Key Takeaways
- Books can be a powerful tool for healing trauma, gaining insight, and educating oneself about PTSD.
- Our top therapist-approved picks include “Transformed by Trauma,” “Struggle Well,” and “Forgiving What You Can’t Forget.”
- Look for evidence-based books that are targeted to your specific needs and a good fit for your lifestyle.
PTSD books can be a powerful tool for healing the hurt caused by trauma. They give us stories to relate to and a format in which to document and record our experiences and insights, helping to promote more in-depth discussions during therapy sessions.
Trauma is an emotional wound, but unlike physical wounds, the damage can be harder to see and heal. It can create painful symptoms and emotions, such as nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, or physical pain such as headaches. Alongside evidence-based treatments, books can provide tools for healing and processing your experiences.
Final Verdict
“Transformed by Trauma” is a good place to start because it uses science-backed Positive Psychology techniques. “The Complex PTSD Workbook” is a helpful option for those needing more in-depth concepts, education, and writing exercises. Both can be used in conjunction with talk therapy.
What to Look for in a Book for PTSD
Evidenced-based techniques
It’s important to find a self-help book that relies on science and evidence-based techniques to ensure the most success possible from following its guidance. The more progress a person feels like they are making, the more likely they are to continue on their journey of healing.
Targets specific needs
There are different ways that people can experience trauma, and a book that speaks to your specific experience is the most helpful. Trauma caused by violence or war is very different from childhood trauma.
Fits your current lifestyle
Trauma recovery requires time, energy, and focus. However, in real life, things can get very busy. Do what you can. If you only have 15 minutes a day to read, that’s better than nothing. If you have more time and space to focus on your recovery specifically, choose more in-depth resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best therapy for PTSD?
While the “best” therapeutic method for treating PTSD depends on the individual, certain types of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy are most common. In CBT, patients focus on shifting the thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that disrupt their daily lives. Research has shown that exposure therapy in CBT helped between 61% and 82% of patients in eliminating their PTSD.
Psychodynamic therapy focuses on the unconscious aspects of PTSD and how past traumatic events contribute to current behavior. This type of therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. Still, other interventions can help treat PTSD, such as cognitive processing therapy, group therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
Does PTSD ever go away?
There’s no cure for PTSD, but it’s very treatable. To overcome or lessen the intensity of present symptoms of PTSD, most people must confront, process, and integrate the traumatic experiences of their past. To do this, psychotherapy and/or medication are highly recommended. Keep in mind that it can take time and resources to find the treatment that’s right for you, but getting help is the first step toward healing.
Is reading good for PTSD?
Countless mental health professionals and patients alike point to books as an important part of the healing process for PTSD. A book dedicated to this condition can help you better understand your own experience, relate to the experiences of others, and develop strategies to cope.
However, reading isn’t easy for everyone living with PTSD. In fact, the level of concentration, retention, and analysis required can make it quite difficult for some. In this case, listening to an audiobook or tackling shorter articles can help you accomplish the same goals without adding further stress to your healing journey.
Why Trust Verywell Mind
As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of experience working with clients who struggle with mental health issues, Mary K. Tatum understands the importance of finding quality resources and techniques that work for each person. Not everyone will have the same kind of healing journey, therefore having lots of options to choose from is vitally important in creating an emotionally healthy lifestyle.
