The Best Books on Sophrology for Beginners

Sophrology has been taught in French and Spanish for decades, but books in English are fairly new. That’s good news if you’d like to learn at your own pace: there are now a handful of beginner-friendly titles, most of them with exercises you can follow from the page and, in several cases, audio recordings.

This is a short guide, not a ranking. We describe each book from the information the publishers and authors provide, and we haven’t tested the exercises ourselves. Where a book makes claims about health, treat them as the author’s view rather than established fact.

Quick comparison

The Life-Changing Power of Sophrology (Dominique Antiglio, 2018)

Published by Yellow Kite, this is the one most English-speaking readers meet first. The author’s own site describes it as the first widely published book on sophrology in English. It combines an explanation of the method with case studies, everyday exercises and an audio guide. According to its listing, it comes with 13 audio downloads.

Antiglio is a Swiss-born sophrologist who holds a Master’s in Caycedian Sophrology, awarded in 2006, and founded a sophrology practice in London.

Best for: readers who want a general introduction with practical exercises for stress, sleep and confidence.

The Sophrology Method (Florence Parot, 2019)

Published by Gaia, this book is subtitled “Simple techniques for a calmer, happier, healthier you”. Parot is a sophrologist and coach, and she also wrote an earlier introduction to the method (see below).

Best for: readers who want a technique-focused introduction from a practitioner.

Empower Your Life with Sophrology (Philip Carr-Gomm, 2019)

Published by CICO Books, this illustrated book offers 26 exercises, each with an accompanying audio recording, and short “afterthoughts” to help you reflect after each one.

Best for: people who like a “pick one exercise and try it” format, especially if they learn better by listening than by reading.

Instant Serenity for Life and Work (Florence Parot, 2012)

An earlier introduction to the method by Parot, published by the Sophrology Academy. It’s the oldest title here, so it’s best used as a supplement to a newer book.

Best for: readers who already know the basics and want a second voice.

Other titles

You’ll find a few more self-published and ebook titles on sophrology, including works by Lorena Luchian and Dorna Revie. We haven’t reviewed them, so we don’t make a recommendation.

How to get the most from a book

1. Start with the audio if there is one. Sophrology exercises are meant to be followed by voice, with your eyes closed. Reading a script while you practice is awkward.
2. Do one exercise for a week. Repeating a short exercise teaches you more than skimming ten of them.
3. Take the pauses seriously. After each exercise, stop for a moment and notice what you feel. This integration pause is part of the method.
4. Use the gentle version. If you’re pregnant, have a heart or blood pressure condition, or simply feel uncomfortable holding your breath, skip any breath hold and breathe normally. Our 10-minute stress exercise shows how to adapt each step.
5. Stop if something doesn’t feel right. Relaxation practices are generally safe, but they can occasionally bring up anxiety or unwelcome thoughts. If that happens often, talk to a doctor or a qualified practitioner.

When a book isn’t enough

A book can’t see how you’re doing, adjust an exercise or notice that something isn’t working. If you want guidance, consider a few sessions with a trained practitioner. Our guide explains how to find a qualified sophrologist. If you’re still deciding whether sophrology is for you, start with what sophrology is and how it compares with meditation, mindfulness and hypnosis.

None of these books replaces medical or psychological care. If you’re dealing with severe or lasting anxiety, low mood or sleep problems, see a doctor or therapist first. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988 in the US, or contact Samaritans on 116 123 in the UK and Ireland.