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What Are the Best Sources of Self-Help Advice?

Laura M. Sands
Laura M. Sands

Among the best sources of self-help advice are books, audiotapes, seminars and personal therapy. In-person and online support groups may also be an excellent resource for those who are striving to learn better personal development techniques. Often, television talk shows and Internet lectures may also be a good source of sound self-help advice.

Individuals interested in eliminating bad habits and creating productive new habits often find self-help advice from books and blogs authored by people who have already achieved success in these areas. Self-help books have long been used as sources of personal empowerment. With the advent of the Internet and the creation of electronic readers, some also find valuable advice contained in a self-help electronic book.

A self-help therapist may work one-on-one with a person to help them master certain emotional and life skills through self-help advice.
A self-help therapist may work one-on-one with a person to help them master certain emotional and life skills through self-help advice.

Self-help audio tapes are among the most convenient ways of obtaining self-help advice. Often, audiobooks and recorded lectures can be listened to while driving, exercising, doing housework or simply relaxing. In addition to tapes, many self-help strategies are recorded on compact discs (CDs), for MP3 devices and are even offered as streaming audio over the Internet.

Reading self-help books may offer different tips for overcoming challenges.
Reading self-help books may offer different tips for overcoming challenges.

Certain individuals specialize in teaching effective self-help techniques. A life coach or a self-help therapist will often work in a one-on-one setting to help clients master certain emotional and life skills by offering useful self-help advice. Often, these individuals will also design a detailed self-help program that can be shared individually or facilitated through a self-help support group.

Individuals who are struggling to cope with a physical injury may find self-help programs beneficial.
Individuals who are struggling to cope with a physical injury may find self-help programs beneficial.

Those looking for self-help advice can often find resources in a public library or by using an Internet search engine. University students and faculty often find a plethora of resources available on their school’s website. Others may discover a wealth of related literature at neighborhood or online book stores.

Many access self-help advice from a parent, mentor or a trusted friend. Often, the individuals offering advice have gained wisdom through certain life experiences, which are helpful to those in need of advice. Often, this type of self-help sharing is most valued as it comes from a personal acquaintance who may be able to contribute additional insight that a self-help book or an audio lecture may not be able to. Internet forums are another way to attain insightful self-help advice, particularly if that forum is dedicated to a particular skill a person hopes to improve upon or a habit she wishes to eliminate. An example would be a forum dedicated to overcoming anxiety, improving communication, becoming more organized or learning better time management strategies.

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    • A self-help therapist may work one-on-one with a person to help them master certain emotional and life skills through self-help advice.
      By: saap585
      A self-help therapist may work one-on-one with a person to help them master certain emotional and life skills through self-help advice.
    • Reading self-help books may offer different tips for overcoming challenges.
      By: Dudarev Mikhail
      Reading self-help books may offer different tips for overcoming challenges.
    • Individuals who are struggling to cope with a physical injury may find self-help programs beneficial.
      By: joyb0218
      Individuals who are struggling to cope with a physical injury may find self-help programs beneficial.