Mental Health Resources: Books and Blogs on Self-Compassion, Anxiety, and Relationships

Books for Personal Growth

It's Not Always Depression - Hilary Jacobs Hendel

This book introduces the Change Triangle, a practical tool for understanding and processing emotions like anxiety, anger, and shame. Hendel guides readers through reconnecting with core emotions to heal past trauma, build emotional resilience, and achieve deeper self-awareness, offering a refreshing alternative to traditional approaches to mental health.

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How to Be Yourself - Ellen Hendriksen

A powerful guide for those dealing with social anxiety, this book blends practical advice with compassionate understanding, helping readers navigate social interactions and build confidence without self-criticism.

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Attached - Amir Levine

An insightful look into attachment theory, this book explains how different attachment styles affect relationships and offers practical tools to improve communication and intimacy, helping readers foster healthier connections.

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Self-Compassion - Kristin Neff

In this transformative work, Kristin Neff explains how practicing self-compassion can help individuals heal from perfectionism, self-criticism, and burnout, offering evidence-based techniques for emotional well-being.

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The Relationship Cure - John Gottman/Joan DeClaire

This book provides a practical, research-based approach to improving relationships, whether with a partner, family member, or colleague. Based on decades of studies, Gottman introduces the concept of "emotional bids" and teaches readers how to recognize and respond to these cues in ways that strengthen emotional connections and communication.

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Blogs on Self-Compassion and Relationships 

Shame and guilt - Hilary Jacobs Hendel

​In this blog, Hilary Jacobs Hendel explores how shame and guilt shape our emotional lives. She provides practical tools for understanding and releasing these emotions, helping readers move toward greater emotional freedom and self-acceptance.

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Relationships - The Gottman institute​

The Gottman Institute's blog delves into the science of healthy relationships, offering evidence-based insights on how to improve communication, manage conflict, and foster deeper emotional connections in all types of relationships.

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Social Anxiety - Ellen Hendriksen

​Ellen Hendriksen’s blog is dedicated to helping individuals overcome social anxiety with practical, compassionate advice. It offers strategies for navigating social situations, building confidence, and reducing feelings of self-consciousness.

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Mindfulness - Mellie O'Brien

This blog focuses on practical mindfulness techniques for reducing stress, improving emotional balance, and cultivating a sense of presence in everyday life. Mellie O’Brien offers easy-to-follow guidance on how mindfulness can foster personal growth and emotional well-being.

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Self-compassion - Kristen Neff

Kristin Neff’s blog emphasizes the power of self-compassion as a tool for healing and personal growth. It offers research-backed techniques to help readers develop kindness toward themselves, especially during challenging times.

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Attachment Theory - Heirloom Counselling

Heirloom Counseling's blog explores attachment theory and how early caregiver relationships impact adult connections. With a focus on different attachment styles, the blog offers practical insights for creating healthier, more secure relationships.

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