Essential Mental Health Books for your Well-Being

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Welcome to my ongoing list of essential mental health books for your well-being! As a mental health counselor, I frequently recommend these books to my patients to support their personal goals and healing process. This curated collection covers a wide range of topics including self-awareness, conscious living, better relating, and finding meaning.

Be sure to check back regularly as I continue to update this list with new recommendations based on relevance to becoming happier and content in your life. 

Also, I invite you to leave a comment sharing your own book suggestions related to mental well-being and why you recommend them. Let’s create a resource of empowering books that promote better understanding, empathy, and emotional awareness, developing healthier connections within our communities.

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Recommended Books

Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art” by James Nestor is a captivating exploration of the science behind breathing and its profound impact on our health and well-being. Nestor investigates the link between breathing patterns and various health conditions such as asthma, anxiety, and sleep disorders. He explores the role of nasal breathing versus mouth breathing, highlighting the importance of proper breathing techniques in optimizing oxygen intake and promoting overall health. Through engaging anecdotes and scientific findings, Nestor uncovers the potential of breath work to enhance physical performance, reduce stress, and improve overall quality of life. He introduces readers to practical exercises and techniques that can help them harness the power of breath for better health and vitality.


Mastery” by Robert Greene is a compelling book that examines the paths taken by historical and contemporary masters in various fields to achieve extraordinary success. The book looks into the psychological traits and strategies that enable individuals to attain mastery in their fields, emphasizing the value of persistence, creativity, and continuous learning. Greene emphasizes the importance of learning from mentors, acquiring practical skills through apprenticeship, and developing a deep understanding of one’s chosen craft or profession.


In his book Inner Engineering, Sadhguru explains the yogic concepts behind his program. He says that to “engineer” something means to design it to be the way you want it. We engineer the world around us constantly, but we neglect to engineer our inner world. Yoga, he explains, is not an exercise, nor a belief system—it’s a technology for managing your body, mind, and energy in a way that creates optimal conditions for your life. If you manage your physical and mental processes consciously, Sadhguru says your whole life experience will be of your own making. 


In A New Earth, Eckhart Tolle asserts that human consciousness is trapped in a state of dysfunction because we are controlled by our ego, which drives us to seek fulfillment by owning things and feeling superior to others. This has led to harm to both our planet and our species because of consumerism, ideological wars, pollution, and more. Tolle argues that we must undergo an evolution of consciousness if humanity and the earth are to survive. A New Earth aims to teach people how to do this: how to elevate their consciousness by becoming aware of their ego-driven thought and behavior patterns, and how to overcome those patterns.


Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl is a powerful and deeply moving book that recounts Frankl’s experiences as a Holocaust survivor and psychiatrist. In the main part of the book, Frankl describes his time in Nazi concentration camps and the immense suffering he endured. Despite facing unimaginable horrors, Frankl explores the idea that individuals can find meaning and purpose in life even in the most challenging circumstances.


After the passing of Kute Blackson’s mother in 2017, he discovered that the powerful lesson his mother had been modeling her whole life had always been at the heart of his own teachings–he just hadn’t realized it. What was that keen insight? Surrender isn’t passive. It isn’t giving up. It’s strong and courageous. It’s about tapping in. In this inspiring book, Blackson traces how surrender was a key factor in the lives of so many great people throughout history, and shows readers how they can move past self-imposed barriers in their lives to discover the freedom and possibility on the other side of surrender.


The Seat of the Soul” by Gary Zukav explores profound spiritual concepts in the context of personal growth and self-discovery. The book dives into themes of consciousness, intention, and authentic power, emphasizing the importance of aligning our thoughts and actions with spiritual values. Zukav explores the idea of the soul as the driving force behind our existence, guiding readers on a journey to understand the deeper purpose of life and our interconnectedness with the universe. “The Seat of the Soul” invites readers to cultivate a more meaningful and fulfilling life grounded in spiritual awareness and intentionality.


The Choice” by Dr. Edith Eger is a profound memoir that recounts her experiences as a Holocaust survivor and later as a renowned psychologist. The book explores themes of resilience, healing, and the power of choice in overcoming trauma and adversity. Dr. Eger shares her harrowing experiences in Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II, where she endured unimaginable suffering and loss. Despite facing extreme hardship, Eger survived and eventually moved to the United States, where she pursued a career in psychology. Through her work as a therapist, Dr. Eger delves into the psychological impact of trauma and shares powerful stories of transformation and healing. She emphasizes the importance of taking ownership of our lives and making conscious choices to break free from the grip of past trauma and pain.


In the interactive, practice-informed book The Four Essential Pillars of Boundary Settings, Catherine G. Cleveland, a PhD-trained Licensed Mental Health Counselor and author, addresses the four essential pillars of setting boundaries: identifying values, setting boundaries, incorporating consequences, and addressing emotions, behaviors, and self-sabotage. The book is designed to be written in because the act of writing has a profound impact on the brain’s plasticity, influencing various cognitive processes and neural pathways by tapping into thoughts and feelings that we may have been avoiding for most of our lives.


The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk explores the profound impact of trauma on the body and mind. Van der Kolk, a renowned psychiatrist, discusses how trauma affects brain function, disrupts the body’s systems, and shapes behaviors. He offers insights into innovative therapies, such as neurofeedback, and emphasizes the importance of holistic approaches to healing. The book provides a comprehensive understanding of trauma and offers hope for recovery through understanding and compassionate treatment.


“The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz presents ancient Toltec wisdom in a modern context. The book offers four principles for personal freedom and fulfillment: be impeccable with your word, don’t take anything personally, don’t make assumptions, and always do your best. Ruiz explores how adopting these agreements can transform relationships, communication, and self-perception. Through simple yet profound insights, the book guides readers towards living a life of authenticity, integrity, and happiness.


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Published by Cleveland Emotional Health, LLC

Catherine is a licensed mental health counselor, author, advocate, and guest speaker located in Geneseo, NY.

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