As a therapist, I’m always looking for resources that resonate with my clients and support them outside of our sessions. Books can be powerful tools for reflection, inspiration, and growth—often helping to deepen the work we do together. As an avid reader, I also love finding books that inspire me, and that I know will be helpful for my clients. This week, I found myself recommending three books to my clients that offer fresh perspectives on self-care, self-compassion, and the importance of rest in a world that glorifies constant productivity.
If you’re looking for resources to guide you toward greater emotional well-being and resilience, these books might be just what you need:
1. Real Self-Care by Dr. Pooja Lakshmin
What does self-care really mean? Dr. Pooja Lakshmin, a psychiatrist and women’s mental health expert offers a thought-provoking take on the concept of self-care, moving beyond what she calls faux self-care (think bath bombs and pedicures) to focus on the deeper work of reclaiming your boundaries, values, and agency.
In Real Self-Care, Dr. Lakshmin provides actionable advice for developing habits that truly nourish and empower you. This book is a favorite recommendation for clients who feel stretched thin or stuck in a cycle of “doing it all” without meeting their own needs.
"Real self-care is not a noun, it's a verb—an ongoing practice that requires intention and commitment. It's about making choices that honor your needs and values, even when it's uncomfortable."
2. The Body Is Not an Apology by Sonya Renee Taylor
Sonya Renee Taylor’s The Body Is Not an Apology is a groundbreaking exploration of radical self-love and body positivity. Taylor challenges the societal norms and biases that teach us to feel ashamed of our bodies while offering a pathway to embrace ourselves exactly as we are.
This book is an empowering read for anyone struggling with body image or self-worth. It encourages readers to dismantle harmful narratives and find freedom through unconditional self-love. This book also comes with a workbook to put the work into more practical strategies, which any good therapist can appreciate.
"Living in a female body, a Black body, an aging body, a fat body, a body with mental illness is to awaken daily to a planet that expects a certain set of apologies to already live on our tongues. There is a level of 'not enough' or 'too much' sewn into these strands of difference."
3. Rest Is Resistance by Tricia Hersey
In a culture that glorifies hustle and productivity, Tricia Hersey’s Rest Is Resistance is a breath of fresh air—and a call to action. Hersey, the founder of The Nap Ministry, reminds us that rest is not a luxury but a radical act of self-preservation, especially for those who have been marginalized by systems of oppression.
This book offers a deeply restorative perspective for clients who feel trapped in cycles of overwork and exhaustion. Hersey’s poetic and spiritual insights remind us that choosing rest is a way to reclaim our humanity and resist burnout.
"Rest, in its simplest form, becomes an act of resistance and a reclaiming of power because it disrupts and pushes back against capitalism and white supremacy."
Why I Love These Books for My Clients (and Myself)
What I appreciate most about these books is their ability to meet readers where they are while offering transformative insights that feel practical and achievable. They each reflect themes I often discuss with my clients: setting boundaries, cultivating self-love, and resisting the pressures of a society that values productivity over well-being. The overall theme of these recommendations is liberation.
If any of these books resonate with you, I’d encourage you to pick one up. They’re great companions for therapy and can offer new perspectives to explore in our sessions. And if you’re not currently in therapy but feel ready to start this journey, I’d love to help. Let’s work together to create space for your growth, healing, and rest.
Kay Foster, LISW
Author: Kay Foster
Kay Foster, LISW is a therapist and senior supervisor for Ankeny Counseling Center. She specialize in perinatal mental health, sports psychology, anxiety, depression, adult ADHD, trauma, life transitions, and relationship issues. She is also trained in EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing).
