Does it feel like you’re stuck in your past trauma? Are you experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks, or other trauma-related symptoms? Are you actively working with a therapist, but also wanting more support and practical solutions? 

It’s no secret that trauma can affect every area of your functioning. If untreated, it may seriously impact your relationships, self-esteem, emotional health, and physical well-being. 

And while reading isn’t a substitute for professional support, seeking education on coping with trauma can be a great starting place for your healing process. Here are the top books we recommend on the subject!

The Body Keeps the Score: Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

Have you ever wondered how you can’t just wish your trauma away? Or how, even though you don’t consciously try to think about your past, it still seems to haunt you in some form?

As it turns out, science can essentially explain the impact of trauma and why it can feel so unbearable. If you want education about trauma, this is one of the top books on the matter. Dr. Beseel van der Kolk is a pioneer in understanding and treating trauma, and his book is one of the most influential reads of the century. 

Packed with research on neuroscience and biology, this book will teach you about the profoundly interconnected relationship between trauma and the body and brain. It will also show you the exact physiological changes and stress activity levels that occur when trauma happens. 

What Happened to You?: Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey 

Do you feel like you’re a terrible person or that something in you is inherently flawed or faulty? You’re not alone. We’re often quick to assume that abnormal or “wrong” behavior is a sign that something is deeply wrong with us. This book challenges that belief and instead poses the question, what happened to you? 

The book itself is a mix of conversation coupled with psychoeducation about trauma itself. Famous TV personality, Oprah Winfrey, recalls various past events while Dr. Perry explains these events from the lenses of trauma-informed research. 

This book provides valuable information about brain adaptations, perspective shifts, and how we can use this information to ideally prevent harming the people we love.

Healing The Shame That Binds You: John Bradshaw

When we internalize shame, we start doubting ourselves and start feeling small. We also often feeling afraid and ambivalent.  As Bradshaw explains throughout his book, toxic shame is the driving force behind our toxic behaviors. It’s what maintains unhealthy patterns and often keeps us unfulfilled and unhappy.

In most cases, this toxic shame originates in childhood, and it often manifests from trauma (even if you don’t identify with having trauma). Unfortunately, we often carry shame without realizing its true implications, and this book highlights that using various examples and case studies.

This book will impact how you perceive your past and likely change how you nurture your present and future self.

The Complex PTSD Workbook: Arielle Schwartz and Dr. Jim Knipe 

Although it isn’t formally recognized as a diagnosis, many experts agree that experiencing compounded trauma may result in complex PTSD. Complex PTSD can result in serious emotional distress.  

Furthermore, in many cases, recurrent adverse life experiences (such as in cases of childhood trauma) create intense feelings of shame, inadequacy, and a sense of hopelessness. With this kind of trauma, you may also feel you are responsible for what happened. 

This workbook teaches you about the various symptoms associated with childhood trauma. It also provides various activities, reflections, and prompt exercises to manage your feelings and improve how you cope.

Trauma and the 12 Steps: Dr. Jamie Marich

Many people in recovery programs identify with having traumatic histories. And while the 12-steps may help you stop drinking or using drugs, the program doesn’t necessarily define a clear-cut pathway for coping with trauma. 

This book attempts to bridge the gap between classic 12-step approaches with evidence-based, trauma-informed care. The idea is simple: treat the whole person (rather than just focusing on addiction symptoms) to facilitate growth and healing.

This book is meant for helping professionals, sponsors, or anyone in recovery. It creates a sense of inclusion for anyone who may feel excluded from the program. It also explains how spiritual abuse (which may happen in 12-step meetings) can exacerbate trauma symptoms.

Final Thoughts on Coping with Trauma 

Many times, education is the first step towards making necessary changes in your life. These books can undoubtedly help you on your journey towards coping with trauma. 

With that in mind, reading may not be enough (and that’s okay!). Combining self-help strategies with professional trauma-based support can help you improve how you feel and increase the quality of your life. We are here for you on your journey. Elevate Counseling + Wellness is locate in the western suburbs of Chicago. Contact us today to get started.