Best 10 Self Compassion Books

1. Self-Compassion

By Dr. Kristin Neff

More and more, psychologists are turning away from an emphasis on self-esteem and moving toward self-compassion in the treatment of their patients—and Dr. Neff’s extraordinary book offers exercises and action plans for dealing with every emotionally debilitating struggle, be it parenting, weight loss, or any of the numerous trials of everyday living.  

2. The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook

By Kristin Neff, Christopher Germer

This science-based workbook offers a step-by-step approach to breaking free of harsh self-judgments and impossible standards in order to cultivate emotional well-being. In a convenient large-size format, the book is based on the authors’ groundbreaking eight-week Mindful Self-Compassion (MSC) program, which has helped tens of thousands of people worldwide. It is packed with guided meditations (with audio downloads); informal practices to do anytime, anywhere; exercises; and vivid stories of people using the techniques to address relationship stress, weight and body image issues, health concerns, anxiety, and other common problems. 

3. The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion

By Christopher K. Germer

This wise and eloquent book illuminates the power of self-compassion and offers creative, scientifically grounded strategies for putting it into action. Free audio downloads of the meditation exercises are available at the author’s website: www.chrisgermer.com.

4. Fierce Self-Compassion

By Dr. Kristin Neff

Drawing on a wealth of research, her personal life story and empirically supported practices, Neff demonstrates how women can use fierce and tender self-compassion to succeed in the workplace, engage in caregiving without burning out, be authentic in relationships, and end the silence around sexual harassment and abuse. Most women intuitively recognize fierceness as part of their true nature, but have been discouraged from developing it. Women must reclaim their power in order to create a healthier society and find lasting happiness. In this wise, caring, and enlightening book, Neff shows women how to create balance within themselves, so they can help restore balance in the world.

5. The Self-Compassion Deck

By Christopher Willard, Mitch Abblett, Tim Desmond

The Self-Compassion Deck offers 50 mindfulness-based practices for use at home, in the classroom, or therapy office. Commit to these easy, yet meaningful exercises in kindheartedness and gain a deeper appreciation for yourself and your life.

6. Radical Compassion

By Tara Brach

In this heartfelt and deeply practical book, Tara Brach offers an antidote: an easy-to-learn four-step meditation that quickly loosens the grip of difficult emotions and limiting beliefs. Each step in the meditation practice (Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture) is brought to life by memorable stories shared by Tara and her students as they deal with feelings of overwhelm, loss, and self-aversion, with painful relationships, and past trauma–and as they discover step-by-step the sources of love, forgiveness, compassion, and deep wisdom alive within all of us.

7. How to Be Nice to Yourself

By Laura Silberstein-Tirch

How to Be Nice to Yourself: The Everyday Guide to Self Compassion includes:

• Proven Strategies—Learn a variety of ways to practice self compassion daily—with meditations, writing exercises, and more.
• Practical Advice—Bring self compassion to your thoughts, emotions, and actions with exercises that can easily be applied to your daily life.
• Personalized Approach—Customize your self compassion practice with a personalized plan based on what matters to you and the kind of changes you want to see.

8. The Self-Compassion Workbook

By Joy Johnson LCSW

The Self-Compassion Workbook includes:

• Clear mind—Navigate your healing journey with ease using simple and approachable guidance, and chapters organized by thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
• Kind words—Relatable stories, and positive affirmations will remind you to refocus and remember to be compassionate.
• Self-help—Find proven strategies and exercises drawing from mindfulness, positive psychology, and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) fields.

9. The Self-Compassion Skills Workbook

By Tim Desmond LMFT

Tim Desmond’s “Map to Self-Compassion” will engage your mind, heart, and spirit. It will improve your ability to motivate yourself with kindness; regulate and defuse intense emotions, anxiety, and depression; be resilient during life’s challenges; let go of self-criticism and destructive behavior; heal painful experiences; and be more present and compassionate with others. Experience the benefits firsthand! Features downloadable audio recordings for on-the-go practice.

10. Self-Love Workbook for Women

By Megan Logan MSW LCSW

What sets this self-care journal and workbook apart from other self-love workbooks for women:

• Proven techniques—Fall in love with yourself using a variety of compassionate exercises rooted in mindfulness and positive psychology.
• Inspiring prompts and motivating activities—Explore all that you are with quizzes and journaling exercises that will help you tap into your emotions and let go of limiting beliefs. Includes writing space for reflection and introspection.
• Empowering affirmations—Boost your positivity and nurture yourself using the uplifting affirmations interspersed throughout the book.