Philippa Perry Books
Philippa Perry is a British psychotherapist and author known for her accessible writing on psychology and relationships. She has written for major publications and presented television programs exploring mental health and family dynamics.
Known for: How to Stay Sane, The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)
Books by Philippa Perry

How to Stay Sane
In this concise and insightful guide, psychotherapist Philippa Perry explores how to maintain mental balance in a fast-changing world. Drawing on psychological research and practical exercises, she of...

The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)
A practical and compassionate guide to understanding how our own upbringing shapes the way we parent, offering insights into emotional connection, communication, and self-awareness to foster healthier...
Key Insights from Philippa Perry
Understanding the Mind
To stay sane, we must first understand how the mind operates. Our thoughts, feelings, and behaviors form a dynamic system—each constantly influencing the others. When we feel anxious, for example, our thoughts might spiral toward worst-case scenarios, which then fuel more anxious feelings. Breaking ...
From How to Stay Sane
The Role of Self-Observation
Self-observation is the cornerstone of emotional intelligence. Without it, we remain trapped in automatic responses, driven by unconscious fears or desires. With it, we gain the freedom to respond wisely rather than react impulsively. I often encourage clients to cultivate an internal observer—a qui...
From How to Stay Sane
Recognizing Emotional Patterns
The first step toward conscious parenting is looking at our emotional patterns — those ingrained, automatic responses we inherited from early caregivers. I often describe these as emotional footprints: the atmosphere of our childhood stays imprinted deep within us, shaping how we react to intimacy, ...
From The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)
Understanding Your Own Story
Every parent carries a story, and it is often unwritten or unspoken. I encourage you to tell yours, first to yourself. Many of our behaviors originate not from malice or neglect, but from unresolved pain — unmet needs for attention or safety that now reappear when our child mirrors them back to us. ...
From The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (And Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did)
About Philippa Perry
Philippa Perry is a British psychotherapist and author known for her accessible writing on psychology and relationships. She has written for major publications and presented television programs exploring mental health and family dynamics.
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Philippa Perry is a British psychotherapist and author known for her accessible writing on psychology and relationships. She has written for major publications and presented television programs exploring mental health and family dynamics.
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