RESOURCES

Recommended Trauma Books

Reading books on trauma can be a helpful way to learn more about the impact of trauma on individuals and gain insight into ways to manage its effects. There are many books available on the topic, ranging from personal memoirs to self-help guides to research-based texts.

Authors I Highly Recommend

The individual researchers that have had the biggest impact with my understanding of trauma, that I can’t thank enough for their contribution to the field of trauma and healing. I have dedicated individual pages to each with a list of what books they have published and a direct link to their websites. I have so much gratitude to the professionals who recommended them to me.

  • The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: This book explores the ways in which trauma affects the body and mind, and provides insights into effective treatments for trauma.

I have no doubt that this list will grow.

Personal Memoirs

Personal memoirs can be a powerful way to gain insight into the experience of trauma from the perspective of those who have lived through it. Some recommended memoirs include:

  • A Long Way Gone by Ishmael Beah: Beah’s memoir chronicles his experiences as a child soldier in Sierra Leone and the impact of the trauma he endured.
  • The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls: This memoir explores the author’s experience growing up in poverty and dealing with neglect and abuse at the hands of her parents.

Self-Help Guides

Self-help guides can provide practical strategies for managing the effects of trauma and promoting healing. Some recommended self-help guides include:

  • The PTSD Workbook by Mary Beth Williams and Soili Poijula: This workbook provides practical exercises and strategies for managing symptoms of PTSD.
  • Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete Walker: This book provides insights into complex PTSD and offers strategies for healing from its effects.
  • Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine: This book provides a somatic approach to healing from trauma and offers exercises for releasing trauma from the body.

Research-Based Texts

Research-based texts can provide a deeper understanding of the science behind trauma and effective treatments. Some recommended research-based texts include:

  • Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman: This book provides a comprehensive understanding of trauma and offers a framework for healing from its effects.
  • The Body Remembers by Babette Rothschild: This book explores the ways in which trauma affects the body and offers somatic exercises for releasing trauma from the body.
  • Waking the Tiger by Peter A. Levine: This book provides a somatic approach to healing from trauma and explores the ways in which animals in the wild release trauma from their bodies.

Summary

Reading books on trauma can be a helpful way to gain insight into the experience of trauma and learn strategies for managing its effects. Personal memoirs, self-help guides, and research-based texts can all provide valuable perspectives and tools for healing.