Takeaway: These trauma and PTSD books offer a variety of fresh perspectives, from diving into the ways it can show up in the body to encouraging us to explore life's big questions. Whether you're new to “healing” or deep in the work, these reads can be a helpful guide toward a more empowered, self-aware version of yourself.
Trauma changes us—but understanding it can help us move through it in a meaningful way.
Whether you’re working through your own trauma, supporting a loved one, or simply curious about the mind-body connection, the right book can be a game-changer.
At Authentically Living Psychological Services, we take a holistic, existential approach to trauma “recovery”—helping people not just process past pain, but make sense of it in a way that fosters deeper self-awareness and connection.
As a psychologist, I often recommend books that go beyond simply explaining trauma and explore the bigger questions it raises: Who am I now? How do I rebuild? How do I live authentically after what I’ve been through?
In this list, you’ll find 14 expert-recommended books that unpack trauma from every angle—its effects on the brain and body, the “healing” process (not that we’ll ever fully “move on” from trauma), and the ways it shapes our relationships and sense of self. Whether you’re looking for scientific insights, personal narratives, or inspiring resources, these books offer guidance, validation, and hope.
Let’s dive in.
How we chose these books on trauma
With all the "personal growth" and "self-help" books out there, we wanted our selections to bypass the basic. Plenty of books can talk at you about “healing” trauma in their attempts to explain-away the pain, but we love the ones that actually make you reflect, feel, and embody.
Here’s what we looked for when hand-picking these books on “healing” trauma (and by healing, I mean understanding and embracing yourself how you are, not eradicating parts of yourself or your experience):
A big-picture approach. Trauma isn’t just about what happened to you—it’s about how you make sense of it. These books explore not just the science, but the philosophy, emotions, and meanings of trauma “recovery.”
The mind-body connection. Some of these books unravel how trauma becomes embedded in your brain, body, and being, but more importantly, they offer pathways to rewire, renarrate, and examine the narrative that has kept you locked in survival mode. They invite you to listen to what your body is trying to communicate and encourage a deeper dialogue between your past experiences and your present self. In this process, you’re not merely reacting to the world around you, but actively reshaping the story you’ve inherited, transforming your relationship with your body, and ultimately reclaiming agency over your own life. It’s through this embodied awareness that true healing and liberation emerge.
Stories that stick with you. The best books don’t just provide information; they resonate with something deep inside, creating a sense of comradery and dissolving the isolation we often feel in our own struggles. Whether through personal memoirs or thought-provoking insights, these books have the power to invite you into a new perspective—helping you see yourself not as a solitary being, but as part of a shared human experience. They challenge the stories you’ve been telling yourself, offering new lenses through which to view your life, a new light in which to rediscover meaning, and a fresh take that can shift the very way you move through the world. In their pages, you may find echoes of your own truth, and in that recognition, a sense of belonging to something larger than yourself.
Tools you can actually use. Moving through trauma isn’t just about reading—it’s about engaging with your lived experience. We’ve chosen books that don’t just offer theoretical insights, but also provoke perspective shifts, mindset transformations, and encourage self-regulation strategies. These aren’t quick fixes, but tools to help you embody the process of change, inviting you to act, reflect, and be in the world in a different way. What better way to move through trauma than by actively participating in your own healing journey, where each step is an act of meaning-making in itself? True transformation comes not from passive consumption, but from integrating and living the insights you encounter along the way.
Focus on shifting existence. Trauma can profoundly disrupt our sense of being, as it often locks us in a state of survival, making it difficult to simply exist without the noise of anxiety or fear. The trauma-informed books we've selected can assist you in reconnecting with the fundamental truth of our existence, recognizing that we are worthy of being, not for what we do, but for who we are–the intrinsic experience of simply existing without the need to define oneself by actions, achievements, or roles. It’s the state of inhabiting the present moment with awareness and acceptance, embracing the essence of who we are without judgment or expectation. It’s not about eradicating the anxiety and fear, but actually hearing it, making space for it, and reconciling.
A little tough love. Some of these books challenge conventional wisdom, push back against limiting beliefs, and confront the uncomfortable truths we often avoid—because true growth emerges not from the familiar or the safe, but from the depths of uncertainty and struggle. They invite us to face the fundamental questions of existence, encouraging us to embrace the tension of being and becoming, where meaning is not given but created through our choices. It is in the raw, sometimes painful confrontation with our own limitations that we discover our capacity for transformation.
Deep, existential vibes. If you’ve ever found yourself lying awake at 2 AM, staring at the ceiling and wrestling with the weight of life’s most profound questions, this list is for you. These books don’t just skim the surface; they plunge into the depths of self-awareness, purpose, and the raw reality of being human amidst trauma and grief. They ask you to confront the existential void, to question the narratives you’ve been living by, and to explore what it means to find meaning in the midst of suffering. In their pages, you may discover that the very act of questioning is a path toward understanding—and that within the uncertainty, there’s a quiet invitation to create your own truth.
No matter where you are in your “healing” journey, these books offer science, soul, and a little bit of existential magic to help you make sense of your story.
14 best books on trauma psychology, philosophy, & recovery
1. When You're Ready, This is How You Heal by Brianna Wiest
Healing isn’t linear, and if you’ve ever found yourself stalled in your trauma work—staring into the abyss of a plateau or struggling to articulate what you’re feeling—this book might be the guide you need. Brianna Wiest’s reflective chapters offer more than just comfort; they invite you to face the messiness of your emotions, the ambiguity of your journey, and the tension between where you are and where you hope to be. In a world that often seeks neat answers, especially to “treat trauma”, this book embraces the uncertainty and complexity of healing, offering perspective shifts that allow you to reframe your experience. Whether you're journaling, exploring emotionally immature parents, political terror, or domestic abuse, or seeking to reconnect with your own sense of self, it encourages you to exist within the unknown and to understand that healing is less about destination and more about the ongoing process of becoming.
Length: 235 pages
Goodreads rating: 4.25/5 stars
Best for: Anyone feeling caught in the stillness of their journey, searching for gentle, reflective insights to help navigate the complexity of their own healing process and regain momentum in the face of uncertainty.
2. And How Does That Make You Feel?: Everything You Never Wanted to Know About Therapy by Joshua Fletcher
Ever wondered what therapy looks like from the other side of the room? And How Does That Make You Feel? offers a raw, honest look at the therapeutic process through a therapist’s eyes—delving into real-life experiences, mental health diagnoses, and the profound complexities of being human. Joshua Fletcher doesn’t just educate; he opens a window into the emotional terrain of therapy, confronting the vulnerability, the messiness, and the uncertainty of the human experience. With a blend of personal insight and professional knowledge, this book validates the full spectrum of emotions we grapple with, from confusion to clarity. Whether you’re in therapy, contemplating it, or simply curious about the existential challenges of being human, this book invites you to reflect on what it truly means to connect, heal, and grow—offering comfort and insight in a way that feels genuine and deeply relatable.
Length: 320 pages
Goodreads rating: 4.20/5 stars
Best for: Anyone curious about therapy—whether you’re currently in it, considering it, or simply intrigued by the complexities of the human mind and the raw, unfiltered nature of emotional healing.
3. Unfu*k Yourself: Get Out of Your Head and into Your Life by Gary John Bishop
If you’re looking for a reality check, this one’s for you. Gary John Bishop doesn’t sugarcoat the truth—his no-nonsense approach forces you to confront your life and take full accountability for the decisions, behaviors, and narratives you’re living. His words cut through the noise, challenging you to break free from old patterns and stop letting your past define you. It may feel like tough love, but that’s precisely what’s needed when we’re stuck in the inertia of our own limitations. One of my favorite quotes: “You have the life you are settling for. If you don’t like your life, change it.” In trauma work, we often focus on processing the past, but true liberation comes when we reclaim our agency and autonomy. If you’re ready to break the shackles of self-imposed limitations and embrace the power of choice, this book will help you step into that freedom. It’s a call to action, to not only reflect but to radically choose to reshape your life in a way that aligns with your deepest truth.
Length: 221 pages
Goodreads rating: 3.83/5 stars
Best for: Anyone who needs a no-nonsense examination to shift stuck mindsets and take the bull by the horn.
4. Rewire Your Mind: Discover the Science and Practice of Mindfulness by Dr. Shauna Shapiro
This book beautifully blends science and self-compassion, offering a profound look into how mindfulness can reshape our brain and our experience of the world. Dr. Shauna Shapiro introduces the powerful concept: “What you practice grows stronger.” Whether it’s self-criticism or self-compassion, our thoughts are not just reflections of reality—they actively shape it. If you’ve ever struggled with meditation or felt like mindfulness wasn’t working, this book offers a fresh, grounded perspective, rooted in neuroscience and real-life application. In the existential journey of healing, it’s the conscious act of choosing where to direct our awareness that holds transformative power. This book is perfect for anyone in therapy or trauma work who wants to cultivate self-kindness and presence, allowing space for pain while also fostering resilience. It’s an invitation to practice a different way of being, one where compassion becomes a radical choice that rewires our experience of ourselves.
Length: 256 pages
Goodreads rating: 3.93/5 stars
Best for: Anyone looking to shift their perspective through mindfulness, particularly those who struggle with self-compassion or meditation. This book is for those ready to explore the power of conscious choice and presence in reshaping their reality, and who seek to transform their inner dialogue from self-criticism to self-compassion.
5. How to Do the Work by Dr. Nicole LePera
Moving through trauma is a journey, and this book is a powerful guide for anyone ready to explore new perspectives on their own healing. Dr. Nicole LePera delves into childhood trauma, complex trauma, and the far-reaching effects of our earliest experiences on how we live today. She introduces the concept of the “Shadow Self”—those hidden, unprocessed wounds and the repetitive patterns we unconsciously cling to, keeping us bound to the past. This book isn’t just about understanding trauma; it’s about the radical act of doing the work—of confronting the parts of ourselves that we’ve long avoided. It’s about dismantling the cycles that trap us and building self-awareness in a way that empowers us to show up for ourselves, fully and authentically. In the existential exploration of trauma, healing is not a passive process—it requires us to confront the unknown parts of our psyche, to own our story, and to actively reshape our lives. Whether you’re diving into inner child healing, reparenting, or profound self-reflection, this book invites you to take the brave step of reclaiming your wholeness.
Length: 320 pages
Goodreads rating: 4.14/5 stars
Best for: Anyone ready to take a closer look at how childhood and complex trauma can shape our current experiences, interrupt harmful cycles, and build self-awareness.
6. When the Body Says No: The Cost of Hidden Stress by Gabor Maté
Ever felt like your body is trying to send you a message, but you’re too caught up in the demands of life to listen?In When the Body Says No, Gabor Maté reveals the profound and often overlooked connection between the mind and body, showing how stress, repressed emotions, and unresolved trauma can manifest as physical illness. Through real-life stories and a compassionate, insightful approach, Maté helps us recognize that the body is not just a vessel—it is a living expression of our emotional and psychological experiences. This book calls us to listen to the signals our body is sending, urging us to confront the tension between our inner world and external demands. If you've ever felt the weight of unspoken emotions or chronic stress affecting your health, this book serves as a wake-up call to reconnect with your body and begin healing from the inside out. In the existential journey, true wellness comes not from ignoring our bodies but from integrating their wisdom into our lives.
Length: 320 pages
Goodreads rating: 4.2/5 stars
Best for: Anyone feeling the toll of stress on their body, or those looking to explore the mind-body connection and start healing holistically.
7. All About Love: New Visions by Bell Hooks
Bell Hooks doesn’t just talk about love—she redefines it. In this transformative book, she deconstructs what love truly means, challenging the misconceptions, past wounds (cough cough self-involved parents, narcissistic ex-boyfriend…need I go on?), and cultural narratives that prevent us from experiencing love in its most authentic, liberating form. Hooks reveals love as a radical act of connection and growth—something that revitalizes, transforms, and builds meaningful communities. It’s not just a feeling, but an intentional, conscious choice that requires action, vulnerability, and responsibility. Through a mix of personal insights and social commentary, she invites us to reexamine how we love, how we’ve been loved, and how we can cultivate more profound, healing relationships—both with ourselves and others. This book challenges the idea that love is something we passively receive, instead encouraging us to actively engage in the work of loving in ways that nurture both our individual and collective potential.
If you're ready to challenge your views on love and start creating depthful, more meaningful connections, this book will open your eyes to a whole new way of accepting love in your life.
Length: 240 pages
Goodreads rating: 4.04/5 stars
Best for: Anyone ready to rethink love—not just in romantic relationships, but in friendships, family, and the broader human experience. This book is perfect for those seeking deeper, more authentic connections and wanting to explore how love can be an active, transformative force that aligns with a more intentional, meaningful way of being with others.
8. The Divided Self: An Existential Study in Sanity and Madness by R.D. Laing
Ever felt like you’re two people: your "real" self and the polished version you show the world? That’s the central dilemma R.D. Laing explores in The Divided Self. He challenges conventional notions of mental illness, suggesting that what we often call “madness” is a response to the deeper, existential struggles of identity, alienation (hello, existential loneliness), and unresolved trauma. Laing delves into how societal pressures and personal wounds can fracture our sense of self, creating a disconnection between who we truly are and the roles we feel compelled to perform. It’s not an easy read (let’s be honest, most trauma work isn’t), but for those willing to journey into the complexities of mental health, identity, and healing, this book offers profound insights into the struggle for authenticity in a world that demands conformity. Laing invites us to confront the tension between our inner selves and the masks we wear, shedding light on the profound process of becoming whole again.
Length: 224 pages
Goodreads rating: 4.11/5 stars
Best for: Anyone wanting to explore the deeper, existential dimensions of mental health and trauma. Ideal for those who feel “split” or disconnected and are seeking to understand the larger forces shaping their identity and experiences. (My personal fave—chef’s kiss.)
9. The Courage to Be by Paul Tillich
Ready to face life’s toughest questions head-on? The Courage to Be by Paul Tillich explores the existential courage needed to confront fear, doubt, uncertainty, and trauma. Tillich argues that true courage isn’t the absence of fear—it’s the willingness to embrace vulnerability, face our limitations, and accept the inherent uncertainty of life (easier said than done, right?). By acknowledging our existential anxieties and the impact of trauma, and accepting life’s unpredictable nature, we can begin to create meaning and peace within ourselves. If you’re grappling with existential anxiety, trauma, or feeling overwhelmed by life’s big questions (quarter-life crisis, anyone?), this book offers a profound guide on how to ground yourself, make meaning in the face of uncertainty, and find the courage to exist fully amidst both the pain and the beauty of life.
Length: 187 pages
Goodreads rating: 4.09/5 stars
Best for: Anyone grappling with existential anxiety, fear of the unknown, or feelings of isolation. A must-read for those seeking to cultivate the inner resilience and courage needed to confront life’s uncertainties and embrace the full spectrum of the human experience.
10. The Stranger by Albert Camus
If you’ve ever found yourself questioning the meaning of life (and let’s be real, who hasn’t?), The Stranger might just become your existential book bestie. Camus introduces us to Meursault, a man who defies societal norms, emotions, and expectations, living in a detached indifference that challenges the very structure of meaning. After a seemingly unremarkable crime, Meursault’s apathy stirs up a storm in a world desperately seeking purpose. Through his story, Camus invites us to confront the absurdity of life—the uncomfortable truth that perhaps life doesn’t have an inherent meaning—and to wrestle with the choice to either search for meaning or accept that meaning might not exist at all. If you’re grappling with the meaning of life or trying to make sense of a world that often feels indifferent to your existence, The Stranger will leave you questioning everything—while offering a strangely liberating perspective on embracing the absurdity and finding freedom within it.
Length: 123 pages
Goodreads rating: 4.03/5 stars
Best for: Anyone feeling disconnected from life’s conventions or wrestling with the idea of meaninglessness. Ideal for those seeking a philosophical, existential exploration of personal freedom, the absurdity of existence, and the human search for meaning (or acceptance of its absence).
11. No Longer Human by Osamu Dazai
Ever feel just—different from everyone? That’s the existential struggle at the heart of No Longer Human. Yozo Oba is a man who can’t find his place in the world, constantly trying to fit in but feeling like a stranger both to himself and to those around him. Dazai’s hauntingly raw novel delves deep into confusion, alienation, and emotional isolation—capturing the profound sense of not belonging that many of us secretly face. It’s a powerful exploration of self-doubt, loneliness, and the identities we construct in an attempt to survive. If you’ve ever felt like you’re playing a role, unsure of who you really are beneath the masks you wear, this book will resonate on a deep level. It’s introspective and unsettling, yet there’s a strangely comforting reminder: you’re not alone. In the existential void of self-estrangement, this novel offers both a mirror and a voice for the experience of grappling with the true nature of one’s identity in a world that often feels indifferent.
Length: 176 pages
Goodreads rating: 3.97/5 stars
Best for: Anyone feeling like they don’t quite fit the mold or grappling with a persistent sense of disconnection. A must-read for those wanting to explore the complexities of self-identity, loneliness, and the search for meaning in a world that often feels alienating and confusing.
12. The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma by Bessel van der Kolk
It wouldn’t be a “best books about PTSD” round-up without mentioning this one. While there have been allegations of mistreatment against the author, it's important to acknowledge the lasting impact this book has had in the field of trauma treatment and the mind-body approach. The Body Keeps the Score is considered groundbreaking, particularly for its exploration of the mind-body connection in the aftermath of trauma. Dr. Bessel van der Kolk walks us through how traumatic events imprint on our bodies, from the stress we hold in our muscles to the ways trauma distorts our ability to process emotions. He blends research with real-life stories, offering powerful insights into how trauma can manifest physically and emotionally. Through methods like EMDR (eye movement desensitization), yoga, and neurofeedback, Dr. van der Kolk shows us how we can engage in holistic healing—addressing trauma not just with the mind but through the body itself.
If you’ve ever wondered why you’re not “just over it” or why trauma keeps resurfacing in your body, this book will challenge you to consider the deep, often unconscious connection between your experiences and your physical self. It’s a must-read for anyone who wants to understand trauma from a multi-dimensional perspective and begin to heal the mind, body, and spirit in tandem.
Length: 464 pages
Goodreads rating: 4.38/5 stars
Best for: Anyone interested in understanding how trauma impacts both the mind and body. A must-read for those seeking insight into generational or how inherited family trauma shapes us. This book is also great for those looking for a holistic approach to healing that integrates the body, mind, and spirit.
13. Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself: How to Lose Your Mind and Create a New One by Joe Dispenza
Ever feel like you’re stuck in the same loops—same thoughts, same reactions, same self-doubt—that you can’t break out of no matter how hard you try? Dr. Joe Dispenza shows us that breaking free from these cycles is possible, and it’s not just about positive thinking. He blends neuroscience and quantum physics to explain how you can intervene in these patterns through mindfulness, belief, and conscious choice. This isn’t about some superficial mindset shift; it’s about rewiring your brain and stepping into a new version of yourself—one that isn’t weighed down by the past or trapped by old patterns.
Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself is part science, part self-transformation, and fully about reclaiming your personal agency and potential. If you’re ready to shed old constraints, challenge your beliefs, and completely shift your reality, this book will guide you through the process of radical change.
Length: 329 pages
Goodreads rating: 4.14/5 stars
Best for: Anyone interested in understanding quantum physics and how science-backed techniques can rattle your world (in a very good way).
14. Far From the Tree by Andrew Solomon
Far from the Tree takes us deep into the complexity of identity, family, and belonging, especially in the context of trauma. Andrew Solomon explores the lives of individuals who are profoundly different from their parents—whether due to disability, identity, or circumstance—and the ways their families navigate (or struggle to navigate) these differences. These stories are raw and real, shedding light on the trauma of rejection, the burden of unmet expectations, and the deep emotional scars that can arise when families fail to accept one another. Yet, Solomon also highlights the healing potential of love, acceptance, and connection in overcoming these challenges.
If you’ve ever felt estranged from your family or struggled with the weight of identity in a world that doesn’t always embrace you, Far from the Tree will resonate deeply. It’s a compassionate exploration of how trauma can shape our relationships and the long, often painful journey of reconciling who we are with who our families hoped or expected us to be. This book is for anyone working through family dynamics, seeking acceptance, or navigating the complicated emotional terrain of belonging.
Length: 962 pages (worth it)
Goodreads rating: 4.26/5 stars
Best for: Anyone grappling with family dynamics, especially those navigating feelings of estrangement, rejection, or identity conflict. This book is perfect for individuals who are working through the trauma of not being accepted for who they truly are, or who seek a deeper understanding of how family relationships can shape, and sometimes wound, our sense of self. Ideal for anyone on a journey of healing and reconciliation with their families.
Final thoughts on books about healing trauma
Whether you're curious about how inherited family trauma can shape our lives, want to dive into the impact of emotionally immature parents on your own functioning, or simply hear from other trauma survivors so you feel a little less alone, these books can offer perspectives that can make you think, reflect, and inspire new ways of connecting with yourself. On this reading this, may you find the right words, at the right time, in one of these pages.
If you're ready to explore your inner world using more than books alone, know that our trauma clinicians can be your guide and trusted confidant. As virtual therapists, we provide trauma therapy (and trauma-informed yoga!) to people in New York, New Jersey, and over 40 PsyPact states.
We're passionate about helping people process complex trauma and complex PTSD (P.S. take our CPTSD quiz here), create meaning and purpose, and most of all, remember that they're not on this journey alone. Contact us today to get started.
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