulness meditation as a powerful tool for coping with the stress and demands of modern life. 

This book breaks down the practice of mindfulness into simple, accessible exercises that can be integrated into daily life. 

It encourages readers to cultivate a moment-to-moment awareness, leading to greater peace, clarity, and acceptance of present experiences.

“Feel the Fear and Do It Anyway” by Susan Jeffers

Susan Jeffers offers practical advice and strategies for overcoming fear and enhancing personal growth. 

The book teaches that fear is a natural response to the unknown, but it doesn’t have to be a barrier to happiness or success. 

Jeffers provides tools and exercises to turn fear into an opportunity for empowerment, assertiveness, and confidence-building.

“The Gifts of Imperfection” by Brené Brown

Brené Brown’s “The Gifts of Imperfection” encourages readers to wholeheartedly embrace their vulnerabilities and imperfections. 

The book guides readers to cultivate a sense of self-worth by letting go of who they think they’re supposed to be and embracing who they are. 

Brown’s ten guideposts on the power of Wholehearted living offer insights into developing resilience, gratitude, and self-compassion.

“The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho

Paulo Coelho’s “The Alchemist” is a captivating fable about the importance of pursuing one’s dreams and listening to one’s heart. 

It follows the journey of a young shepherd named Santiago who travels from Spain to Egypt, learning life lessons and discovering the true treasures of life along the way. 

The book is a testament to the power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our inner voice.

“The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success” by Deepak Chopra

Deepak Chopra’s book provides a blend of spirituality and practicality, outlining seven key principles for success and personal fulfillment. 

These principles, such as the Law of Pure Potentiality and the Law of Giving and Receiving, aim to guide readers toward a life of greater joy, harmony, and prosperity, emphasizing the spiritual aspect of success.

“The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching” by Thich Nhat Hanh

Thich Nhat Hanh offers a clear and accessible introduction to the essential teachings of Buddhism in this book. 

He covers a wide range of fundamental concepts such as the Four Noble Truths, the Eightfold Path, and the concept of mindfulness. 

Hanh’s approach is both profound and practical, emphasizing how these teachings can be applied in everyday life for better living and mindful awareness.

“Loving What Is” by Byron Katie

Byron Katie introduces “The Work,” a process of self-inquiry that teaches individuals to identify and question the thoughts that cause suffering. 

The book provides a straightforward and transformative method for dealing with stress and achieving mental clarity. 

Katie’s approach helps readers challenge their negative beliefs and change their mindset to embrace reality as it is.

“Heal Your Body” by Louise Hay

Louise Hay’s “Heal Your Body” is a reference guide to the mental causes for physical illness and how to overcome them. 

Hay offers specific affirmations and thought patterns associated with various physical ailments and suggests metaphysical techniques to reverse illness by changing mental patterns.

“The Celestine Prophecy” by James Redfield

James Redfield’s “The Celestine Prophecy” is a spiritual adventure novel that explores various psychological and spiritual ideas rooted in multiple ancient Eastern traditions and New Age spirituality. 

The story follows a journey through Peru, where the protagonist uncovers nine key insights into life itself. The book is both a narrative and a guide to spiritual discovery.

“Peace Is Every Step” by Thich Nhat Hanh

This book by Thich Nhat Hanh is a gentle, thoughtful guide on how to bring mindfulness and peace into everyday life.

It offers simple practices to help you be more present and aware in your daily activities. Hanh emphasizes that peace begins with each individual, and his teachings are both accessible and profound.

“Start Where You Are” by Pema Chödrön

Pema Chödrön’s book is a guide to cultivating fearlessness and compassion in difficult times. Using traditional Buddhist wisdom, she provides tools for dealing with pain and chaos. 

The book emphasizes the importance of starting the journey to compassion and fearlessness from wherever you currently find yourself, and not waiting for some perfect, future condition.

“The Cancer Whisperer” by Sophie Sabbage

Sophie Sabbage’s “The Cancer Whisperer” is a deeply personal and moving book that chronicles her journey with cancer. 

It offers insights into how to navigate the fear, despair, and uncertainty that comes with a cancer diagnosis, and suggests ways to live more fully and fearlessly. 

Sabbage’s story is one of courage and transformation, providing hope and guidance for others facing similar challenges.