📚 3 Books I’ve Read Recently & Recommend for Personal Growth
- Oct 7
- 2 min read
As part of my ongoing work as a counsellor, I regularly explore books that offer insight into healing, self-awareness, and emotional wellbeing.
Below are some of the titles I’ve read recently and often recommend. Whether you're starting therapy, navigating trauma, or simply wanting to understand yourself better, these books offer rich, accessible wisdom.
1. No Bad Parts by Dr. Richard Schwartz
This powerful book introduces Internal Family Systems (IFS) — a therapeutic model based on the idea that we all have different “parts” within us. Schwartz explains how even our most challenging behaviours stem from protective parts of ourselves trying to help.
🔸 Why I recommend it: It’s a compassionate and empowering guide for anyone struggling with inner conflict or self-criticism. IFS encourages us to approach ourselves with curiosity rather than shame.
🔸 Where you can find it:
2. The Body Keeps the Score by Dr. Bessel van der Kolk
A foundational text on trauma and the body, this book explores how past experiences shape our nervous system, behaviours, and health. It also introduces a range of healing approaches, including EMDR, yoga, neurofeedback, and more.
🔸 Why I recommend it: Essential reading for anyone who’s experienced trauma or works with people who have. It’s validating, informative, and hopeful.
🔸 Where you can find it:
3. The Source by Dr. Tara Swart
In The Source, neuroscientist and leadership coach Dr. Tara Swart bridges the gap between neuroscience and manifestation. She shows how changing your thoughts, beliefs, and habits can literally rewire your brain to achieve the life you want.
🔸 Why I recommend it: It's a science-based take on personal transformation that balances mindset work with brain biology. Inspiring and practical.
🔸 Where you can find it:
Final Thoughts
These books each offer something valuable—whether you’re unpacking trauma, exploring your internal landscape, or learning to trust your instincts. They’ve shaped how I think about healing, and I often find their concepts showing up in sessions and conversations.
Have you read any of these? What books have supported your growth lately? I’d love to hear.
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