Philippa Perry

Author

Philippa Perry is a British psychotherapist and author whose warm, wise, and often funny writing about relationships, emotions, and parenting has reached millions of readers. Her book The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read became a number one bestseller and transformed the conversation about parenting in the UK and beyond. Born in... 1957, Perry studied at Goldsmiths, University of London, and trained as a psychotherapist. She has practised psychotherapy for over twenty years and has worked extensively with individuals, couples, and families. She is married to the artist Grayson Perry, and their partnership — frequently discussed with warmth and humour in public — has made them one of Britain's most recognisable creative couples. The Book You Wish Your Parents Had Read (and Your Children Will Be Glad That You Did) (2019) distils Perry's therapeutic wisdom into a practical, compassionate guide to building better relationships with your children — and, crucially, understanding how your own upbringing affects your parenting. The book avoids prescriptive rules in favour of helping parents understand the emotional dynamics that shape families. It became a massive international bestseller, translated into numerous languages. Couch Fiction (2010) was a graphic novel about psychotherapy, illustrated by Junko Graat, that made the therapeutic process accessible and engaging. How to Stay Sane (2012) was a short, practical guide to psychological wellbeing. The Book You Want Everyone You Love to Read (and Maybe a Few You Don't) (2023) broadened her focus to all relationships — romantic, familial, and social — with the same blend of warmth, insight, and practical wisdom. Perry writes about complex psychological ideas with clarity and without jargon, making therapy's insights available to people who may never sit in a therapist's chair. The audiobook editions of Perry's books are warm and engaging. Her books and audiobooks are essential for anyone who wants to understand themselves, their relationships, and their families more deeply. Read more Show less