Books can be a very helpful tool on the road to recovery. They give us stories to relate to, and a format in which to document and record our experiences and insights to help promote more in-depth discussions during therapy sessions.  Here are the best books for PTSD, according to a Licensed Mental Health Counselor. Price at time of publication: $16 for paperback Therefore, optimal resources used to navigate resolving the effects of trauma incorporate nervous system regulation in order to seek and establish safety and connection in the mind and body.”—Angela Walker, LMHC, MCAP, ICADC, ACS, Trauma Therapist at Sozo Wellness Price at time of publication: $16 for paperback Price at time of publication: $27 Price at time of publication: $16 Price at time of publication: $25 Price at time of publication: $17 for paperback Price at time of publication: $20 Written as an inspirational narrative, this book is meant to help find purpose in the pain and implores readers to never lose sight of hope.  Price at time of publication: $15 for paperback Price at time of publication: $18 Marriage and family therapist Annie Chen explores these attachment issues.  Price at time of publication: $16 Price at time of publication: $23

Targets specific needs

There are different ways that people can experience trauma, and a book that speaks to your specific experience is the most helpful. Trauma caused by violence or war is very different from childhood trauma.

Fits your current lifestyle

Trauma recovery requires time, energy, and focus. However, in real life, things can get very busy. Do what you can. If you only have 15 minutes a day to read, that’s better than nothing. If you have more time and space to focus on your recovery specifically, choose more in-depth resources.

Why Trust Verywell Mind 

As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with over 15 years of experience working with clients who struggle with mental health issues, Mary K. Tatum understands the importance of finding quality resources and techniques that work for each person. Not everyone will have the same kind of healing journey, therefore having lots of options to choose from is vitally important in creating an emotionally healthy lifestyle. Psychodynamic therapy focuses on the unconscious aspects of PTSD and how past traumatic events contribute to current behavior. This type of therapy has been shown to reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms. Still, other interventions can help treat PTSD, such as cognitive processing therapy, group therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). However, reading isn’t easy for everyone living with PTSD. In fact, the level of concentration, retention, and analysis required can make it quite difficult for some. In this case, listening to an audiobook or tackling shorter articles can help you accomplish the same goals without adding further stress to your healing journey.