Embarking on a journey to comprehend and address the intricacies of trauma is both a professional pursuit and a deeply personal exploration. I love a good book, and I am often asked by my clients and the therapist that I supervise and teach about my book recommendations. In the realm of therapeutic literature, is an array of valuable resources for therapists, trauma survivors, and those eager to develop a trauma-informed approach. There are many to choose from, so in this blog I am going to delve into my top 10 trauma books.
As we explore my list, we will look at narratives of resilience and practical guides for survivors and professionals. Whether you're a therapist seeking enriching perspectives, a survivor navigating your own healing journey, or an individual aspiring to embrace a trauma-informed approach in your interactions, these books will stand as examples of knowledge and compassion.
In the vast landscape of trauma literature, the abundance of works reflects the diverse needs of readers approaching the topic from various perspectives. To cater to these distinct needs, I've divided my recommendations into categories:
1. For trauma survivors seeking solace and understanding, the top three books offer profound insights into healing and recovery.
2. Therapists, navigating the complex realm of trauma in their practice, will find invaluable guidance in a selection relevant to their professional journey.
3. Those keen on adopting a trauma-informed approach in their interactions and understanding may discover profound insights in another set of three books that are written for the lay reader.
4. Lastly, the task of singling out a personal favourite proves challenging, given the richness of the available literature. I have chosen a text that offers a unique perspective and contributes beautifully to a comprehensive understanding of this complex subject.
Books for Survivors
“The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk weaves together science, personal stories, and practical insights. Many of my clients come to therapy having read this book and tell me that they have had the experience of nodding along, exclaiming, "Yes, that makes so much sense!" Exploring the profound connection between trauma and our bodies, he demystifies the complexities in a way that's both accessible and eye-opening. If you're curious about the mind-body connection, fascinated by neuroscience, or just want to better understand the impact of trauma, this book is like a roadmap to self-discovery and healing.
On my current half read pile, is "The Book You Wish Your Parents Read" by Philippa Perry. This book is like a friendly chat with a parenting guru who totally gets it. Perry effortlessly combines warmth and wisdom, turning what could be a parenting manual into a comforting companion. It's not about perfection, it's about understanding and connection. Reading this book feels reassuring, especially in those moments when you wonder, "Am I doing this parenting thing right?" Perry dismantles the pressure of perfection and encourages a more empathetic and emotionally attuned approach. Her anecdotes and real-world examples make it all relatable, and there is a focus on understanding our own experiences and how they might influence our parenting style.
A classic and one of my first books when I began working with clients who have experienced adverse childhood events is "Overcoming Childhood Trauma" by my friend and colleague Helen Kennerley. This book skilfully combines professional expertise with compassion, creating a guide that feels like a trustworthy companion along the path to recovery. The book not only delves into the complexities of childhood trauma but also provides practical tools and strategies for overcoming its lingering effects. What sets it apart is Kennerley's emphasis on resilience and the possibility of transformation. It's not just about acknowledging the pain; it's a roadmap towards reclaiming one's narrative and building a future beyond the shadows of the past. If you're seeking insight, understanding, and actionable steps toward healing, this one is for you.
Books for Therapists
Hannah Murray & Sharif El-Leithy’s "Working with Complexity in PTSD" is a game-changer for therapists navigating the intricate world of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) only recently published, I don’t know how we survived for so long without this book. As a fellow clinician, I found the approach both refreshing and deeply insightful. The book goes beyond the traditional frameworks, delving into the nuances of complex trauma with a level of sophistication that is both impressive and clinically relevant. The authors seamlessly weave together theory, research, and practical applications, offering a comprehensive guide for understanding and treating the complexities of PTSD. The emphasis on the multifaceted nature of trauma and the need for a personalised and integrative approach resonates profoundly with therapeutic practice. This book is not just a manual, it's a dynamic exploration into the evolving landscape of trauma treatment. If you're a therapist seeking to deepen your understanding of PTSD and enhance your clinical toolkit, "Working with Complexity in PTSD" is a must-read.
If you are an EMDR therapist with an interest in working more with attachment, Laurel Parnell's "Attachment-Focused EMDR" is a gem in the realm of EMDR and trauma therapy literature. Especially for therapists like me seeking to enrich their practice and advance their ability. Parnell seamlessly blends the principles of attachment theory with the transformative power of Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). I found her insights and practical applications invaluable for deepening my understanding of how attachment dynamics influence trauma and its resolution. Parnell's skilful integration of relational concepts with EMDR techniques offers a nuanced and effective approach to healing. The book encourages therapists to weave compassion and connection into their trauma work. If you're a therapist eager to enhance your skills and provide more nuanced trauma care, Parnell's "Attachment-Focused EMDR" is an indispensable resource that seamlessly marries theory and practice in a way that transforms the therapeutic landscape.
Another classic that has sat on my bookshelf for about 15 years now is "Compassionate Mind" by Paul Gilbert. This is a transformative exploration into the healing power of self-compassion. Gilbert is a pioneer in the field of compassion-focused therapy and provides a compelling guide for individuals and therapists alike. The book delves into the complexities of the human mind, offering profound insights into the evolutionary roots of compassion and the impact of self-criticism. Gilbert skilfully weaves together research, theory, and compassionate practices, creating a roadmap for cultivating a kinder relationship with oneself. As a therapist and a human being, I found the therapeutic techniques and the landscape of compassion on which they are seated particularly valuable. "Compassionate Mind" is not just a book; it's a journey toward greater self-understanding and a profound shift towards a more compassionate way of living. Whether you're seeking personal growth or professional development, this is a must read.
Books for a Trauma Informed Perspective
“Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma" by Peter A. Levine is a beautiful exploration of the natural world, and its responses to trauma. This book gives a unique perspective on trauma by examining the dynamics that make wild animals almost immune to traumatic symptoms and considers human beings as having a similar instinctual capacity for healing. Peter Levine introduces the concept of somatic experiencing and explores how the body can play a crucial role in trauma healing. This book is approachable for readers who may not have a background in psychology or therapy.
Another delightful read (well if reading about trauma is your thing) in a narrative style is “The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook" by Bruce D. Perry and Maia Szalavitz. This book uses compelling case studies to investigate the impact of trauma on children, exploring how stress and trauma in early life can impact the brain. The book fosters a hopeful perspective that recovery and healing is a possibility due to the malleability of the human brain. It's written in an engaging and easy read which allows for lay readers to connect with the material and uses examples of people’s stories to illustrate the points.
“Trauma is Really Strange" by Steve Haines and Sophie Standing is a unique graphic novel. The authors take a creative approach to explaining the science of trauma in a visually appealing and easy-to-understand format. It's an excellent choice for those who prefer a more visual learning experience and contains a wealth of clear and accessible pictures and explanations. This book is almost like a comic book format, with beautiful illustrations and pertinent narratives, not only is it clear and succinct but the pictorial element appeals to a whole other learning style.
My Personal Favourite
This was by far the hardest choice to make, not only am I slightly indecisive, but I am also aversive to long term commitment. So, the idea of putting down my favourite trauma book in black and white and being forever held to the decision is nothing short of terrifying for me!
The biggest challenge comes from deciding which perspective I am looking at this from, is it as person who has experienced trauma, a therapist working with trauma or fellow human who wants to understand more and make the world a better place for people with trauma histories.
I have chosen a book that is not captured by my other carefully curated sections, that for me holds as much power as an academic text steeped in science, a narrative that tells the story of survivors or a book of strategies for healing and hope. My personal favourite is “Milk and Honey” by Rupi Kaur – if you don’t know of her yet, then her social content is worth a follow, and gives a sense of her poetry and prose. I am no literary critic, but this work just speaks to me, it seems to capture the pain and suffering, the hope and healing. The work is a combination of abstract and specific – it speaks to me as a therapist and has remnants of the way in which trauma memories are stored in the brain, fragmented, partial, not quite making sense. The work is criticised by some, not least for the authors use of social media, but for me I really see the survivor within the words, and it captures the essence of indescribable pain which sometimes cannot span more than a word or two. The simple style of writing and illustrations and the authors use of social media platforms gives the work an accessible feel, something that others perhaps lack.
So here you have it – if you are a book worm like me and looking for some goodies for your Christmas stocking then look no further.