In our increasingly digital world, where disinformation is the new normal, finding reliable sources to learn about any topic is challenging. Unfortunately, this struggle also applies to resources in the psychology domain, where you’ll find all materials filled with everything from biased opinions and cultural insensitivity to overly technical jargon and inaccurate or misleading research data. For those navigating the harrowing journey of trauma recovery, language has an extraordinary ability to reconnect us with the depths of our humanity, offering refuge, understanding, and pathways for healing. The right book, at the right time, can resonate deeply with us, sparking hope and facilitating new insights, resilience, and empowerment. The opposite can also be true – certain books may be triggering or even harmful for some folks.

With so many options and risks to consider, how do you know where to begin? Bibliotherapy could be an excellent first step! Why Try Bibliotherapy? In the therapy room, counsellors often incorporate some level of “psycho- education” into the therapeutic process, which essentially involves sharing research-based information vetted by the therapist to support clients’ mental health. Sometimes, therapists may even recommend relevant psychology books for clients to read between sessions to help integrate and enhance their learning. Also known as bibliotherapy, therapist-recommended reads are a great way to navigate complex, potentially triggering topics in a safe and contained environment where you can be supported with anything that comes up for you while reading.

While books are not a replacement for psychotherapy, they can be a great support for trauma survivors at every stage of their healing journey. So, here’s a sneak peek at some trauma books you might find on a therapist’s bookshelf; we hope you’ll find something that speaks to your needs!

1. The Body Keeps the Score

Written by Bessel Van Der Kolk, an American psychiatrist and author, this book is one of the most frequently recommended trauma texts among therapists. Van Der Kolk takes you on a detailed journey through the nervous system after traumatic experiences and explores various pathways for healing that unite the mind and body rather than separating them further. If you’re curious about the science of trauma and keen to understand its intricate physiological, psychological, and neurobiological impacts, this is the read for you. However, remember that this book was written in a clinical style, which means you’ll encounter plenty of medical jargon that can be off-putting for some folks. Additionally, there are several case studies integrated throughout the text that, while enlightening, contain explicitly traumatic anecdotes that may require safe and cautious navigation of potential triggers for some readers.

2. What My Bones Know

In this captivating memoir by Stephanie Foo, readers gain profound insight into the author’s experiences living with the legacy of complex childhood trauma and her perspective on various forms of trauma treatment. Although psychological theory and therapeutic expertise certainly have their place in the literature, we’d be remiss not to include the voices of clients with lived experience in trauma recovery on this list of book recommendations. Although some of the anecdotes shared in this book may be triggering for some readers with a history of family abuse, they can make others feel seen and understood. Always proceed cautiously and speak with a therapist about any concerns. Foo does an excellent job sharing her struggles with the utmost self- compassion and transparency, which makes for a messily relatable and empowering read. If you’ve ever worried that you were doing healing or therapy “wrong,” this book will remind you that you are not alone in your pain and that there is no one perfect, proper way to heal.

3. It Didn’t Start With You

This book, written by therapist Mark Wolynn, explores the incredible discovery and implications of “epigenetics” – the study of generational trauma being handed down through genetics. Wolynn weaves in personal narratives, clinical anecdotes, and the latest scientific research to guide readers toward recognizing the impacts of their genetic expression, family history and inherited patterns to help them break free from the cycle of intergenerational trauma. Far from just “blaming” our families for the pain and suffering we feel, Wolynn’s book emphasizes the importance of empathy, self-compassion, and self-awareness in understanding and healing the lingering effects of family trauma. If you’re someone who wants to cultivate resilience and well-being amidst the ongoing legacy of intergenerational trauma, look no further.

4. Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving

When you’re feeling particularly activated or triggered as a trauma survivor, the last thing you want is to crack open a densely packed psychology text that has you Googling definitions every third sentence. That’s where family therapist Pete Walker’s book comes in, offering a no-nonsense, jargon-free guide to living and thriving with complex trauma. Here, you’ll find heaps of practical tips, tools, and techniques to help manage your symptoms and regulate your nervous system – written by someone who has been on both sides of the therapy room as both a client and a clinician. If you’re the type of reader who prefers their books to be direct, straightforward, and easy to digest, you’ll feel right at home in the pages of this trauma guidebook.

Whichever book above resonated with you most, we hope their pages will serve as beacons of hope and strength on your trauma healing journey. Although reading narratives and insights about trauma can be profoundly helpful and inspiring, having the opportunity to share your story in a safe, non-judgmental space can help you deepen your self-discovery, empowerment, and overall wellness. The counsellors at Fancy Therapy Services would be more than happy to help, so feel free to connect with us to find the right fit for you.

Learn more about trauma therapy