Top 11 Must-Read Books for PTSD in 2023, Recommended by a Specialist

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Trauma is an emotional injury that, unlike physical wounds, isn’t visible, making the healing journey complex and sometimes perplexing. It can trigger distressing symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, or physical manifestations like headaches. Depending on trauma’s nature and intensity, individuals may find benefit in various healing approaches.

Books serve as valuable aids in recovery, offering relatable narratives and a structured way to record personal reflections, enhancing therapeutic conversations.

Below are the top PTSD books selected by a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

Transformed by Trauma by Richard G. Tedeschi & Bret A. Moore

Pros

• Grounded in scientific research

• Thoroughly researched content

• Encouraging and informative

Cons

• Lengthy at 292 pages

• Generalized rather than personalized

• Lacks specific exercises

It’s common to believe trauma leaves lasting damage, but Drs. Tedeschi and Moore dedicate their expertise to illustrating how pain can fuel growth and purpose. Their blend of storytelling and positive psychology instills hope and practical coping strategies.

Price at publication: $16 paperback

Professional Insight

“When selecting PTSD recovery resources, prioritize those backed by empirical evidence, incorporating mind-body connection and nervous system regulation to foster safety and healing.” —Angela Walker, LMHC, MCAP, ICADC, ACS, Trauma Therapist at Sozo Wellness

Struggle Well by Ken Falke and Josh Goldberg

Pros

• Specifically designed for veterans

• Supports veteran families

• Research-supported methods

Cons

• Focused on a specific population

• Addresses a single trauma type

• Not a substitute for therapy

Struggle Well targets combat veterans, guiding them toward post-traumatic growth rather than stress following military service, addressing their unique challenges.

Price at publication: $16 paperback

Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa Terkuerst

Pros

• Tackles a crucial subject

• Accessible and easy to read

• Spiritually oriented

Cons

• Religious focus may not suit all

• Topic-specific

• Not personalized

Lysa Terkuerst integrates her theological expertise to explore forgiveness when the offender shows no remorse, helping readers heal and move forward despite unresolved pain.

Price at publication: $27

The Complex PTSD Workbook by Dr. Arielle Schwartz

Pros

• Proven healing strategies

• Expertly crafted and educational

• Comprehensive healing exercises

Cons

• Potentially overwhelming for newcomers

• Best paired with therapy

• Requires dedicated time and focus

Dr. Schwartz combines educational content with therapeutic exercises, offering a detailed workbook ideal for navigating the complexities of trauma recovery.

Price at publication: $16

The Post-Traumatic Growth Guidebook by Dr. Arielle Schwartz

Pros

• Effective healing methods

• Holistic lifestyle focus

• Clear and approachable format

Cons

• Does not focus on specific traumas

• Not a therapy replacement

• Not a workbook

This guidebook offers a holistic approach incorporating yoga, mindfulness, somatic psychology, and EMDR techniques without the extensive writing required in workbooks.

Price at publication: $25

Whole Again by Jackson Mackenzie

Pros

• Addresses widespread issue

• Insightful and well-written

• Educational content

Cons

• Lengthy at 304 pages

• Lacks personalization

Jackson Mackenzie explores the complexities of trauma from abusive relationships, highlighting personality disorder traits that contribute to toxic dynamics and paths to recovery.

Price at publication: $17 paperback

Behavioral Activation for PTSD by Lisa Campbell

Pros

• Evidence-based strategies

• Suitable for beginners

• Motivational and informative

Cons

• Gender-specific focus

• Targets specific trauma

• Most effective alongside therapy

Designed as an introductory guide, this workbook combines education with practical steps to initiate healing, specifically crafted for men hesitant about therapy.

Price at publication: $20

The Beauty of a Darker Soul by Joshua Mantz

Pros

• Highly inspirational

• Relevant for war veterans

• Engaging and well-written

Cons

• Not a therapy alternative

• Generalized, not personalized

• Single narrative, lacks scientific backing

Author Joshua Mantz shares his near-death experience after being shot in Baghdad, offering a compelling story of hope and purpose amidst pain.

Price at publication: $15 paperback

The Choice: Embrace the Possible by Dr. Edith Eva Eger

$18 $12 on Amazon Pros

• Profoundly touching narrative

• Uplifting and hopeful

• Excellently written

Cons

• Some content may trigger readers

• Lengthy at 320 pages

• Lacks evidence-based healing methods

Endorsed by Oprah, this memoir chronicles a young Jewish woman’s survival in a concentration camp and her journey through PTSD toward mental freedom.

Price at publication: $18

The Attachment Theory Workbook by Annie Chen, LMFT

Pros

• Proven therapeutic techniques

• Widely applicable topic

• Educational and personalized workbook format

Cons

• Does not directly address trauma

• Best used with therapy

• Requires active writing engagement

This workbook delves into attachment styles and their impact on relationships, highlighting how trauma can impede healthy connections vital for recovery.

Price at publication: $16

The Addiction Recovery Workbook by Paula A. Freedman

Pros

• Personalized workbook format

• Effective recovery strategies

Cons

• Not a substitute for therapy or support groups

• Demands time and commitment

• Targeted audience

Often driven by past trauma, addiction recovery requires sobriety as a foundation to address underlying issues. This workbook supports that essential process.

Price at publication: $23

Summary

Transformed by Trauma offers a solid scientific foundation for healing, while The Complex PTSD Workbook provides in-depth education and practical exercises. Both complement traditional therapy well.

Choosing the Right PTSD Book

Evidence-Based Content

Select books grounded in scientific research and proven methods to maximize healing potential. Progress motivates continued recovery efforts.

Relevant to Your Experience

Trauma varies greatly; selecting books that address your specific type ensures more effective guidance.

Compatible with Your Lifestyle

Recovery demands time and focus. Even brief daily reading helps, but deeper resources suit those with more availability.

FAQs

• What therapy works best for PTSD?

  Effective PTSD treatments often include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy. CBT helps reshape disruptive thoughts and behaviors, with exposure therapy benefiting many patients. Psychodynamic therapy addresses unconscious trauma influences. Other helpful interventions include cognitive processing therapy, group therapy, and EMDR.

• Can PTSD be cured?

  While PTSD has no cure, it is manageable. Healing involves confronting and integrating trauma through therapy and/or medication. Finding the right treatment takes time but is crucial for recovery.

• Is reading beneficial for PTSD?

  Books aid understanding and coping, but some may find reading challenging. Audiobooks or shorter articles offer alternative ways to engage without added stress.

Why Trust Verywell Mind

Mary K. Tatum, a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with 15 years of experience, emphasizes the importance of diverse, high-quality resources tailored to individual healing journeys for mental wellness.

Read more:

• Conditions A-Z
• PTSD
• Living With

5 Sources Verywell Mind relies exclusively on reputable, peer-reviewed research to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. Review our editorial standards to learn more.

1. American Psychological Association. Trauma.

2. American Psychological Association. PTSD treatments.

3. Watkins LE, Sprang KR, Rothbaum BO. Treating PTSD: A Review of Evidence-Based Psychotherapy Interventions. Front Behav Neurosci. 2018 Nov 2;12:258. doi:10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00258

4. Paintain E, Cassidy S. First-line therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review of cognitive behavioural therapy and psychodynamic approaches. Couns Psychother Res. 2018 Sep;18(3):237-250. doi:10.1002/capr.12174

5. Qureshi SU, Long ME, Bradshaw MR, et al. Does PTSD impair cognition beyond the effect of trauma?. J Neuropsychiatry Clin Neurosci. 2011;23(1):16–28. doi:10.1176/jnp.23.1.jnp16

By Mary K. Tatum, MS, LMHC
Mary is a licensed mental health counselor and psychotherapist with 15 years of clinical experience. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Bluefield College and a Master of Science in Psychology from Palm Beach Atlantic University. Her background spans social work, addiction rehabilitation, and clinical leadership. Mary specializes in family dynamics, trauma recovery, resilience enhancement, addiction treatment, and business psychology.

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