I believe that knowledge is empowering. Especially that which we gain outside of session. When we delve into ourselves outside of session we invest in the process and further propel ourselves into our depths in session. Here are a few of my favorite books that I recommend to clients looking to reflect deeply on themselves as we make sense of their experiences and find new ways to move forward from their trauma.

Growing Yourself Back Up by John Lee

Living Like You Mean It by Ronald Frederick

Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma by Peter Levine

The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk

Facing Codependence by Pia Mellody*

Healing the Shame that Binds You by John Bradshaw*

Nurturing Resilience: Helping Clients move Forward from Developmental Trauma – An Integrative Somatic Approach by Kathy Kain

*trigger warning: this book discusses child abuse and trauma as it relates to our adult personalities and is sensitive material. I recommend being in active treatment when moving your way through this book.

Take good care while processing your experiences and remember that a book is just a book. If elements don’t resonate or feel true for you I believe it is healthy to challenge them. You get to decide what to take and what to leave.