The Self-Esteem Workbook

Glenn Schiraldi has worked in mental health for decades, and The Self-Esteem Workbook is one of his more enduring contributions to the popular self-help shelf. The book is structured as a series of exercises grounded in cognitive behavioral therapy principles, with chapters that build on each other.

The approach is methodical. You identify negative self-talk patterns, examine the beliefs underneath them, and work through specific exercises designed to slowly change the way you respond to yourself.

It’s a workbook in the literal sense. You’re meant to write in it, do the exercises, and revisit the material over time. Reading it passively misses the point.

For readers already in therapy, it can supplement that work. For people who can’t access therapy, it’s one of the better starter resources. Pair it with Feeling Good by David Burns for a fuller library.