Readings on Trauma

Sometimes the hardest part of trauma is not understanding what’s happening or why it’s happening. We question our reaction to things, wonder if we’ll ever be the same, or if anyone else is feeling this way. For some, reading and information gathering gives them a sense of control back. While it’s important to have boundaries and not overwhelm yourself with research and information, because that can just be retraumatizing, doing some light reading here and there may be comforting.

Here is a list of some books to start with - this is not an exhaustive list and if none of them speak to you that’s ok! Our office also has a healing library with limited books on healing and trauma that you can check-out for free.

On Trauma

The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, Body in the Healing of Trauma - Bessel Van Der Kolk (uses scientific research to show how trauma literally reshapes both body and brain. *does depict explicit violence in some chapters*

Trauma Stewardship - Laura van Dernoot Lipsky with Connie Burk (impacts of secondary trauma/selfcare/ healing practices for those who work with trauma) Rent it at the CARE Center

Queering Sexual Violence: Radical Voices from Within the Anti- Violence Movement - Jennifer Patterson (collection of personal narratives and strategies on connecting justice movements to address sexual violence *explicit depictions of violence*) Rent it at the CARE Center

Transgender Sexual Violence Survivors: A Self Help Guide to Healing and Understanding - FORGE (definitions, data and techniques for healing after trauma *explicit data*) Rent it at the CARE Center

Neuroplasticity - Moheb Costandi (overview of neuroplasticity and how brains can change in response to actions and experiences *not reviewed by the CARE Center but received good reviews*)

On Healing

Pleasure Activism - adrienne marie brown (centering pleasure, healing and happiness in social justice work *survivors do share explicit stories of abuse in some chapters*) Rent it at the CARE Center

dear sister - edited by lisa factoraborchers, intro by aisha shahidah simmons (letters from survivors of sexual violence *explicit depictions of violence*) Rent it at the CARE Center

We Believe You - Annie E. Clark and Andrea L. Pino (letters from survivors of campus sexual assault *explicit depictions of violence*) Rent it at the CARE Center

I Will Survive - Lori S. Robinson (holistic approach to healing and the barriers faced specifically by African Americans who experience sexual assault and abuse *explicit depictions of violence. Outdated terminology for some*) Rent it at the CARE Center

Sacred Wounds - Teresa B. Pasquale (spiritual healing from ‘church hurt’ or negative religious experiences *describes different forms of trauma and experiences*) Rent it at the CARE Center

No Secrets No Lies: How Black Families Can Heal from Sexual Abuse - Robin D Stone (resource guide to understand and prevent child sexual abuse *detailed experiences of sexual abuse may be present*) Rent it at the CARE Center

Light in the Dark Luz En Lo Oscuro: Rewriting Identity, Spirituality, Reality - Gloria Anzaldúa (collection of personal narratives and theory to present story-telling as a political and healing act *depictions of historical and state violence*) Rent it at the CARE Center