Book review: Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab
Hello!
I often have conversations with clients about various books. Whether I am making a recommendation for a book that gives more information on a particular therapy topic, a client is giving a recommendation for a book or we are talking about books that we are reading or have read, it is something that comes up in the therapeutic space. So in writing blog posts, I thought it would be handy to put reviews of various books. You will generally find books that have a topic or theme that presents in therapy. Today, I’m excited to share a review of Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself by Nedra Glover Tawwab. I was excited to read this book. I think that boundaries or difficulty with boundaries can present as an issue for lots of people, and often the relational conflicts that people discuss in therapy can come back to boundaries. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by other people’s demands or struggled to say no, this book might just be your new best friend.
Nedra Glover Tawwab writes this book as a licensed therapist who practices in the USA. She is really good at giving clear, practical advice, and with this book she dive into the art of setting healthy boundaries. This text offers a roadmap to reclaiming yourself and maintaining your wellbeing.
What is the book about:
The central theme of Set Boundaries, Find Peace is that setting boundaries isn’t about being rigid or harsh; it’s about protecting your mental and emotional space so you can lead a more balanced and fulfilling life. The first part of the book gives an overview of boundaries, why they are so important and the impact of not having boundaries in our life and how to identify your own boundaries so that you ca eventually communicate these in a clear way. The second part of the book gets a bit more specific about the different facets in your life where you may set boundaries which encapsulate relationships with others and relationships with yourself. Tawwab breaks down the concept of boundaries into understandable and actionable steps, making it easy to see where you might need to draw the line in your own life. There is also a quiz about how you set boundaries and areas you may need to develop.
What I Loved:
1. Practical Tips: Tawwab doesn’t just talk about boundaries in theory—she gives you real-life examples and practical advice. Whether it’s learning to say no at work or handling tricky family dynamics, the strategies are down-to-earth and can be implemented.
2. Relatable Examples: The book is packed with relatable anecdotes that help illustrate the different types of boundaries and how they play out in everyday situations. It’s easy to see yourself in these stories and get inspired to make changes in your own life.
3. Clear and Compassionate: Tawwab’s writing style is clear and compassionate. She understands that setting boundaries can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to asserting your needs. Her gentle guidance helps make the process feel manageable and empowering.
A Few Thoughts:
While Set Boundaries, Find Peace is incredibly helpful in giving an overview of boundaries and some ideas about the implementation of this. Some readers might find that the advice feels a bit generalised. Every person’s situation is unique, and while Tawwab’s tips are a great starting point, there might be times when you need to adapt the advice to fit your personal circumstances.
Set Boundaries, Find Peace is a great introductory text to boundaries, their importance and ways that others or ourself might be violating our own boundaries. However I consider difficulty in this area to be linked to our own attachment style (how we see ourself and others and how we stay connected or in relationship to others) and so implementing a boundary can be useful but may not get to the underlying attachment or relational issue. Lastly, the text is based on a CBT approach and this may not be everyone’s cup of tea.
In Conclusion:
If you’re looking for an overview into boundaries, Set Boundaries, Find Peace is a fantastic read. You may even find some of the implementation of this achievable for you. Tawwab’s practical advice and relatable examples make setting boundaries feel achievable and even empowering. It’s a great guide for anyone ready to take control of their time and energy, and to create healthier, more respectful connections with others.
Happy reading!