Recommended Books
A curated reading list from our team — books we trust and recommend to clients working through OCD, anxiety, and related challenges.
Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts — Sally M. Winston & Martin N. Seif
One of the most accessible and compassionate books on intrusive thoughts. Helps readers understand why these thoughts occur, why they feel so disturbing, and how to stop giving them power. Excellent for any OCD subtype.
The OCD Workbook — Bruce M. Hyman & Cherry Pedrick
A practical, step-by-step self-help workbook grounded in ERP principles. A solid companion resource for clients actively in therapy who want to work on skills between sessions.
The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD — Jon Hershfield & Tom Corboy
Integrates mindfulness and ACT-based strategies with OCD treatment. Particularly helpful for building psychological flexibility and learning to sit with uncertainty — core skills in recovery.
The Doubting Disease — Joseph W. Ciarrocchi
The most comprehensive book on scrupulosity (religious OCD) available. Written by a psychologist with deep understanding of Catholic spirituality, it is accessible to lay readers and an invaluable resource for those whose OCD intersects with faith.
The Happiness Trap — Russ Harris
An introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) written for a general audience. Helps readers understand how struggling against difficult thoughts and feelings often makes things worse — and what to do instead.
Resolving OCD: Advanced Strategies for Overcoming Obsessional Doubt (Vol. 2) — Dr. Frederick Aardema
Building on Volume 1, this workbook takes readers deeper into I-CBT with advanced strategies for dismantling obsessional doubt and breaking free from compulsions. Ideal for those who have completed Volume 1 and are ready to apply more targeted techniques. Works best alongside active I-CBT therapy.
Resolving OCD: Understanding Your Obsessional Experience (Vol. 1) — Dr. Frederick Aardema
The first self-help guide based on Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), developed by the co-creator of the approach. Volume 1 explores how OCD distorts thinking by blurring the line between imagination and reality, helping readers identify obsessional patterns and understand the roots of their doubt. Serves as both a self-help manual and a clinical companion for clients in I-CBT therapy.
No Bad Parts — Richard C. Schwartz
Written by the founder of Internal Family Systems (IFS), this book introduces readers to the idea that every part of us — even the anxious, shameful, or self-critical parts — has a positive intention. A compassionate and accessible guide to understanding your inner world, and a natural companion to IFS-informed therapy.
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