Essential Books for Childhood Trauma Survivors
Healing from childhood trauma is a long road, and therapy is just one part of that journey. Therapy sessions are typically only an hour once a week, and while we, as therapists, wish we could be there with you 24/7, the reality is we can’t. That’s where books come in—they’re a powerful tool to keep you moving forward between sessions. They can give you additional insights, deepen your understanding, and provide practical tools to apply when you’re not in the therapy room.
At Willow and Moss Counseling, we’re all about finding the best tools for YOUR healing process. Therapy is a big piece of the puzzle, but books can be a game-changer for supporting you outside that hour. Think of them as a reference guide to turn to when you need something more tangible or when we can’t be right there with you.
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
This book is the heavy hitter, so let’s get it out of the way. The Body Keeps the Score is the book to read if you want to understand how trauma doesn’t just mess with your mind—it gets stored in your body, too. Bessel van der Kolk breaks it down with science, stories, and case studies. If you’ve been wondering why you can’t shake those triggers or why your body seems to freak out when you’re just trying to relax, this book will give you some answers. Many therapists consider this more of a textbook, and while it's a tough read, it's definitely worth it.
Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter A. Levine
Ever thought “what would animals do?” (We all have, no shame)—this book’s for you. Peter Levine takes a wild look at how animals handle trauma and what we can learn from them. Sounds a bit “out there,” right? But trust us, it makes sense. This book shows how trauma shows up in your body and how to release it. No “mind over matter” nonsense—this is about getting real with your physical self and starting to heal from the inside out.
Trauma and Recovery by Judith L. Herman
If you’re in the mood for a deep dive into the psychology of trauma and recovery, this one’s a must. Judith Herman explains trauma in a way that actually makes sense, focusing on the recovery process. It’s not light reading, but if you’re ready to understand trauma from all angles, including how society impacts it, this is the one. As a trauma therapist, I re-read this book once a year as a reminder to myself of the far-reaching impacts of trauma. It's a tough read, but it's essential for understanding the full scope of trauma’s effects—and the possibility of recovery.
The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity by Nadine Burke Harris
Want to get to the nitty-gritty science of how childhood trauma messes with your brain and body? The Deepest Well by Dr. Nadine Burke Harris is your textbook, but in a way that doesn’t feel like a lecture. She goes through the research on Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how they affect everything from your health to your relationships. It’s a wake-up call and a real eye-opener.
What Happened to You? by Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey
Instead of asking "what’s wrong with you?"—What Happened to You? flips the script. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey team up to explore the science behind trauma and how it affects your brain and behavior. The book is full of great insight and questions that help you see trauma from a compassionate perspective.
Healing Tools & Practical Guides
Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete Walker
If you’re dealing with CPTSD (yep, that’s a real thing and we’ve got a blog post about it here!), Pete Walker’s got you covered. From Surviving to Thriving isn’t just for those who’ve survived the impossible; it’s for people who want to break the cycle and start truly living again. Walker breaks down how childhood trauma leads to CPTSD, and then gives you the tools to fix your brain. Seriously, if you feel stuck, this book is like a mental reset button.
The Trauma Recovery Toolkit by Susan Pease Banitt
This book is full of “okay, let’s actually do something” exercises, and we love that. If you’re tired of reading about trauma but never actually feeling like you’re getting anywhere, The Trauma Recovery Toolkit is a must. It’s packed with exercises to help you process and manage those overwhelming emotions. So if you’re someone who needs more than just talk and wants to roll up your sleeves and get to work, this one’s your go-to.
The CPTSD Workbook: Your Guide to Healing from Trauma and Reclaiming Your Life by Arielle Schwartz
Looking for something more hands-on? This workbook is packed with exercises to help you work through CPTSD—whether it’s managing emotional regulation, addressing triggers, or navigating the healing process. Arielle Schwartz breaks down trauma symptoms into three major categories: avoidance, intrusive, and depressive symptoms. It’s a practical, easy-to-follow guide that helps you identify and address your unique set of trauma reactions and symptoms, giving you clear steps to move forward.
Healing the Child Within by Charles L. Whitfield
We’ve all got that inner child who’s been through hell and is still carrying the baggage. In Healing the Child Within, Charles Whitfield takes a deep dive into reconnecting with that part of yourself and healing from the wounds of your childhood. If you’ve ever felt like your inner child is running the show, this book will help you re-parent yourself and start healing that deep, old pain.
Radical Acceptance: Embracing Your Life With the Heart of a Buddha by Tara Brach
Healing from trauma often means learning to stop beating yourself up. This book helps you ditch the shame and self-criticism and start embracing who you are—flaws and all. If you struggle with self-judgment or find it hard to give yourself the compassion you need, this book will make a huge difference.
The Courage to Heal: A Guide for Women and Men Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse by Ellen Bass and Laura Davis
If you’ve experienced childhood sexual abuse, The Courage to Heal is essential reading. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s packed with practical exercises that can help you reclaim your power. This book is a lifeline for women survivors who need support and a roadmap for healing.
Generational & Family Trauma
It Didn’t Start with You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn
Spoiler alert: you might not just be dealing with your own trauma. It Didn’t Start with You digs into the idea of generational trauma—yep, that stuff gets passed down. Mark Wolynn explores how emotional baggage from your ancestors can show up in your life, and how you can break the cycle. If you’ve ever thought, “Why does this all feel so familiar?”—this book is for you.
Toxic Parents: Overcoming Their Hurtful Legacy and Reclaiming Your Life by Susan Forward
This book is like a wake-up call. It helps you recognize harmful behaviors and understand how they’ve shaped you as an adult. The book is split into two parts: the first focuses on different types of family dysfunction and forms of abuse, with individual chapters dedicated to each. The second half is more like a workbook, offering structured steps on how to heal and reclaim your life. It's a powerful resource for breaking free from the hold your parents may still have on you and starting the journey toward healing.
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson
If your parents were emotionally immature (and we’re talking about the ones who can’t handle their feelings or treat you like an emotional adult), this book is a solid read. Lindsay Gibson dives into how these types of parents affect your adulthood, and gives you the tools to create healthier relationships moving forward.
Memoirs of Survival and Recovery
What My Bones Know by Stephanie Foo
Stephanie Foo’s memoir What My Bones Know is a raw, personal account of her own trauma recovery. It’s like reading a friend’s story of survival and healing—and she doesn’t hold back. This book is brutally honest, powerful, and a must-read if you want to hear someone else’s story that feels like your own.
Ready to Dive In?
Books can be a great starting point, but they’re not going to fix everything on their own (as much as we wish they could!). Healing from trauma is a messy, ongoing process, and sometimes it takes more than just reading to fully move through it. If you're looking for personalized support, our trauma-informed therapists at Willow and Moss Counseling are here to walk with you every step of the way. We offer a safe, compassionate space to explore your healing at your own pace. You don’t have to do it alone—let’s work together to help you move forward.
Willow & Moss Counseling – Compassionate Therapy in Cherokee & Cobb County, Serving Woodstock, Holly Springs, Canton, Kennesaw, and Marietta.
