How to Do the Work "Recognize Your Patterns, Heal from Your Past, and Create Your Self" by Nicole LePera, also known as "The Holistic Psychologist," is a self-help book that offers guidance on personal growth, self-awareness, and emotional healing. The book provides readers with insights and tools to understand and address patterns of behavior, heal from past wounds, and create a more authentic and fulfilling life. Here are some key ideas from the book:
Self-Awareness and Self-Reflection
LePera emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-reflection in the process of personal growth and healing. She encourages readers to examine their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to uncover underlying patterns.
The Role of Childhood Trauma
The book explores the impact of childhood trauma and adverse experiences on adult behavior and well-being. LePera discusses how unprocessed trauma can contribute to emotional and relational challenges.
Recognizing Patterns
LePera helps readers identify recurring patterns in their lives, such as self-sabotage, codependency, or perfectionism. Understanding these patterns is the first step toward change.
The Ego and Defense Mechanisms
LePera delves into the concept of the ego and how it uses defense mechanisms to protect itself. She explains how these defenses can hinder personal growth and offers strategies to work through them.
The Role of the Subconscious Mind
The book explores the power of the subconscious mind in shaping our thoughts and behaviors. LePera discusses how beliefs formed in childhood can influence adult life and provides techniques to reprogram the subconscious.
Healing and Integration
LePera introduces the concept of "integration" as a process of healing and aligning different parts of oneself. This involves acknowledging and accepting all aspects of the self, including the wounded parts.
Self-Care and Self-Compassion
The book emphasizes the importance of self-care and self-compassion as essential components of healing and personal growth. LePera provides practical self-care strategies and exercises.
Mind-Body Connection
LePera discusses the connection between physical health and emotional well-being. She highlights the role of practices like nutrition, exercise, and mindfulness in supporting mental health.
Boundary Setting
The book provides guidance on setting healthy boundaries in relationships and learning to assert one's needs and desires.
The Power of Choice
LePera empowers readers to take responsibility for their choices and to recognize that they have the power to create change in their lives.
Holistic Healing
LePera advocates for a holistic approach to healing that encompasses mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of well-being.
Practical Exercises
Throughout the book, LePera offers practical exercises, journaling prompts, and mindfulness practices to help readers apply the concepts discussed.

"How to Do the Work" encourages readers to embark on a journey of self-discovery, healing, and personal transformation. It provides a comprehensive framework for understanding and addressing patterns of behavior, healing from past wounds, and creating a more authentic and fulfilling life. LePera's approach is rooted in psychology, mindfulness, and holistic wellness practices.