Recommended Books and Workbooks for Teens

In my clinical practice, I often recommend to my teenage clients different books, workbooks, and cards that can supplement and reinforce the therapeutic work we do together. These resources offer activities, exercises, and information that can be helpful for adolescents aged 13 to 17.

It is important to keep in mind that the books do not replace seeking professional help from a psychologist, psychiatrist, psychotherapist or other health professional, especially for more severe and complex problems. Rather, these recommended resources can be a good place to start and can complement the services you are receiving.

Topics covered by the books listed below include: relaxation techniques; mindfulness and meditation; self-esteem building exercises; learning to focus on the positive; strategies to cope with depressed feelings, stress, or anxiety; skills to improve communication and relationships, and much more.

Recommended Books and Resources for Teens List

Workbooks for Teens summary per book

Mindfulness for Teen Anxiety: A Workbook for Overcoming Anxiety at Home, at School, and Everywhere Else

This recommended workbook focuses on helping adolescents take control over their anxiety by learning all about developing mindfulness skills. The workbook offers teens proven-effective, mindfulness-based practices, such as special breathing exercises and guided visualization exercises and many other tips, to help them overcome anxiety at home, at school, and in other situations.

Beyond the Blues: A Workbook to Help Teens Overcome Depression

This workbook by Lisa M. Schab LCSW offers many activities to help teens overcome depression and low self-esteem. For example, teens learn to focus on the positive, create balanced lives, assert themselves, and improve communication skills.

Don’t Let Your Emotions Run Your Life for Teens: Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills for Helping You Manage Mood Swings, Control Angry Outbursts, and Get Along with Others

This one explains and teaches dialectical behavior therapy skills including mindfulness, emotion regulation, and distress tolerance in order to help teens manage mood swings, control their anger and painful emotions, and improve their relationships with others.

The Stress Reduction Workbook for Teens: Mindfulness Skills to Help You Deal with Stress

This workbook by Gina M. Biegel MA LMFT teaches mindfulness, meditation, and relaxation skills as well as other tools in order to help teens deal effectively with their stress.

The Anxiety Workbook for Teens: Activities to Help You Deal with Anxiety and Worry

This workbook by provides 42 different activities to help teens cope with their anxiety and worries by learning relaxation skills, problem-solving skills, and ways to challenge their thinking.