By: Rachel Crickmar
At Therapeutic Partners, we believe that healing and personal growth don’t just happen in the therapy room—they also happen through self-reflection, learning, and practicing new skills. Whether you’re looking to improve your relationships or set healthier boundaries, the right book can be a powerful tool in your journey.
Here are six books we highly recommend to deepen your self-awareness, strengthen your emotional well-being, and empower you to live more authentically.
1. Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
If you struggle with people-pleasing, burnout, or feeling like your needs come last, this book is a must-read. Therapist Nedra Glover Tawwab breaks down the importance of boundaries in all areas of life—relationships, work, and even within ourselves. She provides practical strategies for setting and maintaining boundaries with confidence, so you can build healthier relationships and reclaim your time and energy.
Why we love it: Tawwab’s straightforward, no-nonsense approach makes boundary-setting feel doable, not daunting.
2. Attached by Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
Ever wonder why you or your partner react to relationships in certain ways? Attached explores how attachment styles—secure, anxious, and avoidant—shape our romantic connections. By understanding your attachment style, you can gain insight into your patterns, improve communication, and cultivate healthier relationships.
Why we love it: It helps break cycles of unhealthy relationships by making sense of our emotional needs and responses.
3. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
Sometimes, the most freeing thing we can do is let people be exactly who they are. Mel Robbins’ latest book teaches the power of letting go—of control, expectations, and unnecessary emotional burdens. Instead of trying to change others, Robbins encourages readers to shift their focus inward and prioritize self-care, boundaries, and inner peace.
Why we love it: It’s a refreshing take on personal responsibility and emotional freedom.
4. The New Codependency by Melody Beattie
Codependency can be sneaky—it often shows up as caring “too much,” rescuing others, or losing yourself in relationships. Melody Beattie, a pioneer in codependency recovery, helps readers recognize unhealthy patterns and reclaim their independence. This book offers tools to create relationships based on mutual respect rather than control or over-functioning.
Why we love it: Beattie offers compassionate yet firm guidance for breaking free from codependent tendencies and finding balance.
5. Daring Greatly by Brené Brown
Vulnerability is often misunderstood as weakness, but Brené Brown shows that it’s actually the key to deeper connection, courage, and resilience. Daring Greatly explores how embracing vulnerability can lead to a more fulfilling life, whether in relationships, work, or personal growth.
Why we love it: It challenges the fear of judgment and teaches us how to show up fully as ourselves.
6. The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
Based on ancient Toltec wisdom, The Four Agreements offers a simple yet powerful guide to personal freedom and inner peace. Ruiz presents four agreements to live by:
- Be impeccable with your word – Speak with integrity, say only what you mean, and avoid gossip or self-criticism.
- Don’t take anything personally – What others say and do is a reflection of their own reality, not yours.
- Don’t make assumptions – Communicate clearly and ask questions instead of creating unnecessary misunderstandings.
- Always do your best – Your best will change from moment to moment, but effort and self-compassion matter most.
Why we love it: These principles provide a simple yet profound framework for reducing suffering, improving relationships, and fostering self-acceptance.
Final Thoughts
Each of these books offers a unique perspective on healing, relationships, and personal growth. If any of these topics resonate with you, consider incorporating them into your self-care routine. And if you’d like to explore these concepts further in therapy, we’re here to support you on your journey. Simply contact us or schedule an appointment (available in person in the Raleigh, Apex, Cary, Holly Springs area or via virtual therapy)
Happy reading! 📚✨
