The Happiness Hypothesis – Dr. Jonathan Haidt

A helpful overview of what wellbeing looks like, from the perspective of history, philosophy, psychology and more. It gives an illuminating rundown of some of the thought traps we fall into and some of the nuts and bolts behind how our brains work. A very interesting and engaging look at what happiness consists of!

What You Can Change, and What You Can’t – Dr. Martin Seligman

As the title suggests, this book is a guide to some of the typical mental health presenting concerns individuals might encounter, and gives you an idea of when you can fix some situations on your own, and when you might need to seek the help of a professional. Written by a pioneer of the Positive Psychology movement, there is a lot of helpful information in this book. 

The Body Keeps the Score – Dr. Bessel Van der Kolk

As of June 2022 this book had spent over 189 weeks on the New York Times Bestseller List. The worldwide phenomenon that greatly increased public awareness about trauma and its effects on the body. A broad overview of trauma from a neurological, psychological, emotional and physical perspective, it goes on to discuss ways of treating trauma and effective interventions. 

What Happened to You?  – Dr. Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey

Written as a conversation between psychiatrist Bruce Perry who focuses on trauma related to childhood abuse, and Oprah, this book provides an insightful overview about trauma, how it develops, what its effects are from a young age and how the brain is shaped and changed by trauma that it experiences. Dr. Perry’s professional experience is complemented by rich insight from Oprah Winfrey who is a trauma survivor. It is an especially good Audible selection!

Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving – Pete Walker

This book is a very helpful guide written from the perspective of someone who is a therapist and a cPTSD survivor. It is accessible and flexible: the author invites you to read any section you think might be of most interest to you at the time and it provides practical solutions for dealing with flashbacks and emotional distress. 

Trauma and Recovery – Dr. Judith Herman

Written by an absolute giant in the field, Dr. Herman pioneered the study of trauma, first offered the suggestion of a diagnosis for Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and has provided mentorship to some of the most well-known clinicians who treat, teach and write about trauma today. This seminal work provides a great deal of insight about trauma and was of great help in raising awareness about what victims of trauma experience throughout their lives.

No Bad Parts – Dr. Richard Schwartz

This book is an introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. Dr. Schwartz first developed this modality while treating young people with eating disorders and expanded it to assist victims of trauma. This therapy invites clients to explore their various “parts” – or aspects of their personality, and the way these various parts contribute to different things clients may experience, with a goal to helping clients to access their integrated inner “Self”.