📚 Essential Reading for Trauma Recovery

A mix of science, soul, and somatic wisdom

“The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk
The foundational text for understanding how trauma lives in the body. A powerful mix of case studies, neuroscience, and practical healing modalities from EMDR to yoga.
“Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma” by Peter A. Levine
This book introduces Somatic Experiencing—a body-based approach to trauma healing. Levine explains how trauma is stored in the nervous system, and how we can discharge and complete fight/flight responses gently.
“In an Unspoken Voice” by Peter A. Levine
A deeper and more nuanced dive into the somatic science of trauma. It explores the body’s innate capacity to heal when we learn to listen without judgment.

“Attached” by Amir Levine & Rachel Heller
Not trauma-specific, but deeply helpful in understanding attachment styles and how early wounding shapes our adult relationships. A must-read for healing relational trauma.
“Polyvagal Theory in Therapy” by Deb Dana
Deb Dana brings Stephen Porges’ Polyvagal Theory to life in an accessible, therapeutic way. Learn how safety, connection, and nervous system regulation are central to healing trauma.
“It Didn’t Start With You” by Mark Wolynn
A powerful exploration of inherited trauma. This book helps uncover patterns that may be generational—and offers ways to shift them.

“My Grandmother’s Hands” by Resmaa Menakem
A profound and necessary book on racialized trauma, the body, and generational healing. It blends somatic practices with deep cultural insight.
“The Wisdom of Your Body” by Hillary L. McBride
Written with compassion and beauty, this book teaches us how to come home to the body after trauma, shame, and disconnection. Gentle, empowering, and full of healing rituals.
“Radical Acceptance” by Tara Brach
A beautiful blend of psychology and Buddhist mindfulness. It’s especially powerful for survivors who carry shame or self-blame. Learning to accept ourselves as we are is deeply healing.
“Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors” by Janina Fisher
An essential book for therapists, but also digestible for trauma survivors. Fisher explains how dissociation, parts work, and neurobiological responses shape trauma—and how to reclaim wholeness.

“Untamed” by Glennon Doyle
For reclaiming your voice, your boundaries, your wild truth. Not a trauma textbook—but deeply validating for women who’ve been silenced or shamed.
“What My Bones Know” by Stephanie Foo
A memoir of living with complex PTSD and the long, non-linear road of healing. Honest, raw, and scientifically grounded. It’s an especially good read for those navigating CPTSD.
“Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole” by Susan Cain
This book explores the depth and richness of emotional life, and how we can find beauty and wisdom in sadness. Ideal for those learning to hold grief and joy at the same time.

🌼 Tips for Reading During Recovery

📖 Go slow. Trauma healing is tender. It’s okay to pause.
✍️ Journal after reading. Let the insights integrate.
🤍 Practice self-compassion. If a book triggers strong feelings, take space. You’re not doing it wrong—you’re awakening.
🔁 Revisit. Some books offer new meaning at each stage of your healing.