Relationship with self and others
These pages offer lists of recommended resources on various themes, including books, websites, apps and more. They have been put together by members of the counselling service team: we hope they offer some useful suggestions. We have included a range of resources and, inevitably, you may find that some things are more helpful than others. Feedback is always welcome; the pages are updated on a regular basis.
A note on language: Sections are organised by theme to help you find your way to resources relevant to you. We recognise that there are many ways to describe and categorise mental health and emotional difficulties, identity and lived experience. As such, these themes are by no means definitive or exhaustive. We encourage you to explore the material here in order to find out what fits for you.
The University is not responsible for the content displayed on external links. We recommend that you seek advice from your GP if you have concerns about your mental health, or if you are experiencing a crisis please refer to our student help page for urgent support.
Read
Books
The Happiness Trap: stop struggling, start living - Russ Harris
The Compassionate Mind: a new approach to life's challenges - Paul Gilbert (Bodleian e:book available)
Overcoming low self-esteem: a self-help guide to using cognitive behavioural techniques - Melanie Fennell (Bodleian e:book available)
Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead - Dr. Brené Brown
The Gifts of Imperfection: Your Guide to a Wholehearted Life - Dr. Brené Brown
Real Talk: Lessons from Therapy on Healing and Self-Love - Tasha Bailey
The book you wish your parents had read (and your children will be glad that you did) - Philippa Perry (Bodleian e:book available)
Mindfulness: a practical guide to finding peace in a frantic world - Mark Williams and Danny Penman
Nurturing natures: Attachment and children’s emotional, sociocultural and brain development - Graham Music
Attached - Dr Amir Levine and Rachel Heller
Inside lives: Psychoanalysis and the growth of the personality - Margot Waddell
The imposter cure : how to stop feeling like a fraud and escape the mind-trap of imposter syndrome - Dr Jessamy Hibberd
Reinventing your life: the breakthrough program to end negative behavior and feel great - Jeffrey Young, Janet Klosko and Aaron Beck (Bodleian e:book available)
Emotional First Aid: Healing Rejection, Guilt, Failure and Other Everyday Hurts - Guy Winch (Bodleian e:book available)
Arguments - School of Life (Bodleian e:book available)
Constructive Wallowing: How to Beat Bad Feelings by Letting Yourself Have Them - Tina Gilbertson
Websites
The Mix - Essential Support for under 25's
Facing your feelings worksheet
Support for Emotional Distress | Resources for Resilience
Coping with anger | Mental Health Foundation
Dr Kristin Neff on Self-Compassion
The Compassionate Mind Foundation
Brené Brown - Podcasts, Articles, Videos
Watch
Dare to Disagree - TEDTalk by Margaret Heffernan
The Power of Introverts - Susan CainGraham Music
The Power of Vulnerability - Brené Brown
Listen
Our Mental Wellness Series organised by the Experimental Psychology Department at Oxford University
A series of talks and presentations developed by the Oxford University Counselling Service
Self Compassion Part 1 - Oxford University Podcasts
Esther Perel Podcast on Relationships
Learn
Workshops
Workshops and Groups - University of Oxford
- Undergraduate Group - by counsellor referral
- Postgraduate Group - by counsellor referral
- Managing Strong Emotions
- Perfectionism
- Courage to Connect
- Introduction to Mindfulness
- Students of Colour Workshops and Group
- Endings at Oxford
- Assertiveness Training
- Managing Emotions