Self Help Books, Dealing with Trauma
Relationship Trauma & Emotional Abuse
- “Psychopath Free” by Jackson MacKenzie
– A powerful guide for healing from toxic relationships with narcissists, sociopaths, and manipulators.
- “Whole Again” by Jackson MacKenzie
– A follow-up to Psychopath Free, focusing more deeply on healing trauma bonds and rebuilding your sense of self.
- “The Journey: A Roadmap for Self-healing After Narcissistic Abuse” by Meredith Miller
– A very accessible, workbook-style guide to processing emotional abuse and regaining personal power.
- “Attached” by Amir Levine & Rachel Heller
– While not about trauma per se, this book explores attachment styles and can help people understand unhealthy relationship patterns and why they’re drawn to them.
- “It’s Not You, It’s Them: 30 Days of Hope and Help for the Adult Child of a Narcissist” by Shahida Arabi
– A daily guide for those healing from emotionally abusive family or romantic relationships.
General Trauma Healing
- “The Body Keeps the Score” by Bessel van der Kolk
– A foundational trauma recovery book explaining how trauma is stored in the body and how to heal through mind-body therapies.
- “Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma” by Peter Levine
– Introduces Somatic Experiencing, a powerful approach to healing trauma without having to relive it.
- “Healing the Trauma of Abuse: A Women’s Workbook” by Mary Ellen Copeland & Maxine Harris
– A gentle, practical workbook to guide women through recovery from emotional, physical, or sexual abuse.
- “Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving” by Pete Walker
– Especially helpful for those dealing with long-term trauma or CPTSD from childhood or relational abuse.
- “You Can Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay
– A more holistic and affirmations-based approach to healing emotional wounds, often helpful for those who are ready for a gentler, empowering read.