trauma books

Experiencing trauma, healing from trauma, and trying to understand it can often feel isolating. Sometimes it can be comforting, validating, and educational read about trauma.  Below are some of the best books on trauma - each caters to different levels of understanding, from professionals to the layperson:

• "The Body Keeps the Score" by Bessel van der Kolk, M.D.
  This is a highly recommended book for both mental health professionals and the general public. Van der Kolk explores how trauma affects the body and the brain, offering a comprehensive look at the latest research and innovative treatment options. The book blends science with powerful personal stories, making complex concepts accessible while offering deep insights into the physiology of trauma. It also highlights therapeutic techniques such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and somatic therapies, which have shown promise in trauma recovery.
  Citation: van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books.

• "Trauma and Recovery" by Judith L. Herman, M.D.
  This book is a classic in the field of trauma studies and is particularly valuable for both clinicians and those seeking a deep understanding of the long-term effects of trauma. Herman presents a historical and social perspective on trauma, detailing its effects on individuals and society, and offers a clear, structured model of trauma recovery. It's particularly helpful for understanding the interplay between personal and collective trauma and how healing happens in stages.
  Citation: Herman, J. L. (1997). Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence--From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. Basic Books.

• "Waking the Tiger" by Peter A. Levine, Ph.D.
  A great read for both professionals and laypeople, Levine introduces the concept of somatic experiencing, a body-centered approach to healing trauma. He explains how trauma is stored in the body and provides practical tools to release it. The book combines scientific insights with practical exercises, making it accessible to non-experts while still valuable for clinicians looking to incorporate body-focused therapies into their practice.
  Citation: Levine, P. A. (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. North Atlantic Books.

• "The Deepest Well" by Nadine Burke Harris, M.D.
  This book is ideal for anyone interested in understanding the impact of childhood trauma on long-term health. Dr. Burke Harris, a pediatrician, delves into the science of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and how they affect physical and mental health across a lifetime. While it provides essential scientific information for professionals, it’s also written in a way that’s easily accessible for the general public.
  Citation: Burke Harris, N. (2018). The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

• "The Trauma of Everyday Life" by Mark Epstein, M.D.
  Epstein, a psychiatrist, explores trauma from a Buddhist perspective, showing how everyday experiences of pain, loss, and discomfort can also lead to psychological suffering. This book is accessible for lay readers and offers a unique approach for mental health professionals seeking to integrate mindfulness and compassion into their trauma work. Epstein’s writing encourages a compassionate and thoughtful exploration of trauma.
  Citation: Epstein, M. (2013). The Trauma of Everyday Life. Penguin Books.

These books involve a mix of scientific research, therapeutic approaches, and personal reflections. Reading about trauma from different lenses can offer critical insights for both professionals and general readers interested in understanding and healing from it.