Relationships, self-esteem, difficult feelings and life with yourself. Choose a topic or find an author you know.
The psychologist’s reading list
Elizaveta DmitrievnaStart with a topic that matters to you now. Each card names the author, outlines the book and offers a question for reflection. You do not have to read everything or agree with every idea.
Books found: 38
Titles and author names follow the Russian editions. Descriptions are in English; availability of an English edition is not implied.
Self-esteem
On people-pleasing and making room for your own wishes.
When do I agree even though I want to say no?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Self-esteem
On noticing your needs and expressing them without blame.
When do I agree even though I want to say no?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Self-esteem
On solitude and your relationship with yourself outside a couple.
When do I agree even though I want to say no?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Self-esteem
On the pressure to please others, boundaries and self-acceptance.
When do I agree even though I want to say no?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Inner child
Explores self-care through the idea of a caring inner parent.
What kind of support am I missing right now?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Inner child
An author's approach to childhood experiences and the need for support.
What kind of support am I missing right now?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Breakups
On experiencing a breakup and gradually returning to everyday life.
What helps me get through today?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Breakups
Reflections on letting go, expectations and love after a breakup.
What helps me get through today?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Breakups
On divorce, losing familiar routines and finding new sources of support.
What helps me get through today?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Conflict
On recurring arguments, listening and your own part in a conversation.
What am I trying to say, and what does the other person hear?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Conflict
On taking responsibility and apologising after causing hurt.
What am I trying to say, and what does the other person hear?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Conflict
On negotiation, questions and paying attention to the other person's perspective.
What am I trying to say, and what does the other person hear?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Thoughts
An author's view of beliefs and positive thinking. Read its claims critically.
Which parts of my thinking are facts, and which are assumptions?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Thoughts
On the inner critic and taking your thoughts less literally.
Which parts of my thinking are facts, and which are assumptions?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Anger
On anger and expressing it without damaging relationships.
What happens just before I start to feel angry?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Independence
On separating your wishes from others' expectations and emotional independence.
Which decision do I want to make for myself?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Relationships
On recurring relationship roles and finding agency. Responsibility for abuse lies with the person committing it.
Do I feel safe in this relationship?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Relationships
On destructive relationships and the experiences of someone living through them.
Do I feel safe in this relationship?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Relationships
On relationships with yourself and loved ones, boundaries and expectations of love.
Do I feel safe in this relationship?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Relationships
On perfectionism, self-esteem and narcissistic traits.
Do I feel safe in this relationship?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Relationships
An author's perspective on distance in relationships and difficulties with intimacy.
Do I feel safe in this relationship?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Relationships
For critical discussion
Included from the original list for critical discussion, not as a treatment guide. Attempts to change sexual orientation lack evidence of effectiveness and may cause harm.
Loss
On different experiences of loss and supporting someone who is grieving.
What kind of support would feel manageable right now?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Loss
On losing a mother and living with her absence at different stages of life.
What kind of support would feel manageable right now?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
ADHD
On everyday ADHD difficulties: procrastination, emotions and organising the day.
What conditions help me sustain my attention?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
ADHD
On ADHD in women, self-perception and finding suitable support.
What conditions help me sustain my attention?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
ADHD
On living with ADHD and strategies for attention in everyday tasks.
What conditions help me sustain my attention?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Body & anxiety
On anxiety, panic attacks and bodily sensations. A book cannot establish the cause of physical symptoms.
What do I notice in my body when I feel anxious?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Parenting
For parents: on adolescence and keeping a conversation open.
What could I listen to before offering a solution?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Parenting
For parents: on the relationship with an infant during the first year.
What could I listen to before offering a solution?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Parenting
For parents: on everyday parenting questions and communicating with a child.
What could I listen to before offering a solution?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Parenting
For parents: on children's independence and the habit of doing everything for them.
What could I listen to before offering a solution?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Parenting
For parents: on rivalry, jealousy and relationships between siblings.
What could I listen to before offering a solution?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Parenting
For parents: on changes in communication as children grow up.
What could I listen to before offering a solution?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Parenting
For parents: on talking with teenagers and listening attentively.
What could I listen to before offering a solution?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Parenting
For parents: on acknowledging a child's feelings and talking without constant arguments.
What could I listen to before offering a solution?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Parenting
For parents and teachers: on conversations about learning, motivation and responsibility.
What could I listen to before offering a solution?
You can write down your thoughts and discuss them in a consultation. You do not need to answer here.
Books can support reflection, but cannot diagnose or replace professional support. If reading becomes distressing, you can pause. Bring questions or ideas you disagree with to a consultation.