12 Must-Read Books Like 'The Body Keeps the Score' For Healing

Started your healing journey, but are now unsure of your next steps? Looking for additional advice is smart. You can learn more about the effects of trauma, healing, and the connections between your body and mind from books like 'The Body Keeps the Score.' And these 12 nonfiction titles will help you make sense of trauma and provide effective healing techniques.

A quick story reminder: 'The Body Keeps the Score' by Bessel van der Kolk is a groundbreaking book exploring how traumatic experiences impact our bodies and minds. Using neuroscience, van der Kolk shows that trauma alters how your body functions in addition to impairing your mental health.

Overall, the book shows how trauma affects everything from emotions to thinking by fusing research with personal experience. Want to learn more about healing, mindfulness, and trauma treatment without spending hours reading?

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Quick list: Six books similar to 'The Body Keeps the Score'

1. 'Man's Search for Meaning' by Viktor E. Frankl — Frankl's observations from his time in a Nazi concentration camp provide an impactful look at how to find meaning and purpose.

2. 'When the Body Says No' by Gabor Maté, MD — Maté helps you understand how the body retains trauma by examining the role that stress and unresolved emotions play in physical illnesses.

3. 'What Happened to You?' by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry — This book explores how early experiences shape who we are and provides practical advice on how to move past trauma.

4. 'Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence' by Judith Herman —  A clear roadmap for violence survivors while examining the long-term effects of trauma.

5. 'Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma' by Peter A. Levine — The story explains how trauma is stored in the body and offers methods for letting it out through somatic experiencing.

6. 'Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving' by Pete Walker — It provides a guide for comprehending complex PTSD and useful strategies for recovery and well-being.

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12 books like 'The Body Keeps the Score' for trauma recovery

The following sections explore 12 bestselling books that delve into the human experience of trauma and provide practical strategies for healing. 

1. 'Man's Search for Meaning' by Viktor E. Frankl

'Man's Search for Meaning' is a profound exploration of human suffering, resilience, and the quest for meaning. Drawing on his harrowing experiences as a Holocaust survivor, Frankl delves into the psychological journey of those who endured the horrors of concentration camps. He argues that even in the most brutal conditions, life holds potential meaning, even if it means going through unimaginable suffering.

Similarities between the books:

• Explores the psychological impact of trauma and suffering

• Emphasizes the importance of finding meaning as a path to recovery

• Highlights the resilience of the human spirit in overcoming extreme adversity

2. 'The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture' by Gabor Maté, MD

Dr. Gabor Maté explores the deep connections between trauma, illness, and societal norms. He shows how unresolved trauma, such as separation and abuse, can lead to physical conditions like autoimmune disorders. He emphasizes that true healing requires addressing emotional health and building supportive social connections, rather than focusing only on physical symptoms.

'The Myth of Normal' also delves into the societal implications of trauma, suggesting that broader community support is essential for individual healing. Acknowledging historical trauma and promoting collective healing, Maté offers a pathway for both personal and societal transformation.

Similarities between the books:

• Examines the connection between trauma, illness, and societal norms

• Advocates for addressing both emotional and physical aspects of trauma

• Emphasizes the importance of collective healing in addition to personal recovery

3. 'When the Body Says No: Understanding the Stress-Disease Connection' by Gabor Maté, MD

Another amazing read by Dr. Gabor Maté — 'When the Body Says No' delves into the profound connection between chronic stress and physical illness. Chronic stress, often unrecognized, is a major factor in the development of physical ailments, as the body communicates what the mind cannot.

Maté critiques traditional therapeutic methods for neglecting the physical aspects of trauma. He advocates for therapies that allow the body to release pent-up energy from traumatic experiences, emphasizing a holistic approach to healing.

Similarities between the books:

• Explores the connection between trauma, traumatic stress, and physical illness

• Advocates for a holistic approach to healing, integrating both emotional and physical aspects

• Challenges traditional therapeutic methods that overlook the body's role in trauma

4. 'What Happened to You?' by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry

'What Happened to You?' by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry centers around understanding the impact of past trauma on current behavior. The book's central question, "What happened to you?", shifts the focus from what is wrong with an individual to what they have experienced, promoting healing through understanding.

Through personal anecdotes and insightful discussions, Winfrey and Perry illustrate how recognizing and understanding past trauma can lead to significant recovery. The book's overall message is that healing involves exploring our past experiences and understanding their impact on our present behaviors.

Similarities between the books:

• Shifts the focus from what is wrong with an individual to what they have experienced

• Promotes understanding and compassion as essential elements of healing

• Emphasizes the importance of exploring past trauma to foster recovery

5. 'My Grandmother's Hands: Racialized Trauma and the Mending of Our Bodies and Hearts' by Resmaa Menakem

Resmaa Menakem's 'My Grandmother's Hands' examines the deep connection between racism and trauma. Menakem emphasizes the importance of physical healing to counter the effects of white supremacy and systemic racism. The book delves into how societal expectations and mistreatment affect the Black community.

Addressing racialized trauma, Menakem offers a unique perspective on healing. The book is a powerful call to recognize and address the traumas perpetuated by racism, advocating for a holistic approach to healing that includes the body, mind, and community.

Similarities between the books:

• Addresses the societal and individual impacts of trauma

• Emphasizes the need for healing both the mind and body

• Focuses on the trauma of marginalized communities and the effects of systemic racism

6. 'Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence' by Judith Herman

'Trauma and Recovery' by Judith Herman is a seminal work that explores the nature of trauma and its impact on individuals. Herman delves into the psychological aftermath of various forms of violence, including domestic abuse, political terror, and sexual assault.

The book outlines a three-stage model of recovery: safety, remembrance and mourning, and reconnection. Herman argues that establishing safety is the first crucial step, as it enables survivors to initiate the healing process. Remembrance and mourning involve confronting and processing traumatic memories, while reconnection focuses on rebuilding relationships and finding a new sense of purpose.

Similarities between the books:

• Discusses the societal and individual dimensions of trauma

• Outlines a structured approach to recovery, starting with establishing safety

• Highlights the importance of processing traumatic memories and rebuilding relationships

7. 'Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents' by Lindsay C. Gibson

Lindsay C. Gibson's must-read delves into the lasting impact of being raised by emotionally immature parents. The book emphasizes the importance of recognizing emotional immaturity in parents and its effects on their children. 

Gibson offers practical strategies for building healthier emotional boundaries and addressing the challenges of forming intimate relationships. The text also explores the concept of 'reparenting,' which guides individuals in reconnecting with their emotions and fostering healing.

Similarities between the books:

• Explores the long-term effects of emotional neglect on children

• Offers practical strategies for setting emotional boundaries and healing

• Focuses on the importance of reconnecting with one's emotions to foster recovery

8. 'Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma' by Peter A. Levine with Anne Frederick

In 'Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma,' Peter A. Levine draws on his extensive clinical experience and observations of animal behavior to explore the healing of trauma. Levine's insights reveal practical strategies for dealing with trauma by analyzing how animals in nature respond to traumatic events.

Although the book is more focused on theory than practical tools, it offers valuable insights into the mechanisms of trauma and healing. Levine's work emphasizes the importance of allowing the body to process traumatic experiences, offering a compelling argument for a more embodied approach to trauma therapy.

Similarities between the books:

• Emphasizes the body's role in processing trauma

• Draws insights from animal behavior to inform trauma therapy

• Advocates for a more embodied approach to healing trauma

9. 'It Didn't Start With You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle' by Mark Wolynn

Mark Wolynn's 'It Didn't Start With You' explores the concept of inherited family trauma and its impact on individuals. The book offers self-inventories and tools for self-discovery, enabling readers to understand their family history and its impact on their current lives.

Wolynn introduces the concept of a 'Core Language Map' to trace and understand the origins of inherited trauma. Acknowledging and addressing these deep-seated issues allows individuals to break the cycle of trauma and promote healing across generations. 

Similarities between the books:

• Explores the concept of inherited trauma and its impact on individuals

• Offers tools for understanding and addressing family trauma

• Emphasizes breaking the cycle of trauma for future generations

10. 'Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving' by Pete Walker

'Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving' by Pete Walker focuses on the intricate dynamics of complex trauma and attachment theory. Walker explains how conflicts between the needs for attachment and authenticity can lead to a fragmented sense of self.

Healing from complex PTSD involves reconnecting with repressed emotions and accepting all parts of oneself rather than solely focusing on socially acceptable traits. Walker's approach integrates psychotherapy techniques, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and moving through discomfort as part of the healing process.

Similarities between the books:

• Focuses on the dynamics of complex trauma and attachment theory

• Highlights the importance of reconnecting with repressed emotions

• Offers practical strategies for healing and integrating all parts of oneself

11. 'The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog' by Bruce D. Perry and Maia Szalavitz

'The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog' explores the devastating effects of trauma on children's minds and their subsequent recovery. Child psychiatrist Bruce D. Perry and journalist Maia Szalavitz illustrate how early childhood trauma can significantly alter psychological development. 

Through detailed case studies, such as that of a girl named Sandy who experienced dissociation and hyperarousal, the book underscores the importance of controlled therapeutic reenactment for healing.

Similarities between the books:

• Focuses on the impact of trauma on the mind and body

• Emphasizes the importance of a safe environment for healing

• Highlights the resilience of individuals, particularly children, in overcoming trauma

12. 'Heavy: An American Memoir' by Kiese Laymon

Kiese Laymon's 'Heavy: An American Memoir' eloquently explores themes of identity, trauma, and resilience. Narrated as a letter to his mother, Laymon reflects on his trauma growing up as a Black man in America. He delves into the impact of food insecurity on his self-image and emotional health, linking his eating habits to deeper emotional struggles.

Education is presented as a saving grace, with Laymon's mother emphasizing its importance despite their financial hardships. The memoir illustrates Laymon's internal conflict about his identity, especially in predominantly White spaces during his education.

Similarities between the books:

• Explores the intersection of trauma, identity, and resilience

• Reflects on the impact of societal issues, such as racism and food insecurity, on personal trauma

• Highlights the role of education and self-awareness in overcoming trauma

Try Headway — Stay on track with your healing through our summaries!

Interested in learning about healing and trauma in a more structured, regular way? Reading or listening to the entire books can be difficult, particularly when you're trying to heal. The Headway app can help you with that  — spend only a few minutes a day learning the main points of the best nonfiction books (over 2,000 summaries).

Headway can accommodate your hectic schedule: we have progress tracking and tailored recommendations to help you stay motivated and on top of your healing process without feeling overburdened. Continue to educate yourself, seek support, and embrace the healing process with compassion and determination.

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