According to couples therapy experts, there are 11 relationship books that can help strengthen your partnership—including one that a therapist says has actually saved several of her clients' marriages.
Whether you've been in a relationship for a few months or a few years, there are always ways to work on yourself and your relationship with your partner. Sometimes this means reading books that were written for that specific purpose.
Which books are actually useful and would be good to read?
Mating in Captivity: Unlocking Erotic Intelligence
Ester Perel
Recommended for couples who have been together forever
Last Updated 2024-11-12 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
Longer-term relationships "remove" lust from the love equation, especially if we don't realize it's happening. This book is incredibly creative about the skills we need to bring back the sexuality between the sheets, the excitement and chemistry that once existed in the honeymoon phase.
The Seven Principles For Making Marriage Work
John Gottman
It is recommended for couples who are considering going to therapy
Last Updated 2024-11-12 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
John Gottman has been researching relationships and couples for decades. Therapist Cynthia Catchings says: “I love this book because it has actually saved marriages. Although there is no single, ultimate book that can solve all relationships, as all couples and individuals are different, this one comes pretty close. It shows some empirical basis and allows the reader to learn and share the information themselves. That is why this book is considered a gem in the therapeutic world. Definitely worth reading.”
Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself
Bosom Glover Tawwab
Recommended for couples who have trouble setting boundaries
Last Updated 2024-11-12 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
This book encourages and trains you to set healthy boundaries, which are key to connecting with yourself and ensuring a relationship you feel comfortable with.
The Untethered Soul: The Journey Beyond Yourself
Michael A. Singer
Recommended for couples who feel stuck
Last Updated 2024-11-14 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
Psychology expert, author and life coach dr. Cheyenne Bryant says it's one of the best books she's ever read. Why? This book teaches you principles that awaken your soul and shift your perception into a non-judgmental space full of unconditional love.
Mindful Relationship Habits
SJ Scott and Barrie Davenport
It is recommended for couples who have difficulty listening to each other
Last Updated 2024-11-12 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
It's so easy to get to the point where we don't listen to others or react violently to everything. We especially see this in relationships with friends, family, children and especially in intimate relationships. This book teaches us how to truly understand, listen and support our loved ones.
Hold Me Tight: Seven Conversations for a Lifetime of Love
dr. Sue Johnson
It is recommended for relationships in which mainly one partner faces problems
Last Updated 2024-11-14 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
When you're in a difficult situation and you're feeling bad, it's easiest to blame your partner for everything that goes wrong instead of looking at yourself. This book is a reminder that your partner is most often not the enemy; your negative vicious cycle is your enemy.
Mental Detox
Cheyenne Bryant
Recommended for anyone who has ever been in a toxic relationship
Last Updated 2024-11-12 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
For his book, Dr. Bryant says it's about promoting awareness of the differences between healthy and toxic relationships. He adds: "It teaches the reader how important self-care and self-love are in order to maintain healthy relationships." Two things that many of us should practice more!
Come as You Are
Emily Nagoski
Recommended for couples who want to spice things up in the bedroom
Last Updated 2024-11-12 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
Therapist Rachel O'Neill has spent her career working with couples who have experienced intimate relationship difficulties. Two books he can claim to have helped couples are Come as You Are and Better Sex Through Mindfulness by Lori Brotto. "Both books can be helpful to couples interested in exploring ways to share sexual intimacy," he says.
The Attachment Theory Workbook
Annie Chen
It is recommended for couples who prefer to "learn" with the help of visuals
Last Updated 2024-11-12 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
More interactive than a typical relationship book, this workbook contains practical exercises to help you move from insecurity to security in your relationship.
Eight Dates: Essential Conversations for a Lifetime of Love
John Gottman and Julie Schwartz Gottman
Recommended for couples who are no longer dating
Last Updated 2024-11-12 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
The book involves the reader and invites them on eight dates to talk more and try to improve their relationship. Each of the eight dates covers one of the most important topics that couples deal with. A book that strengthens relationships!
The Body Keeps the Score
Bessel van der Kolk
Recommended for anyone who has ever experienced trauma
Last Updated 2024-11-12 / Affiliate Links / Photo Source: Amazon Product Advertising API
Everyone experiences trauma in their lives, and it affects people and relationships. This book empowers you to make sense of your stories and traumas and move your mind and body forward on the healing journey.
Buy books without VAT on Amazon
Slovenian legal entities - liable for VAT - they can shop on Amazon.de without VAT - value added tax, as long as your company registers on Amazon.de as a business user. Registration is quick and easy, and with it you get special business discounts!
Article may contain affiliate links.
