Books to Assist You …
Discover Romance
Selected by Philippa Perry
Amir Levine’s upcoming book, Secure, set for release in April, is based on attachment theory, which identifies four primary attachment styles: anxious, avoidant, fearful-avoidant, and secure. Levine, a psychiatrist, provides practical tools aimed at fostering security in various types of relationships, including romantic, professional, and personal connections. This book, rooted in scientific research, offers strategies not just for understanding but also for actively improving how we relate to others. While reading is a great start, Levine emphasizes the importance of ongoing effort and practice to see real change. His first book, Attached, co-authored with Rachel Heller, is also highly recommended if you’re looking for insights before April.
Philippa Perry is a psychotherapist and the author of The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read.
Enhance Your Conversational Skills
Chosen by Hannah Critchlow
Emily and Laurence Alison’s book Rapport is insightful in developing a deeper understanding of others and enhancing mutual cognitive engagement. The book highlights the evolutionary success attributed to human cooperation, suggesting that when diverse minds communicate effectively, they can balance out inherent biases and see the world more accurately. The authors, both experienced in forensic psychology, explore four personality types—monkey, T rex, lion, or mouse—each with unique communicative advantages and challenges. This guide is crucial for fostering important interpersonal skills in today’s digital age, encouraging readers to connect with others beyond digital screens.
Hannah Critchlow is a neuroscientist at Magdalene College, Cambridge University. Her forthcoming book, The 21st-Century Brain, is scheduled for release in April.
Maintain a Lasting Relationship
Recommended by Orna Guralnik
Stephen Mitchell’s Can Love Last? delves into the complex psychological dynamics of long-term relationships. Mitchell, considered a pioneer in relational psychoanalysis, uses accessible language to discuss the unconscious fears and motivations that shape our romantic bonds. By confronting issues like vulnerability and the desire for security, he helps readers navigate the challenges and rewards of committed relationships. His approach is deep and reflective, offering more than simple tips—it encourages a profound engagement with the complexities of love and intimacy.
Orna Guralnik is a clinical psychologist and psychoanalyst based in New York, known for her work on the show Couples Therapy.
Overcome People-Pleasing
Selected by Alex Curmi
The Courage to Be Disliked by Ichiro Kishimi offers a unique perspective on personal growth through a dialogue format between a philosopher and a young student. This book introduces the psychological theories of Alfred Adler, emphasizing the possibility of immediate personal change. It addresses the challenges faced by people pleasers, who often burden themselves with others’ expectations. Kishimi explores Adler’s concept of task separation, empowering readers to define their own responsibilities and boundaries, leading to greater authenticity and self-respect.
Dr. Alex Curmi is a psychiatrist and the host of the Thinking Mind Podcast.
