7 Books To Transform Your Understanding Of Trauma & PTSD Treatment
In this blog (7 Books To Transform Your Understanding Of Trauma & PTSD Treatment), we will look at seven books that could transform your understanding of trauma and PTSD treatment written by pioneers in the field of trauma and PTSD recovery. All of these books stand as beacons of hope for those of us who understand that many of our limitations are caused by the mark left on us by ALE (Adverse Life Experiences).
In the 1500’s we didn’t have microscopes, sanitisation or antibiotics, and therefore were doomed to live with appalling physical health. In the 21st Century, we have a relative lack of awareness of how trauma impacts us as a species and what to do about it, so it can seem like we are doomed to live with terrible mental health.
The truth is that we each have the opportunity to find the happiness, relief, reconnection, relationships, peace of mind and productivity that come with healing and releasing our trauma and the blocks it creates in our lives.
There is an encouraging amount of overlap and agreement among these authors about trauma and how to manage it. This adds further cause for optimism. The more experts that are in agreement about the fact that we aren’t broken and that trauma & PTSD are treatable, the better!
1 – ‘The Body Keeps the Score’ by Dr Bessel Van Der Kolk
“Trauma and Recovery” is a book written by Judith Herman, a psychiatrist and researcher in the field of trauma studies. The book explores trauma’s psychological and societal consequences and how individuals can recover from it.
The book begins by examining the historical and societal context of trauma and PTSD and how it has been understood and addressed throughout history. Herman argues that trauma has been largely ignored and denied by society, leading to a lack of understanding and support for those who have experienced it. She could not be more right about this.
Herman then goes on to examine the psychological effects of trauma, including symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Herman explains that trauma can profoundly impact an individual’s sense of self and their ability to trust others. She also discusses the concept of “complex trauma,” which refers to prolonged, repeated trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect.
Somatic therapy, in particular, is emphasised as a crucial component in the treatment of trauma and PTSD. This type of therapy focuses on the body and the physical sensations it experiences and how they are connected to emotional experiences. Dr Van Der Kolk explains that trauma and PTSD often get stored in the body, and traditional talk therapy alone cannot release it. Somatic therapy, on the other hand, can help individuals process and release the physical sensations associated with their trauma and PTSD, leading to a decrease in symptoms and an improvement in well-being.
Van Der Kalk’s book also covers the importance of addressing the impact of trauma in childhood. Childhood trauma can have a significant impact on an individual’s development and can lead to difficulties in adulthood, such as difficulty in forming healthy relationships and regulating emotions. Dr. van der Kolk encourages parents and caregivers to be aware of the potential impact of trauma and PTSD on children and to seek help for them.
Throughout the book, Dr Van Der Kolk provides case studies and personal anecdotes to illustrate the effects of trauma and PTSD and the effectiveness of the holistic approach. He also offers practical tools and techniques for individuals to use in their own healing and recovery journey.
“The Body Keeps the Score” is a comprehensive examination of the effects of trauma and PTSD on the body and mind and how it can manifest in various mental health conditions. It provides a detailed understanding of how trauma and PTSD affect the brain and body and offers practical tools for healing and recovery through a more holistic approach to healing.
Van Der Kalk’s book could be seminal text in the widespread awakening that is happening regarding trauma and its effective treatment. If you don’t yet understand how vast the influence of trauma is on our mental health; or have yet to grasp how deeply physical (rather than mental) much of our trauma is; this book could be for you.
2 – ‘Waking The Tiger’ by Peter Levine
“Waking the Tiger” is a book by Peter Levine, a trauma expert and founder of Somatic Experiencing. The book explores the biology of trauma and PTSD and how it can be healed through a body-centred approach.
This book is capable of creating a profound and practical transformation in your understanding of how trauma works in the body.
The book begins by explaining the freeze, fight or flight response, which is the body’s natural reaction to perceived danger. Levine argues that when a traumatic event occurs, the fight or flight response becomes activated, but in modern humans, it often doesn’t complete its natural cycle of discharge. As a result, the energy generated by the response becomes trapped in the body, leading to symptoms of trauma and PTSD, such as anxiety, depression, and flashbacks.
Levine then introduces the concept of “soul wounds,” which are physical and emotional scars caused by traumatic experiences. He argues that these wounds can be healed by accessing and releasing the trapped ‘energy’ in the body through a process called “somatic experiencing.” This process involves becoming aware of and tracking the body’s physical sensations, allowing it to complete its natural response to the traumatic event.
Levine’s book also covers the importance of addressing trauma in childhood. Levine explains that children are especially vulnerable to trauma and PTSD and that it can have a significant impact on their development. Like Van Der Kalk, he encourages parents and caregivers to be aware of the potential impact of trauma on children and to seek help for them.
Throughout the book, Levine provides case studies and personal anecdotes to illustrate the effects of trauma and the effectiveness of somatic experiencing. He also offers practical tools and techniques for individuals to use in their own healing and recovery journey.
Overall Levine’s book is in its own way incredibly uplifting. Understanding that much of the suffering of trauma and PTSD is simply caused by stuck biological reflexes that are easily processed with time is profound. Realising that we can steadily work at releasing the suffering of trauma and PTSD from the body is incredibly positive news, not only for us as individuals but for our whole species.
3 – ‘In an Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness’ by Peter Levine
This book is a follow-up to Peter Levine’s first book, “Waking the Tiger”. The book emphasises the importance of addressing trauma’s physical and emotional experiences and how traditional talk therapy alone may not be effective in treating it.
Levine explains how the body stores trauma and PTSD and how somatic therapy can help individuals process and release the physical sensations associated with their trauma and PTSD. He also provides a detailed explanation of how the body’s natural healing process works and how to use it to resolve trauma and PTSD symptoms.
The book includes further case studies, practical exercises and instructions that can help readers understand how to apply the somatic experiencing method in their own healing process. It also highlights the importance of integrating somatic therapy with other modalities and the need for a holistic approach in treating trauma and PTSD.
Levine then introduces the concept of “soul wounds,” which are physical and emotional scars caused by traumatic experiences. He argues that these wounds can be healed by accessing and releasing the trapped ‘energy’ in the body through a process called “somatic experiencing.” This process involves becoming aware of and tracking the body’s physical sensations, allowing it to complete its natural response to the traumatic event.
Levine’s book also covers the importance of addressing trauma in childhood. Levine explains that children are especially vulnerable to trauma and PTSD and that it can have a significant impact on their development. Like Van Der Kalk, he encourages parents and caregivers to be aware of the potential impact of trauma on children and to seek help for them.
Throughout the book, Levine provides case studies and personal anecdotes to illustrate the effects of trauma and the effectiveness of somatic experiencing. He also offers practical tools and techniques for individuals to use in their own healing and recovery journey.
Overall Levine’s book is in its own way incredibly uplifting. Understanding that much of the suffering of trauma and PTSD is simply caused by stuck biological reflexes that are easily processed with time is profound. Realising that we can steadily work at releasing the suffering of trauma and PTSD from the body is incredibly positive news, not only for us as individuals but for our whole species.
4 – ‘Trauma & Recovery’ by Judith Herman
“Trauma and Recovery” is a book written by Judith Herman, a psychiatrist and researcher in the field of trauma studies. The book explores trauma’s psychological and societal consequences and how individuals can recover from it.
The book begins by examining the historical and societal context of trauma and PTSD and how it has been understood and addressed throughout history. Herman argues that trauma has been largely ignored and denied by society, leading to a lack of understanding and support for those who have experienced it. She could not be more right about this.
Herman then goes on to examine the psychological effects of trauma, including symptoms of PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Herman explains that trauma can profoundly impact an individual’s sense of self and their ability to trust others. She also discusses the concept of “complex trauma,” which refers to prolonged, repeated trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect.
The final section of the book is focused on recovery and healing. Herman argues that recovery from trauma requires both individual and societal change. She explains that individuals need a supportive environment in which they can process and make sense of their traumatic experiences. She also emphasises the importance of societal change, including the need for increased awareness and understanding of trauma, as well as the provision of appropriate resources and support for those who have experienced it. Are you spotting some of the patterns that flow through all these books?
Throughout the book, Herman provides case studies and research to illustrate the effects of trauma and the importance of addressing it. She also offers practical advice for those who have experienced trauma and for the friends and family members who support them.
In conclusion, “Trauma and Recovery” is an excellent examination of trauma’s psychological and societal consequences and how individuals can recover from it..” It also offers practical advice for individuals who have experienced trauma and their loved ones and emphasises the need for societal change in order to support the recovery process
5 – ‘The Trauma Spectrum’ by Robert Scaer
The Trauma Spectrum: Hidden Wounds and Human Resilience” is a book by Robert Scaer, a physician and trauma expert. The book examines the wide range of symptoms that can result from trauma and PTSD and how they can manifest in the body and mind. It also explores the concept of resilience and how individuals can develop it.
The book begins by examining the different types of trauma, including single-incident traumas, such as car accidents, and prolonged or repeated traumas, such as childhood abuse. Scaer explains that trauma can have a wide range of physical and psychological symptoms, including chronic pain, anxiety, and depression. He also argues that traditional approaches to treatment, such as talk therapy, may not be effective in treating trauma (surprise, surprise).
Scaer introduces the concept of the “trauma spectrum,” which refers to the wide range of symptoms that can result from trauma.
He explains that these symptoms can manifest in various ways, such as physical pain, emotional regulation issues and cognitive dysfunction. He also explains how these symptoms can be interrelated and affect different aspects of an individual’s life.
Throughout the book, Scaer provides case studies and personal anecdotes to illustrate the wide range of symptoms that can result from trauma and the importance of addressing them. He also offers practical tools and techniques for individuals to use in their own healing and recovery journey.
“The Trauma Spectrum: Hidden Wounds and Human Resilience” is a comprehensive examination of the wide range of symptoms that can result from trauma and PTSD and how they can manifest in the body and mind. It is incredibly common for patients with trauma and PTSD to overlook the fact that they have physical complaints caused by their history of trauma; this makes Scaers book an incredibly important one. It is also very common for people at the ‘lighter’ end of the trauma spectrum to overlook their trauma’s impact, and this book addresses that issue.
6 – ‘Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving’ by Pete Walker
Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving” is a book written by Pete Walker, a psychotherapist who has specialised in treating individuals with Complex PTSD (CPTSD). The book focuses on the specific type of PTSD that results from prolonged, repeated trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect. The book offers practical tools and techniques for healing and recovery, as well as an in-depth understanding of the condition.
The book begins by explaining the concept of CPTSD, a condition resulting from prolonged, repeated trauma, such as childhood abuse or neglect. The author explains that CPTSD is different from PTSD in that it involves a disruption in the development of the self. It can lead to difficulties in regulating emotions, forming healthy relationships, and feeling safe in the world.
Walker goes on to describe the common symptoms of CPTSD, such as emotional flashbacks, self-abandonment, and self-injury.
The author argues that traditional approaches to treatment, such as talk therapy, may not be effective in treating CPTSD and instead emphasises the importance of addressing the underlying emotional and psychological issues.
The author also introduces a 4-step recovery process, which includes the following steps:
– Recognising and validating the trauma.
– Emotionally processing the trauma.
– Re-parenting the inner child.
– Integrating the trauma and building resilience.
The author explains that this process is not a linear one and that it may take time, patience, and self-compassion.
Throughout the book, Walker provides case studies and personal anecdotes to illustrate the effects of CPTSD and the effectiveness of the 4-step recovery process.
This book is a valuable resource for individuals who have experienced prolonged and repeated traumas and are seeking ways to heal and recover. Thankfully most sufferers of trauma and PTSD do not have CPTSD. For those that do, this book should stand as a much-needed beacon of hope.
7 – “The Trauma Tool Kit: Healing PTSD from the Inside Out” by Susan Pease Banitt
“The Trauma Tool Kit: Healing PTSD from the Inside Out” is a comprehensive and practical guide for individuals who have experienced trauma and are seeking ways to heal and recover. The book is written for survivors of trauma and their loved ones, and it offers a wide range of tools and techniques for healing and recovery, as well as information on how to find a qualified therapist.
One of the main strengths of this book is its approach to trauma recovery, which emphasises the importance of self-care, mindfulness, and creating a safe and supportive environment for healing. Banitt encourages readers to be patient with themselves as they work through their trauma and to take a holistic approach to healing that addresses not only the emotional and psychological aspects of trauma and PTSD but also the physical, spiritual and relational. This approach is in line with the latest research and the understanding of trauma and PTSD, highlighting the need for a multi-modal approach to treating trauma.
This book is divided into several sections, each of which focuses on a different aspect of trauma recovery.
The first section of the book focuses on self-care and provides practical advice on how to take care of oneself physically and emotionally.
The second section is focused on mindfulness and how it can be used to help individuals stay present and grounded in the face of trauma. Babbitt unpacks the skills and techniques involved in using mindfulness as a tool.
The third section of the book is focused on different types of therapy that can be used to help individuals heal from trauma and PTSD, including somatic therapy, EMDR, and cognitive-behavioural therapy. The author provides a brief overview of each therapy and explains how they can be used to help individuals process and heal from trauma and PTSD.
The book’s fourth section is focused on the inner work of healing, which includes addressing the inner critic, inner abandonment and emotional flashbacks. This section provides readers with practical exercises and worksheets to help them understand and work through their own trauma, which can be a powerful tool for healing.
The final section of the book is focused on rebuilding resilience and creating a life worth living, which includes chapters on self-compassion, assertiveness, forgiveness and gratitude. This section provides readers with practical tools and techniques for building resilience and creating a fulfilling life after trauma.
Overall, “The Trauma Tool Kit” offers a wide range of practical tools and techniques for healing and recovery and also provides information on how to find a qualified therapist. If you are looking for someone to ‘project manage’ your trauma recovery, Bannitt is an excellent candidate. There is nothing more important than the practical tools of recovery and putting them into action after all.
Closing Thoughts
There are a growing number of experts who view trauma as a ‘silent epidemic’ made up of misdiagnosed mental and physical symptoms and conditions. What if all of our anxiety, depression, IBS, migraines, relationship blocks, OCD and addictions were simply caused by the interaction of our genes and our stored trauma?
What if, by steadily releasing that trauma, we could all heal from things that had previously seemed incurable? If this happened, it wouldn’t be the first time in the history of human healthcare that we uncovered something major that we had previously overlooked. In fact, far from it.
If you suspect that your Adverse Life Experiences have affected your health, relationships or peace of mind in any way, shape or form, I would strongly urge you to explore these books and see if these messages resonate for you; it could be life-changing.
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