20 Best Books For Childhood Trauma (2023 Update)

This book offers insight into how developmental trauma affects us over the lifespan: emotionally as well as physically. The author explains how we develop survival strategies to help us cope with inadequate nurturing in our early years and we absorb these strategies into our personality. We end up with false identifications of who we are and these restrict us later in life and can cause much suffering. The NeuroAffective Relational Model introduces a method of helping people identify what is standing in the way of healthy connection with ourselves and with others. I recommend this book to mental health professionals as well as individuals who want to gain a better understanding of themselves – with the goal of healthier relationships with themselves and others.cperkinsgilman

I have not finished the book yet, but it is opening my eyes to better understand the behaviours of my clients that have suffered trauma from a pre-verbal stage. The behaviours described are so apt, and it is helping me to be present for them in a more meaningful way.K S

I have a better understanding of the body's responses to trauma now. There is hope and healing from trauma, and this book gives insightful information and help with this.danhumphr0

In my work I am served well with updating information and adding to the tools I can work with myself and to offer to those I work with. I am sorry I left this book on my wish list for so long before purchasing. I have found it very useful and am confident to pass on the gems I have gleaned from using it.Kate

Larger print – reads very easily. Some graphic stories. Clear interpretations of trauma. Recommend for anyone interested in this topic.Pamela

Beautifully written, this book will give you a first hand account into the effect C-PTSD has on a person. Stephanie seems to have it all together on the outside (successful job, wealth, lots of friends etc) but on the inside she is struggling. I love how she openly shares her fears, emotions and her insights into how she became the person she is today. Highly recommend this book to anyone wanting to learn more about the personal effect C-PTSD has.Spear

German psychoanalyst Alice Miller was an experienced interpreter of childhood trauma whether physical or emotional. She writes of the burden placed on a child by parents who are perceived as offering conditional love. The result is often a child who suppresses emotions in favor of pleasing others. This book has had a profound impact on reader's worldwide. The Drama of the Gifted Child is easy to read and easy to relate to. I highly recommend it to anyone who is taking a look back at his or her childhood.carp-susa

This was the most incredible book I have ever read! Alice Miller is brilliant! After reading "The Drama of the Gifted Child", I purchased nearly every other book that Alice Miller wrote. I have read others, however, so far, this one has had the most profound effect on me, and has changed my whole way of thinking about life. It was the heaviest and most thought provoking book I have ever read! In "The Drama of The Gifted Child", Alice Miller explains her theory of human nature, and her belief, based on her continuing studies and the endless studies of so many others, that human beings are all born good. Evil is something that comes from childhood hurts, wounds, abuse, etc. Although our parents may have done the very best that they could, most of us still become wounded and scarred at varying degrees of severity. We carry these scars into all of our relationships throughout our lives, most of us never realizing the true source of our pain. This original wounding poisons our relationships, debilitates us, and prevents us from ever being able to achieve true happiness, peace within ourselves, or any sort of true fulfillment in life. Miller believes that we must go back and acknowledge our original wounds as the source of our pain in order to heal and experience any sort of true happiness and joy in our lives. I recommend this book to anyone who is willing to look deep into their past and find all of the dark secrets that may be lurking there. The reward is beyond measure! Miller clearly explains that none of the outside fixes we use to try to make ourselves feel better work. We can only heal ourselves by knowing the truth!streetart11

I was so pleased that I ordered this book. It came at the perfect time of inner reflection. It is also written in very comprehensive easy to understand language, without the extra jargon. Very clear, concise and straight to the point. Alice Miller is a treasure!fatay6729

Made my brain kinda explode. Ideas Id never heard before that resonated with me deep in my soul. Explained so many things for me. Best book Ive read this year!secfly

For any kind of survivor, validation is so important! You're not crazy, but you probably born into a disfunctional family! This is a book to help you realize, any quirks you may have, most likely cane from your family of originSHARON

This book is an amazing exploration showing the way in which trauma and experiences in the past of our family can influence our thought patterns and mental health. There are strategies provided to help healing.SJJ

I greatly struggle with a formidable perfect-storm-like combination of adverse childhood experience trauma, autism spectrum disorder and high sensitivity, the ACE trauma in large part being due to my ASD and high sensitivity. Thus it would be quite helpful to have books written about such or similar conditions involving a coexistence of ACE trauma and/or ASD and/or high sensitivity, the latter which seems to have a couple characteristics similar to ASD traits. Childhood Disrupted fails to even once mention high sensitivity and/or autism spectrum disorder. [As it were, I also read a book on ASD that fails to even mention high sensitivity or ACE trauma. That was followed by a book about highly sensitive men, with no mention whatsoever of autism spectrum disorder or adverse childhood experience trauma.] Really, it’s no secret that ACE abuse/trauma is often inflicted on autistic and/or highly sensitive children and teens by their ‘neurotypical’ peers, so why not at least acknowledge it in some meaningful, constructive way? I therefore don't know whether my additional, coexisting conditions will render the information and/or assigned exercises from such not-cheap books useless, or close to it, in my efforts to live much less miserably. While many/most people in my shoes would work with the books nonetheless, I cannot; I simply need to know if I'm wasting my time and, most importantly, mental efforts. … An additional unaddressed 'elephant in the room' throughout the book is: Why does/can the author only include one male among its six interviewed ACE-traumatized adult subjects? Was there such a small pool of ACE-traumatized men willing to formally tell his own story of life-changing childhood abuse? Could it be yet more evidence of a continuing subtle societal take-it-like-a-man mindset; one in which so many men, even in these modern times and with anonymity, still would prefer not to ‘complain’ to some stranger/author about his torturous youth, as that is what ‘real men’ do? That relatively so few men (a ratio of 5:1 female to male) suffered high-scoring ACE trauma is not a plausible conclusion, however low in formally recorded number such unfortunate male victims may be. … Even in this day and age, there likely remains a mentality out there, albeit perhaps subconscious: Men can take care of themselves, and boys are basically little men.Frank

this book is one of the very best self help books I have read. It identified my life experiences and how I could mend my hurt, pain and illness from life. It is a must read for every person with a dysfunctional childhood. i bought each of my children a copy of the book so they too can heal.Di the Author

So insightful and to the point excellent story telling and a beautiful journey to read will be reading all of Gabor Mate books now thanks so much to Gabor and his son Daniel A+++++++Jules

The Myth of normal gives an indepth insight into the toxic culture that is our current paradigm and gives a foundational understanding of what trauma truly is and ways to heal. Everyone needs to read this book to start a global change.Katie

Absolutely love this book, it's definitely opened my eyes on the deep root causes of issues rather than the outer layer that only gets scratched. Definitely worth a read 👍Ricki

Very good book ! I bought it for my girlfriend who has childhood traumas and she said there are some very good ideas in the book that really helped her look at things from a new perspective. I will read it after she finishes it cause I got traumas, also so it was a wonderful gift for both of us.Reviewed by The School of Life c

I had two mentally ill parents. One walked away and never looked back and the other subjected me and my siblings to endless abuse and neglect. Learning to accept what has passed and to move on is a constant battle for me. This book offered some comfort and insight. Reading it has been calming for me. I intend to pass it on to my sister.Reviewed by The School of Life c

This is a great tool, thanks for the great work. It is accurate! It inspired me. Would like to work with you. Would like to get in contact. I am working on a documentary film about artists and art. This will be a five star approach to contemporary art. Or like the Buddhists say: A five star insight.Reviewed by The School of Life c

Ive read some of this book in the past. I love Bruce Perry. Im going back to school for social work with a focus on trauma. This book has relevant information for my field of study. I recommend this book great contentdebrod_7

This book really opens your eyes to the way society has changed around treating/caring for children who go through trauma. It give real insight into the journey of psychology/psychiatry with trauma affected children and the different ways to help them heal.Cheree

I read the first few chapters. Lacks any rhythm to the story telling – very dull and mechanical. I will try to give it another try. I am used to reading books on psychotherapy and psychiatry, I work in the field. Have been recommended this book by a colleague as the one book I needed to read – expensive and quite poorly written. Have read plenty of better written booksHana

Dr Webb has hit on a winner here in terms of bringing peace to troubled minds. Who knew that our often well meaning parents had missed an important component to our upbringing. Dr Webb doesn't lay blame, she simply points out an essential need. It's that missing link after all the self-help books have been read that you really need to know.Tuppence

This will hit home for so many people and help explain things you could never understand before. You won't be sorry for reading this book! 100% recommend!Kat

It is easier to heal from a trauma that has actually happened 'to' you. You can name it. It has substance. Be it a person, place, event or thing. But when the 'something' that happened is actually the 'absence' of something, you cant even begin to find a place to start. Its elusive. Its right there – but its invisible. You are angry and sad and empty inside – but you cant comprehend why. Its like chasing a ghost. Jonice names that 'absence' and gives it language. Running on Empty has given me an understanding of my childhood emotional neglect. It explains the 'hole in my soul'. This book has allowed me to begin the healing process and put me on the road to becoming the complete human being I was meant to be. I am filling my tank with life and I am no longer Running on Empty.Tydirium80

This is a medical memoir by Drew Magary. I normally do not read this type of book but it was offered on NetGalley and it sounded intriguing. Drew is a funny guy and a journalist. He was hosting the Deadspin awards when he fell and hit his head on the concrete floor. He had had a few beers and doesn't really know if the drinking helped with his fall or not but he swore off alcohol. He was in a coma for 2 weeks having suffered a severe brain bleed and the doctors did not know if he would make it or if he did what kind of shape he would be in. In parts of the story he has different family members and friends telling him what it was like with him in the coma. It was very interesting. When he wakes up he is not like his former self and he struggles with the things that have changed in him. He does start writing again after he gets home and that helps with his healing. This books puts into reality that a little accidental fall can change your life and the life of your family. Told with wit, humor and humility Drew Magary is luck to be alive and doing so well. I hope he is still doing well. Thanks to #netgalley, #harmonypublishing and #drewmagary for an ARC of #TheNightTheLightsWentOutEdensKathyG

This is an evidence-based resource that breaks down complex and heavy information in a way that is easy for teens and young adults to digest. This book is not just for teens – if you are looking for hope while starting or continuing on your trauma recovery journey, this is a great book to start with.rdieker

As a young child myself, I too, have been traumatized by my parents who have this book. I can tell you right now that this book works wonders for trauma. I show it to my school friends (what friends?) and sometimes use these methods on them. They may be imaginary, but they're children too. I once read it to my teacher for show 'n tell and she looked at me with a face of shock and horror. 1000000/10 recommend for deliberately traumatizing children.Bartholmew

I'm a retired therapist with a deep concern for children. I've led many, many parenting classes for people who were totally unprepared to effectively meet the greatest challenge of anyone's life. This funny book is sarcastic about everything and everyone without being judgemental. I wish every family had a well-worn copy of "Traumatize" they frequently would refer to. I believe this little book can help explain ourselves to ourselves, as well as enable a better understanding of those who came before us as well as those who are following or who will follow us.carolcorvette

Hilarious! My kids didnt think it was funny but my husband and i thought it was sooo funny! Let my kids have kids and theyll get it too lol!Teresa

As an adult, I've only starting to see how the damage of my childhood is impacting my life. This book has accelerated my understanding. The book looks right through me!recovering reader

This books brings clarity to so much. I have struggled with life despite over 20 years of counselling. This book has helped me understand what and why and gives with understanding, grace, care and gentleness provides insights and a toolbox that have the power to chip away at the issues that hold me back… It will not happen overnight but with this book by my side I see a way through. My counsellor is reading it too. CPTSD (complex Trauma / Complex PTSD) provides understanding of childhood trauma that had no physical signs – while sexual and physical violence is abominable what is not generally well known, even though it is now well understood by researchers is that emotional trauma has the same effect on the brain of growing child as physical trauma. This truth is brutal but a vindication of how I have felt in my life: it seems that with the way my brain would have been wired as a child and the brain I carried into adulthood set me at a disadvantage no matter how hard I work… compounded by blaming myself for my ongoing inabilities (inner critic). The game changer is understanding this and not repeating the same patterns, knowing what triggers me into emotional flashbacks and that in fact such a thing exists – you know: the unexplainable low mood, sudden rage over something small, endless depression, desire to be dead… all flashbacks to when I experienced emotional trauma. For a child it is like death when their inner world is ignored or violated. Please read this book – CPTSD/complex trauma is an epidemic with 1 in 4 Australians living with CPTSD as an aftermath of childhood trauma of some sort. The impact of this on relationships, productivity, life satisfaction is devastating – understanding how it happens and intervening to prevent it happening has the power to make big difference to each of us and our societyg-w-t

Out of all I've read so far, this book is a great book b/c Pete Walker writes out of his own battles w/ CPTSD. The information in this book is so clear about our reactions when suffering & how they come from our childhood abuses or neglect. Also, he gives emotional flashback steps to come out of a flashback. This is a very good help for anyone who's suffered freeze, flight, fight or fawn & most people have & do suffer from these reactions! Lots of books out there but this is one of the tops & not hard to read!donngiovann_0

saw the documentary on wttw& used to live near there on chicago& leavitt. I also went to one of those old type scchools-Lincoln ave school in Dolton ill.214406161708

I read this book when it first came out as part of my research toward an article I was writing. My personal copy was misplaced and this is one of those books that you just want to keep on your shelf forever. When I saw a copy for sale, I hesitated not!mjtk923

I would recommend this to everyone. It's fascinating, it's clear and easy to understand, it really makes you open your eyes and think.tonilu2

I would recommend this to everyone. It's fascinating, it's clear and easy to understand, it really makes you open your eyes and think.tonilu2

"As you move through the experiences of your past, know that no matter what happened, your being here, vibrant and alive, makes you worthy. You alone are enough." Sometimes a book will come into your life at exactly the right time. Traumas, both from childhood and more recent times, have been making themselves known to me with an urgency I haven't experienced before, at a time that seems more inconvenient than pretty much any other time in my life. Although I'd love to push it all to the side, with a 'Not now! Can't you see I'm busy reading?', there's also a knowing that there's never going to be a good time and that maybe, just maybe, there's a reason it's all coming up for me now. So, here I am, trying to figure out what healing will look like for me and having conversations with people who are seeing my resilience from the outside in vastly different ways than I'm perceiving it from the inside. Then this book, which covers the trifecta of what my brain has decided is my priority right now (trauma, resilience and healing), makes its way into my world. The shift from asking 'what's wrong with you?' to 'what happened to you?' is something I've yearned to hear for most of my life. Western society is so fixed on labels, which I know have their place and can be useful, but all too often pasting a diagnosis (or multiple diagnoses) on someone marginalises them more than it helps them. If we don't get to the core of why a person behaves the way they do then we're really missing the point, and the opportunity to best support them. "All of us want to know that what we do, what we say and who we are, matters." Dr. Perry's work in understanding how the brain's development is impacted by early trauma helps explain why we behave the way we do, for example, why some people lash out in anger and others withdraw into themselves. There's science in this book but it was explained in a way that made sense to me, someone who hasn't formally studied science since high school. Even if you don't understand a concept the first time it's mentioned it's okay as it will be referred to in later conversations. If words like 'brainstem', 'diencephalon', 'limbic' and 'cortex' make you want to disengage, I'd encourage you to hold on because how the science relates to someone's life will be explained. This, in turn, will make it easier to apply what's being said to your own life. You'll read about people Dr. Perry has worked with, people Oprah has interviewed and about Oprah's own experiences. Knowledge truly is powerful and simply having an understanding of why a smell or sound ('evocative cues') can cause people with PTSD to have flashbacks, making them feel as though they're right back in that moment, feels like half the battle. If you're not caught up in judging yourself for your brain responding the way that it does, then it frees up so much energy that you can use to regulate yourself. I learned about how our view of the world becomes a "self-fulfilling prophecy", why self harm makes so much sense to the people who do it (even though it baffles the people who don't), the importance of rhythm in regulation, how vital connections with other people are to healing and why I need to learn more about neuroplasticity. I gained a much better understanding of flock, freeze, flight and fight. Dissociation, which I thought I knew all about from personal experience, make much more sense to me now, as does why I find reading so helpful in my everyday life. I love facts and there were some that really put what I was reading into context for me. "During the first nine months, fetal brain development is explosive, at times reaching a rate of 20,000 new neurons 'born' per second. In comparison, an adult may, on a good day, create 700." This book isn't about blaming anyone for your trauma and it's not giving you an excuse for bad behaviour. It does explain why you react the way you do and can help silence the voice inside you that tells you there's something wrong with you because of it – your reaction is reasonable given your history but there is also hope; you can heal. I would recommend this book to so many people. Before I'd even begun reading I'd recommended it to my GP and would not hesitate in recommending it to anyone who works in a profession that brings them into contact with young children and their families or trauma survivors. "To this day, the role that trauma and developmental adversity play in mental and physical health remains under appreciated." I would recommend it to trauma survivors, although with a few caveats: that they stay safe while reading (some of the content is bound to be triggering), read at their own pace and make good use of their support system as needed. Loved ones of trauma survivors will find explanations for why their friend or family member behaves the way that they do and ways they can help. I'm not someone who usually listens to audiobooks but if there's a book that would be more suited for that format than thSchizanthus Nerd

Lots of interesting information. Some parts were a bit repetitive, but I'm really glad to have read it. Worth the time and money, for sure. Even if you didn't experience childhood trauma, this might help you understand the associated behaviors of others around you.HabbinJabbins

This book is perfect for anyone planning on having a child. This will tell you what to do and what not to do when raising a child. This book also helps tremendously with exploring trauma. Whether you are a man or a woman, get this book.madison5thave