From finding love to becoming a better parent, leading experts including Philippa Perry, Paul Dolan, and Orna Guralnik have revealed the self-help books they believe can genuinely change lives. The recommendations span attachment theory, interpersonal skills, and psychoanalysis, offering practical tools grounded in research.
Psychotherapist Philippa Perry chose Amir Levine’s 'Secure', due out in April, which applies attachment theory to help readers feel more secure in all relationships. She notes that the book is based on neuroscience and research, but warns that reading alone is not enough: 'You’d have to do the work and then keep up the practice.' For those who cannot wait, she recommends Levine’s earlier book, 'Attached', co-written with Rachel Heller.
Neuroscientist Hannah Critchlow selected Emily and Laurence Alison’s 'Rapport', which draws on their experience as forensic psychologists. The book categorises personalities into four types—monkey, T rex, lion, or mouse—to help readers understand communication strengths and weaknesses. Critchlow emphasises the importance of building rapport in a digital age, saying it can 'balance out biases so they can start to see the world more accurately'.
Clinical psychologist Orna Guralnik recommended Stephen Mitchell’s 'Can Love Last?', a relational psychoanalysis text that explores unconscious dilemmas in love, such as vulnerability and dependency. She praises its accessible language and depth, noting it helps couples 'be more courageous in their loving' without offering quick fixes.
Psychiatrist Alex Curmi chose Ichiro Kishimi’s 'The Courage to Be Disliked', which uses a dialogue between a philosopher and a student to introduce Alfred Adler’s ideas. The book emphasises that 'at any point you can decide to change your life', particularly helping people pleasers let go of unnecessary responsibilities.
