A Therapist's Reading List for Growth in Self-Confidence, Finances, & Interpersonal Wellness
“You can’t always control your circumstances, but you can control how you show up for yourself.” — Viola Davis
After the holidays are over, the focus completely shifts from Mariah Carey, holiday drinks, and joking about not knowing what day it is, to the fact that another year has ended and a brand new one has begun. Once we reach this point, you may experience a slight feeling of panic, or possibly a twinge of sadness.
If that’s you, I have a good idea what some of those feelings possibly could be related to. I took some time to consider the main topics I discuss with my clients, especially during this time of year.
Based on this, I’ve categorized some focuses for the new year and created a reading recommendation list!
Books for Financial Wellness
Whether you are looking to get back on track after disrespecting your wallet during holiday gift shopping, or you recognize that your finances were a major source of stress in the previous year, these books are great for increasing clarity, helping you to create a plan, and giving you confidence as you focus on your financial wellness.
Get Good with Money by Tiffany Aliche
I Will Teach You To Be Rich by Ramit Sethi
Overcoming Underearning by Barbara Stanny
How to Talk to Your Parents About Money by Etinosa Agbonlahor
Your Money or Your Life by Vicki Robin & Joe Dominguez
Books for Starting the Year with Confidence
Januarys are typically full of vision boards and lofty declarations of how this year it’ll all be different. “New year, new me” is a popular mantra once the calendar resets to 01/01. If this year, you have decided that You are your biggest project, I’m rooting for you! Here are some book recommendations that can help set you up for success:
Homecoming by Dr. Thema Bryant
The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi
The Mountain is You by Brianna Wiest
Let Them by Mel Robbins
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Books for Healthy Relationships
After reflecting on the highs and lows of the previous year, maybe you’ve decided that you really want to have a year of healthy relationships. Relationships set the tone of our lives. So many studies show the detrimental effects of loneliness on our health, and how true success is measured by the quality of our relationships. Here are some books for friendship, romantic relationships, and others:
Sisterhood Heals by Dr. Joy
Fighting for Our Friendships by Danielle Bayard Jackson
Set Boundaries, Find Peace by Nedra Glover Tawwab
8 Rules of Love by Jay Shetty
Calling In the One by Katherine Woodward Thomas
Bonus Recommendations for my Creatives and Entrepreneurs
Is this the year you are choosing to finally pursue entrepreneurship, or pour more into creative endeavors? Over the years, I have worked with several incredible creatives and entrepreneurs. If this is you, these books can help give you the boost you need in 2026.
We Should All Be Millionaires by Rachel Rodgers
The Artist’s Way by Julia Cameron
The Genius Zone by Gay Hendricks
What is your main focus for 2026- finances, personal development, or relationships? Maybe it’s all of the above! Let me know in the comments.
I hope that these reading recommendations gave you a grounded place to start your new year. These books give you options of how to build and strengthen your relationships with money, self, and others. Let me know if this helped to ease any uncertainty or urgency you may have felt about starting the new year. Sometimes the most productive first step is simply choosing what you want to learn, reflect on, and grow into next.
As Always, Be Well!
~Jessica Herd, LMHC-D
P.S.
I’d love to continue this conversation with you! Schedule a free consultation call today.
Are you getting my monthly newsletter? Sign-up for the monthly newsletter here.
Resources:
National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial “988”
Text Crisis Line: Text “HELLO” to 741741
