Recommendations

General Trauma and Recovery

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
Explores how trauma affects the brain and body, offering insights into innovative treatments.
Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman
Delves into the history and treatment of trauma, emphasizing the importance of safety and community in healing.
CPTSD: A Guide to Recovery and Growth by Dr. Arielle Schwartz
Provides insights and exercises for healing from complex PTSD.
Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors by Janina Fisher
Offers therapeutic techniques to address dissociation and internal fragmentation resulting from trauma.
The Body Remembers by Babette Rothschild
Provides insights into how the body holds memories of trauma and how understanding this can aid in recovery.
Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine
Introduces the concept of Somatic Experiencing, focusing on the body’s role in overcoming trauma.
In an Unspoken Voice by Peter A. Levine
Further explores healing trauma through understanding the body’s responses and innate capacity to heal.

Complex Trauma and Childhood Adversity

Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete Walker
A comprehensive guide for survivors of complex trauma, offering practical tools for recovery.
The Deepest Well by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris
Examines the long-term effects of childhood adversity on health, advocating for early intervention.
It Didn’t Start with You by Mark Wolynn
Explores how inherited family trauma shapes our lives and offers strategies for breaking the cycle.
It Will Never Happen to Me by Claudia Black
Discusses the effects of growing up in an alcoholic or dysfunctional family and how to break the cycle.

Narcissistic Abuse

Should I Stay or Should I Go? Surviving a Relationship with a Narcissist by Dr. Ramani Durvasula
Offers comprehensive insights into dealing with relationships with narcissists, including covert narcissists, and provides practical advice on making informed decisions.
It’s Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People by Dr. Ramani Durvasula
Provides guidance on recognizing and recovering from relationships with narcissistic individuals, offering tools to protect and heal oneself from the harms of narcissism.

Attachment and Relationships

Attached by Amir Levine & Rachel Heller
Explores attachment theory and its impact on relationships, providing strategies for building secure connections.
The Attachment Theory Workbook by Annie Chen
A practical guide with exercises to help individuals understand their attachment styles and build healthier relationships.
Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend
Guides readers on setting healthy boundaries to improve relationships and personal well-being.

Nervous System and Self-Regulation

Anchored: How to Befriend Your Nervous System Using Polyvagal Theory by Deb Dana
Offers practical applications of Polyvagal Theory to help individuals regulate their nervous systems.
Polyvagal Exercises for Safety and Connection by Deb Dana
Provides exercises and strategies to help individuals feel safe and connected, based on Polyvagal Theory.
The Mindful Path to Self-Compassion by Christopher Germer
Combines mindfulness and self-compassion practices to alleviate emotional suffering.

Understanding and Integrating Parts

No Bad Parts by Dr. Richard Schwartz
Introduces Internal Family Systems therapy, emphasizing self-compassion and understanding internal conflicts.
We All Have Parts by Colleen West
Explores the Internal Family Systems (IFS) approach, highlighting the importance of understanding and integrating different parts of oneself for healing.

Support and Recovery from Addiction

Alcoholics Anonymous (Big Book)
The foundational text for Alcoholics Anonymous, offering personal stories and guidance for those seeking recovery from alcoholism.
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Basic Text
The essential book for those in recovery from drug addiction, sharing the experiences, strength, and hope of members of Narcotics Anonymous.
Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACA) Fellowship Text
The official text from the support group of Adult Children of Alcoholics, providing insights into the struggles and recovery process for those who grew up in alcoholic or dysfunctional households.
Al-Anon Family Groups Classic Edition
A resource for friends and family members of alcoholics, offering support and insights on coping and recovery.

Domestic Violence and Abuse

It Could Happen to Anyone: Why Battered Women Stay by Alyce D. LaViolette and Ola W. Barnett
Examines the complex reasons behind why individuals stay in abusive relationships and how to understand and support them.

Personal Development and Healing

The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Encourages letting go of who we think we’re supposed to be and embracing who we are, which can be especially helpful for trauma survivors.
How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera
Guides readers on how to break free from negative patterns, heal from trauma, and create a life aligned with one’s true self.

App Recommendations

PTSD Coach
Developed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, this app offers self-assessment tools, educational resources, and coping strategies for managing PTSD symptoms.
The Tapping Solution
Offers guided meditations based on Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), commonly known as tapping.
Calm
Provides guided meditations, Sleep Stories, breathing exercises, and relaxation techniques for stress management, improved sleep, and mindfulness practice.

Podcasts

The Trauma Therapist Podcast
Hosted by Guy Macpherson, PhD, this podcast features interviews with experts in trauma, mindfulness, and related fields, sharing their journeys and insights into trauma work.
Unlocking Us with Brené Brown
Brené Brown explores meaningful topics such as vulnerability, courage, and empathy, often touching on trauma and healing.
The Healing Trauma Podcast
Hosted by Monique Koven, a Certified Trauma Recovery Coach, this podcast shares expert insights on trauma and promotes hope and healing.