A Guide to Growth Through Women’s Voices

In a world overflowing with self-help content, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by countless tips and strategies for improving our lives. Everyone seems to have their own recipe for well-being, and as a mental health professional, I find myself part of this conversation too. But even with my background, I am constantly searching—seeking books to read, talks to watch, and podcasts to listen to.

For me, podcasts have become a daily companion, especially during my commute. They provide moments of reflection, spark inspiration, and at times, challenge me to see myself and others in new ways. The two podcasts and one audiobook I’m sharing today are not just recommendations—they are deeply personal to me. Each has resonated with me in different ways, shaping how I navigate my own growth, my work as a mental health professional, and my relationships. This is my perspective on how they’ve influenced me, and I hope they might offer something valuable to you as well.

Where Should We Begin – Esther Perel

Esther Perel’s podcast takes listeners inside real (but anonymous) therapy sessions, offering a rare glimpse into the intimate and often unspoken dynamics of relationships. Each episode feels like stepping into the room with her and her clients, witnessing the layers of connection, conflict, and longing unfold in real time.

One of the things I find most powerful about Esther’s work is how she broadens the definition of intimacy—showing that relationships extend beyond just romantic partners. Sometimes, she speaks with individuals navigating their own internal struggles, offering insight into the complexities of human connection.

What resonates with me most is her ability to gently but firmly challenge limiting beliefs. She reminds us that in couple’s therapy, there are three entities in the room: each partner, and the relationship itself. Her approach to guiding couples toward understanding and nurturing that "third presence" has deeply influenced how I think about connection—not just in therapy, but in life.

Unlocking Us – Brené Brown

I came across Brené Brown’s work long before I became a therapist, and her insights on vulnerability have shaped the way I view authenticity. In a world that often rewards self-protection and emotional suppression, it can feel risky to embrace our true selves. We are taught to hide our struggles, silence our emotions, and push through discomfort alone. But what happens when an entire society does this?

As I stepped into my role as a therapist, I realized just how much we need to unlearn these patterns. Helping people reconnect with their emotions, name them, and express them in a healthy way has become a core part of my work. And in many ways, Brené’s perspective on vulnerability has been a guiding light in that process. She offers a powerful reminder that true connection—whether in our relationships, communities, or within ourselves—begins when we allow ourselves to be seen, fully and honestly.

Maybe You Should Talk to Someone – Lori Gottlieb

My first introduction to Lori Gottlieb’s work was in a classroom, when my lecturer recommended her audiobook, Maybe You Should Talk to Someone. It was a transformative read—not just as a budding therapist, but as a person learning to navigate life’s uncertainties.

Lori offers an honest and deeply human perspective on therapy, showing that even those in the helping profession need support too. She reminds us that asking for help isn’t a weakness—it’s an act of trust. Whether you’re giving or receiving support, there is an unspoken belief in that exchange: that you are willing to be vulnerable, and that the other person will hold that vulnerability with care.

In today’s self-help culture, so much of the focus is on individual effort—on working on ourselves alone. But what these women beautifully illustrates is that being a human that grows and heals doesn't happen in isolation. We need safe communities, trusted relationships, and spaces where we feel truly heard. That, perhaps, is one of the most powerful forms of self-care we can offer ourselves.

A Gentle Reminder

Let this be a reminder that we don’t have to navigate life’s challenges alone. Growth, healing, and self-discovery happen in connection—with ourselves and with each other. When we hold space for one another with empathy and understanding, we create a world where vulnerability is met with care, and asking for support is seen as strength. Today, and every day, may we continue to walk alongside each other, offering the safety, trust, and compassion we all deserve.

Explore more from The Self Hug.

About Our Author

Yanitrasari Widyastuti is a mental health therapist and wellness consultant with a background in psychology and counselling, dedicated to empowering others on their journey to well-being. She believes in the power of empathy to inspire self-discovery and growth. Based in Jakarta, Indonesia, she begins her day with a morning walk to her favorite spot for coffee, embracing small rituals that ground her in the present.