**Winner of the British Psychological Society Book Award**'Superbly written with excellent insights... One of the best non-fiction books I've read!' Dr Rupy Aujla, author of The Doctor's Kitchen'Fascinating... A thoroughly thought-provoking read' Dame Sarah Gilbert, author of VaxxersYou've heard that a healthy body means a healthy mind - but why? Following the exciting discovery of new anatomy in the brain, Dr Monty Lyman reveals the extraordinary implications for our physical and mental health.Could inflammation cause depression, and arthritis drugs cure it?Can gut microbes shape your behaviour through the vagus nerve?Can something as simple as brushing your teeth properly reduce your risk of dementia?Until a decade ago, we misunderstood a fundamental aspect of human health. Although the brain and the body have always been viewed as separate entities – treated in separate hospitals – science now shows that they are intimately linked. Startlingly, we now know that our immune system is in constant communication with our brain and can directly alter our mental health. This has opened up a new frontier in medicine.In The Immune Mind, Dr Monty Lyman explores the fascinating connection between the mind, immune system and microbiome, offering practical advice on how to stay healthy. A specialist in the cutting-edge field of immunopsychiatry, Lyman argues that we need to change the way we treat disease and the way we see ourselves.For the first time, we have a new approach to medicine that treats the whole human being. Read more

'Shocking, scathing, entertaining.' Guardian 'Incredibly compelling.' The Times 'Heart-breaking.' Sunday Times Where can a tin of tuna buy you clean clothes? Where is it easier to get 'spice' than paracetamol? Where does self-harm barely raise an eyebrow? Welcome to Her Majesty's Prison Service. Like most people, documentary-maker Chris Atkins didn't spend much time thinking about prisons. But after becoming embroiled in a dodgy scheme to fund his latest film, he was sent down for five years. His new home would be HMP Wandsworth, one of the largest and most dysfunctional prisons in Europe. With a cast of characters ranging from wily drug dealers to senior officials bent on endless reform, this powerful memoir uncovers the horrifying reality behind the locked gates. Filled with dark humour and shocking stories, A Bit of a Stretch reveals why our creaking prison system is sorely costing us all - and why you should care. Read more

A TIME magazine Must-Read Book of the YearEver wonder what your therapist is thinking? Now you can find out, as therapist and New York Times bestselling author Lori Gottlieb takes us behind the scenes of her practice — where her patients are looking for answers (and so is she).When a personal crisis causes her world to come crashing down, Lori Gottlieb — an experienced therapist with a thriving practice in Los Angeles — is suddenly adrift. Enter Wendell, himself a veteran therapist with an unconventional style, whose sessions with Gottlieb will prove transformative for her.As Gottlieb explores the inner chambers of her own patients’ lives — a self-absorbed Hollywood producer, a young newlywed diagnosed with a terminal illness, a senior citizen who feels she has nothing to live for, and a self-destructive twenty-something who can’t stop hooking up with the wrong guys — she finds that the questions they are struggling with are the very questions she is bringing to Wendell.Taking place over one year, and beginning with the devastating event that lands her in Wendell’s office, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone offers a rare and candid insight into a profession that is conventionally bound with rules and secrecy. Told with charm and compassion, vulnerability and humour, it’s also the story of an incredible relationship between two therapists, and a disarmingly funny and illuminating account of our own mysterious inner lives, as well as our power to transform them. Read more

How to Win Friends and Influence People (Illustrated): Timeless Wisdom for Personal and Professional Success by Dale Carnegie is a groundbreaking self-help classic that has transformed the lives of millions. Packed with timeless principles, this book provides essential techniques to improve communication, build meaningful relationships, and gain influence in both personal and professional settings.Originally published in 1936 and enhanced with modern illustrations, this edition makes Carnegie’s wisdom even more engaging and accessible. His insights into human nature and social dynamics remain just as relevant today, helping readers navigate interactions with confidence and authenticity. Whether you're looking to enhance your leadership skills, win people over, or create lasting connections, Carnegie’s strategies offer a roadmap to success.Through compelling stories and real-world examples, How to Win Friends and Influence People (Illustrated) teaches the art of persuasion without manipulation. Learn how to make others feel valued, foster positive impressions, and handle conflicts with tact. By applying these principles, readers can strengthen their ability to inspire, motivate, and lead with empathy.This book is not just about influencing others—it’s about personal transformation. Carnegie’s methods encourage self-awareness, emotional intelligence, and a deeper understanding of what drives people. With practical techniques that can be applied immediately, this guide remains an indispensable tool for anyone seeking personal growth and professional advancement.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A must-read for anyone looking to improve their social skills! The lessons in this book are invaluable, and the illustrated edition makes the content even more engaging. Carnegie’s insights on human interaction are timeless and life-changing!"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A fantastic guide to building confidence in communication. The examples provided make it easy to apply the principles in real life. Some parts felt slightly repetitive, but the advice is incredibly useful and well worth reading!"⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Carnegie’s techniques are practical and effective! The book is full of wisdom that can help in both personal and professional settings. While some ideas are common sense, the way they are presented makes all the difference."⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The book offers solid advice, but at times, it feels a bit outdated. However, the core principles are still very relevant and useful for improving communication and relationships."⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "An absolute classic! This book provides powerful insights into the psychology of human interaction. Whether you're in business, leadership, or simply want to connect better with people, this book is a game-changer!" Read more

Discover the timeless wisdom of Florence Scovel Shinn in "The Game of Life and How to Play It." This influential self-help classic delves into the profound connection between thoughts, beliefs, and the experiences that shape our lives. Shinn's teachings emphasize the power of positive thinking, affirmations, and spiritual principles to overcome challenges and manifest desired outcomes. Through anecdotes and practical guidance, she unfolds the secrets to creating a life filled with joy, prosperity, and fulfillment. Join countless readers who have found inspiration and empowerment in this enduring guide to mastering the game of life. Read more

AUDIBLE EDITOR'S PICKThe bestselling, paradigm-shifting study of neurodivergent women—those with ADHD, autism, synesthesia, high sensitivity, and sensory processing disorder—exploring why these traits are overlooked in women and how society benefits from allowing their unique strengths to flourish.As a successful Harvard and Berkeley-educated writer, entrepreneur, and devoted mother, Jenara Nerenberg was shocked to discover that her “symptoms”--only ever labeled as anxiety-- were considered autistic and ADHD. Being a journalist, she dove into the research and uncovered neurodiversity—a framework that moves away from pathologizing “abnormal” versus “normal” brains and instead recognizes the vast diversity of our mental makeups. When it comes to women, sensory processing differences are often overlooked, masked, or mistaken for something else entirely. Nerenberg explores these topics in depth, delving into:Flawed systems that focus on diagnosing younger, male populations.How people assigned female at birth are conditioned to blend in and conform to gender expectations, and how women often don’t learn about their neurological differences until they are adults, if at all.The impact of millions living with undiagnosed or misdiagnosed neurodivergences, and how the misidentification leads to depression, anxiety, low self-esteem, and shame.Practical solutions for neurodivergent people to thrive, not just survive.Divergent Mind is the much-needed answer for women who have a deep sense that they are “different.” Sharing real stories from women with high sensitivity, ADHD, autism, misophonia, dyslexia, SPD, and more, Nerenberg explores how these brain variances present differently in women and dispels widely-held misconceptions (for example, it’s not that autistic people lack sensitivity and empathy, they have an overwhelming excess of it). Nerenberg offers us a path forward, describing changes in how we communicate, how we design our surroundings, and how we can better support divergent minds. When we allow our wide variety of brain makeups to flourish, we create a better tomorrow for us all. Read more

'A thrilling new talent' PETER JAMES'Creepy, twisted and gripping' SUN'Dark, compelling and expertly paced' M. W. CRAVEN ___________________On a cold winter's morning, the body of a young boy is discovered in Epping Forest. The body is pristine and peaceful, his head resting gently on a pillow, an angel pendant clenched in his small fist. It is a murder as carefully planned as it is brutal, and there's one person DI Bishop needs back on his team to help solve such a calculated crime. Holly Wakefield, criminal psychologist for the Met Police, is better than anyone Bishop knows at getting inside the brains of psychopaths. But with the body count rising, it's going to take all their strength and resolve to stop the serial killer before any more angels are put to their rest . . .A breathtaking, page-turning thriller perfect for fans of Mark Billingham, Stuart MacBride and Robert Bryndza.___________________What readers are saying:'Wow . . . An astonishingly gripping novel that grabbed me by the throat from the get-go''Awestruck, I finished this book with shaking hands and a pounding heart. Edge-of-your-seat stuff. Simply brilliant''A dark, riveting and absolutely compulsive must-read''I read it in one sitting as I couldn't wait to find out how it would end''Absolute must read . . . you won't be disappointed''Total page turner from start to finish''An immensely satisfying read and an absolutely gripping thriller''Unputdownable . . . would highly recommend''Amazing . . . I read it in a day''What a brilliant read, full of tension as the investigation gains pace, great characters, dark humour, and grips you right from the start to the end''Mark Griffin strikes again. Phenomenal''The writing is more expertly crafted, drawing you deeper into the darkness and walking with the characters as the desperate events unfold''Another masterpiece from Mark Griffin''Such a thrilling read that I couldn't put it down''Tightly plotted, intricate twists and turns, very human characters' Read more

The bestselling true story and inspiration behind the hit Netflix show of how one underfunded FBI team became the first to explore the dark world of serial murderers.____________________________________________________________________'John Douglas knows more about serial killers than anybody in the world' - Jonathan Demme, director of The Silence of the LambsJohn Douglas is a former FBI Special Agent and expert in criminal profiling and behavioural science. He made a career of looking evil in the eye - and understanding it. No wonder that he was the inspiration for Special Agent Jack Crawford in The Silence of the Lambs, as well as the film's consultant on the reality of serial killers.Douglas invented and established the practice of criminal profiling, and submerged himself in the world of serial killers in a quest to understand why they killed, and to help prevent more innocent lives from being ended by future killers.As his serial crime unit developed from a derided two-bit operation in a dingy officer to one of the FBI's elite task forces, Douglas personally confronted the most terrible crimes of the age, including those of Jeffrey Dahmer, Charles Manson, Ted Bundy and the Atlanta child murderer.With the fierce page-turning power of a bestselling novel, yet terrifyingly true, Mindhunter is a true crime classic.____________________________________________________________________'John Douglas is the FBI's pioneer and master of investigative profiling.' - Patricia Cornwell'A cracker of a book' - Esquire Read more

'Wise and perceptive. [It] teaches self-compassion and the consolations of kindness. I recommend it.' SALLY BRAMPTON, author of Shoot the Damn DogDEVELOP YOUR FEELINGS OF COMPASSION AND INCREASE YOUR SENSE OF WELL-BEING In societies that encourage us to compete with each other, compassion is often seen as a weakness. Striving to get ahead, self-criticism, fear, and hostility towards others seem to come more naturally to us.The Compassionate Mind explains the evolutionary and social reasons why our brains react so readily to threats - and reveals how our brains are also hardwired to respond to kindness and compassion.Research has found that developing kindness and compassion for ourselves and others builds our confidence, helps us create meaningful, caring relationships and promotes physical and mental health. Far from fostering emotional weakness, practical exercises focusing on developing compassion have been found to subdue our anger and increase our courage and resilience to depression and anxiety. 'As one of Britain's most insightful psychologists, Gilbert illuminates the power of compassion in our lives.' OLIVER JAMES, AUTHOR OF AFFLUENZA Read more

An extraordinary account of life behind the locked doors of a secure psychiatric ward from a nurse who worked there for seven years. Dennis O'Donnell started work as an orderly in the Intensive Psychiatric Care Unit of a large hospital in Scotland in 2000. In his daily life he encountered fear, violence and despair but also a considerable amount of care and compassion. Recounting the stories of the patients he worked with, and those of his colleagues on the ward, here he examines major mental health conditions, methods of treatment - medication, how religion, sex, wealth, health and drugs can bear influence on mental health, the prevailing attitudes to psychiatric illness, the authorities, the professionals & society. What emerges is a document of humanity and humour, a remarkable memoir that sheds light on a world that still remains largely unknown. 'This is a superb study of people whose minds have gone wrong, and the art of caring for them' Evening Standard Read more

BIONIC TEXT FORMAT ALSO AVAILABLE'A sledgehammer of a book putting to bed all the cynicism and misinformation around a condition that affects so many hidden, brilliant people' Professor Tanya Byron'Laugh out loud funny and deeply validating - every person who thinks ADHD isn't real should read this book' Leanne Maskell, author of ADHD: An A to ZNobody should spend their life feeling defective. Everyone deserves to have a user manual to their brain - welcome to yours. Once associated more with hyper boys than adults, ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) is now recognised as a condition in need of a rebrand which affects people of all genders and ages in a multitude of ways. In this enlightening and definitive layman's guide, Kat Brown cheerfully smashes the stereotypes with scientific evidence, historical context, and practical support for ADHD minds across areas that can cause problems, from finances and work to self-medicating, relationships, hormones and self-esteem. Based on Kat's personal experience and extensive interviews with ADHDers and world-leading clinical experts, It's Not A Bloody Trend is for anyone wondering if what's always been 'wrong' with them might just be undiagnosed ADHD. Read more

All 90 Tools Vetted & Recommended by a Team of Licensed Psychologists Specializing in ACT for Treating Anxiety, OCD, Depression, Addiction & More…Additional Resource Included: The 6-Week ACT JournalA Printable Daily Journal with 136 Daily Action Guides & Writing Prompts to Cultivate Resilience, Self Compassion and a Peaceful, Fulfilling Life.ACT has proven so effective in over 100 scientific studies with 1000s of participants because of its radically counterintuitive approach.The American Psychological Association has found ACT is a successful evidence-based treatment for these and other mental health conditions.Living with the heavy weight of depression, PTSD, OCD, or other conditions can be like constantly struggling against waves in the ocean.ACT teaches us to accept and swim with the waves, toward the life we want, instead of getting stuck constantly crashing against them.We all have patterns and behaviors that keep us from living to our fullest potential, and keep us stuck in painful memories or emotions.But once you’re aware of these patterns, you get one step closer to living the life you want to live.Getting there is often a difficult journey. Luckily there are resources available to help.Created in collaboration with a team of licensed psychologists and ACT specialists, this book was created to streamline the effective principles of ACT into one easy to use collection of 90 unique and powerful therapeutic tools. For use individually, or with professionals in a therapeutic setting.Using just some of the tools in this book you’ll discover:✅ The Fool-Proof Meditation Used By The Navy Seals. To Reduce Anxiety (Even In High-Stress Situations)✅ Advice On Which Tools To Use In Which Situations. So You Always Have A Tool For Any Challenge That Comes Up (Based On The Effective 6 Core Processes Of Act)✅ The Famous Technique Used By Alcoholics Anonymous. To Live A Life Of Acceptance — Even In Difficult Moments✅ How to Uncover The Hidden Neurology Of Your Behavior And Help Break Cycles Of Spiraling Emotions Or Relapse✅ How to Make Feelings of Calm & Acceptance Nearly Automatic. Using Two Simple Grounding Techniques — That Help Even If Your Day Is Busy & Stressful.✅ Quickly & Naturally Deflate Tension With A Surprisingly Effective Visualization Technique + How To Use It Anytime Anywhere, Even In Difficult Moments or With Strong Emotions✅ A 7-Step Process To Transform Any Meal Into A Powerful Grounding Experience. Filling You With Sensations Of Gratitude, Presence & Peace✅ How to Tap Into a Key Sanskrit Concept For Reducing Suffering. Central To Many Ancient Eastern Philosophies For Letting Go.✅ A Meditation Designed For Processing Difficult Emotions or Chronic Pain. That Allows You To Move Away From Suffering And Closer To Acceptance✅ 3 Powerful Act Metaphors Distilled Into Ready-To-Use Tools To Make Becoming Aware Of Self Defeating Negative Thoughts As Easy As Listening To A Conversation(But It’s Not Just The ACT Toolbox, You’ll Receive Even More Support)To Accelerate Your Discovery and Use of ACT as Much as Possible You’ll Get Access to Additional an ACT Resource.📔 The 6-Week ACT journal. A 42 day program filled with entirely new reflection prompts you can use daily to accelerate your progress with ACT and your mental health journey. This Toolbox & resources aren’t a complicated textbook with theoretical ideas. They’re a practical collection of ready-to-use tools that utilize the effective principles of ACT.So if you’re ready to deepen your practice of ACT and move towards a life of greater acceptance and mental health, secure a copy today. Read more

As this bestseller predicted, Trump has only grown more erratic and dangerous as the pressures on him mount. This new edition includes new essays bringing the book up to date—because this is still not normal. Originally released in fall 2017, The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump was a runaway bestseller. Alarmed Americans and international onlookers wanted to know: What is wrong with him?That question still plagues us. The Trump administration has proven as chaotic and destructive as its opponents feared, and the man at the center of it all remains a cipher.Constrained by the APA’s “Goldwater rule,” which inhibits mental health professionals from diagnosing public figures they have not personally examined, many of those qualified to weigh in on the issue have shied away from discussing it at all. The public has thus been left to wonder whether he is mad, bad, or both.The prestigious mental health experts who have contributed to the revised and updated version of The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump argue that their moral and civic "duty to warn" supersedes professional neutrality. Whatever affects him, affects the nation: From the trauma people have experienced under the Trump administration to the cult-like characteristics of his followers, he has created unprecedented mental health consequences across our nation and beyond. With eight new essays (about one hundred pages of new material), this edition will cover the dangerous ramifications of Trump's unnatural state.It’s not all in our heads. It’s in his. Read more

What if society wasn't fundamentally rational, but was motivated by insanity? This thought sets Jon Ronson on an utterly compelling adventure into the world of madness.Along the way, Jon meets psychopaths, those whose lives have been touched by madness and those whose job it is to diagnose it, including the influential psychologist who developed the Psychopath Test, from whom Jon learns the art of psychopath-spotting. A skill which seemingly reveals that madness could indeed be at the heart of everything . . .Combining Jon Ronson's trademark humour, charm and investigative incision, The Psychopath Test is both entertaining and honest, unearthing dangerous truths and asking serious questions about how we define normality in a world where we are increasingly judged by our maddest edges.'The belly laughs come thick and fast – my God, he is funny . . . provocative and interesting' – Observer Read more

'Wise, timely and eloquent... A joy to read.' Guardian What does it mean to be well? Is it something in our body? Or, is it rather something subjective - something of the mind? In this profound collection of clinical stories, eminent psychiatrist Dr Alastair Santhouse draws on his experience of treating thousands of hospital patients to show how our emotions are inextricably linked to our physical wellbeing. Our minds shape the way we understand and react to symptoms that we develop, dictate the treatments we receive, and influence whether they work. They even influence whether we develop symptoms at all. Written with brutal honesty, deep compassion, and a wry sense of humour, HeadFirst examines difficult cases that illuminate some of our most puzzling and controversial medical issues-from the tragedy of suicide, to the stigma surrounding obesity, to the ongoing misery of chronic fatigue. Ultimately he finds that our medical model has failed us by promoting specialization and overlooking perhaps the single most important component of our health: our state of mind. Read more

There is little more terrifying than those who hunt, stalk and snatch their prey under the cloak of darkness. These hunters search not for animals, but for the touch, taste, and empowerment of human flesh. They are cannibals, vampires and monsters, and they walk among us. These serial killers are not mythical beasts with horns and shaggy hair. They are people living among society, going about their day to day activities until nightfall. They are the Dennis Rader’s, the fathers, husbands, church going members of the community. This A-Z encyclopedia of 150 serial killers is the ideal reference book. Included are the most famous true crime serial killers, like Jeffrey Dahmer, John Wayne Gacy, and Richard Ramirez, and not to mention the women who kill, such as Aileen Wuornos and Martha Rendell. There are also lesser known serial killers, covering many countries around the world, so the range is broad. Each of the serial killer files includes information on when and how they killed the victims, the background of each killer, or the suspects in some cases such as the Zodiac killer, their trials and punishments. For some there are chilling quotes by the killers themselves. The Big Book of Serial Killers is an easy to follow collection of information on the world’s most heinous murderers. Read more

Let go of the struggle and obsess less. With this unique guide, you’ll find the tools you need to get unstuck from obsessive thoughts, overcome fears, feel more grounded, and live a life that truly reflects your values.  Pure obsessional obsessive-compulsive disorder, or “Pure O” OCD, is a subtype of OCD that is characterized by intrusive thoughts, images, or urges without any visible compulsive symptoms.  Instead, obsessive worry, regret, or uncertainty is accompanied by “hidden” compulsions like reassurance seeking, avoidance, or complex thought rituals. This can lead to decisions based on fears and compulsions rather than grounded in your values. The efforts to stop or change obsessive thoughts only leads to more anxiety and fear. So, how do you break this obsessive cycle? Grounded in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and written by a renowned ACT and anxiety expert, “Pure O” OCD explains the process of “cognitive fusion” that leads to obsessive thinking, and how efforts to avoid or control our thoughts reinforce the fusion in an unhelpful, positive feedback loop. Using the five skills in the book—labeling, letting go, acceptance, mindfulness, and proceeding with purpose—you’ll learn how to finally break free of the struggle, worrying, and avoidance that keeps you stuck. With practice, you’ll find that you can change your relationship to anxiety and obsessive thoughts, responding with your own values-based choices, proceeding purposefully toward a life that reflects what matters most to you. Read more

Tales from the Couch is collection of actual case studies and a primer on psychopathology, as well as a captivating reflection on the human condition. Drawn from Dr. Bob Wendorf’s thirty-six-year career years as a clinical psychologist, the book examines the lives of some of his most troubled patients, in a project that aims to both educate and fascinate the reader. Clinical syndromes are described and dramatized by real-life case examples (altered only as necessary to protect patient confidentiality).Each of the sixteen chapters focuses on a particular psychiatric diagnosis, including Multiple Personality Disorder, Asperger’s, and ADD. The clinical picture and symptoms are described and explained, then brought to life by case examples taken from the author’s practice. Dr. Wendorf presents the cases as a series of narratives—some dramatic, some humorous, most quite poignant. Along the way, the author offers his own reactions to the people and events described here and application to the general human condition as well.Tales from the Couch offers compelling stories of extraordinary people, clinical conditions, and events—both in and out of the therapy hour—while providing insights into the nature of human beings, mental illness, and the psychotherapeutic enterprise. Read more

Phoebe Caldwell's remarkable new book makes accessible for the first time the complex, intricate inner and sensory worlds of people whose learning disabilities are combined with autistic spectrum disorder and, often, difficult-to-manage behaviour. Based on many years of working with such people, many of whom have withdrawn into a world of their own, she explores the different sensory reality they experience, showing it to be infinitely more complex and varied than is widely understood. She introduces a practical approach known as Intensive Interaction, which uses the body language of such people - who have hitherto largely been regarded as unreachable - to get in touch with them, giving them a way of expressing themselves which shifts their attention from solitary self-stimulation to shared activity. The outcome is not only a marked improvement in behaviour and ability to communicate but, more important, many parents will say 'they are just much happier'.Covering not only the practical aspects of introducing this technique, but also the thinking behind it, this landmark book has much to say on behalf of a group that has in the past largely been denied a voice, and will open new avenues for both practice and research. It is invaluable for parents, carers, and all who work with this group. Read more

“The landmark book that argued that psychiatry consistently expands its definition of mental illness to impose its authority over moral and cultural conflict.”  — New York TimesThe 50th anniversary edition of the most influential critique of psychiatry every written, with a new preface on the age of Prozac and Ritalin and the rise of designer drugs, plus two bonus essays.Thomas Szasz's classic book revolutionized thinking about the nature of the psychiatric profession and the moral implications of its practices. By diagnosing unwanted behavior as mental illness, psychiatrists, Szasz argues, absolve individuals of responsibility for their actions and instead blame their alleged illness. He also critiques Freudian psychology as a pseudoscience and warns against the dangerous overreach of psychiatry into all aspects of modern life. Read more