recommended books for healing and c-ptsd
Expand Your Understanding. Empower Your Healing.
An essential part of the healing process is educating yourself about trauma, your experiences, and how they shape your life. One of the most powerful ways to do this is through books—written by leading trauma researchers, experts, and survivors who have lived through it.
As awareness of C-PTSD grows, more resources are becoming available to help us navigate healing. We are committed to curating books that offer insight, validation, and practical tools to support you on your journey.
A Note on Trauma Reading & Self-Care
Learning about trauma can be empowering, but it can also feel overwhelming. Healing isn’t about consuming as much information as possible—it’s about taking in what serves you, when you’re ready.
✔ Give yourself permission to take breaks. It’s okay to put down a book for weeks and pick it up when you feel ready.
✔ Balance heavy reading with lighter content. A funny show, a lighthearted book, or a creative hobby can help when things feel too intense.
✔ Listen to your body. If something feels overwhelming, honor that feeling. Healing happens at your own pace.
our top recommended read:
Pete Walker is an author we highly recommend—his work has paved the way for a deeper understanding of the complexities of trauma and its lifelong impact.
Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving is a must-read for anyone living with CPTSD. This book offers practical tools, compassionate insights, and deeply validating explanations of what it means to heal from complex trauma. It explores emotional flashbacks, self-compassion, and the lifelong journey of recovery, making it an essential resource for survivors looking to understand themselves on a deeper level.
If you are navigating CPTSD, this book is a great place to start.
He Has also been so kind to offer some of his articles for our viewing on our site here.
Disclaimer: The books listed on this page are curated as potential resources for education, personal growth, and healing. We do not make any medical, therapeutic, or scientific claims regarding their effectiveness, nor do we endorse every perspective shared within them.
Each reader’s experience with these books may vary, and what resonates with one person may not resonate with another. These books are not intended to replace professional medical, psychological, or therapeutic care. If you have concerns about your mental health or well-being, we encourage you to consult a qualified professional.
Healing & CPTSD earns a small commission on purchases made through affiliate links, at no additional cost to you. This does not influence our selection—we choose books based on their potential value for our community.
By purchasing through this page, you acknowledge that Healing & CPTSD is not responsible for the content, perspectives, or impact of these books on your personal healing journey. We encourage you to explore and engage with these resources in a way that feels right for you.

want to submit your book?
If you’d like your book featured on our Recommended Books page, please send:
📚 A physical copy of your book
💌 A printed confirmation of a donation to our No Survivor Left Behind Campaign
📍 Mail to:
Healing & C-PTSD LLC
Attn: Danielle Carpio
P.O. Box 502
Warwick, NY 10990
We ask for a donation because by featuring your book, we’re helping connect it with the survivors who need it most. In return, we ask for your support in giving back to the community. Your contribution helps provide access to our Community Hub for survivors who cannot afford it, ensuring no survivor is left without support.
Submission does not guarantee listing, as we carefully curate resources to align with our mission. Thank you for supporting survivors and being part of this movement!
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