Trauma recovery is a journey that requires support, understanding, and the right tools. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or uncertain of where to begin, I want to share some of the most impactful resources that have helped me on my path to healing. Whether you’re looking for books, podcasts, or spiritual guidance, there’s something here for everyone.
Books for Emotional Healing
These books helped me to understand trauma, set boundaries, and ultimately begin healing. Here’s why I recommend them:
1. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
This book offers an in depth exploration of traumas impact on the body and mind and it is often considered a must read in trauma recovery.
Why I love it: This book opened my eyes to how deeply trauma affects the body. It helped me understand the mind-body connection and the importance of working with the body for recovery.
2. Walking the Tiger by Peter Levine
Powerful and transformative healing through somatic exercises.
Why I love it: Peter Levine’s approach of somatic experiencing showed me how trauma is stored in the body and how to release it. This was a game-changer for me.
3. Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel
This book offers practical strategies for overcoming negative thought patterns and embracing the healing power of our minds.
Why I love it: This book gave me practical strategies to combat negative thought patterns. It was transformative in shifting my mindset and helped me understand how the mind can be retrained for healing.
4. Boundaries by Dr. Henry Cloud
A great resource for healthy boundaries in relationships and learning to say no.
Why I love it: Understanding boundaries was crucial for me. This book taught me how to establish and protect my emotional space in relationships, something I struggled with for a long time.
5. Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself by Dr. Joe Dispenza
A thought provoking book about reprogramming your brain and breaking free from old habits.
Why I love it: Dr. Dispenza’s work on rewiring the brain was incredibly empowering. It showed me how I can change my neural pathways and free myself from old, limiting patterns.
6. Break the Cycle by Mariel Buqué
Offers insights into breaking generational trauma and the cycles that keep us stuck.
Why I love it: This book helped me understand the cycles of generational trauma and gave me hope that I could break free. It’s an empowering read for anyone wanting to heal ancestral wounds.
7. Fostered by Tori Hope Peterson
An empowering look into the life of someone who overcame the foster care system, offering insight and encouragement.
Why I love it: As someone who has navigated trauma from childhood, this book resonated deeply with me. It offers a hopeful perspective for those coming from broken systems and provides practical advice for healing.
8. Woman Evolve by Sarah Jakes Roberts
A powerful call to reclaim your power and evolve in your spiritual journey.
Why I love it: Sarah’s message of reclaiming your power and evolving through struggles was so inspiring. It gave me the strength to step into the woman God created me to be.
9. Do It New You by Steven Furtick
Focuses on stepping into the new version of yourself, overcoming fears and setbacks along the way.
Why I love it: This book is a call to embrace newness in Christ and trust that change is possible. It helped me shift from the old ways I was holding onto and embrace God’s transformative power in my life.
10. What Happens When Women Say Yes to God by Lysa TerKeurst
A beautiful exploration of trusting God and stepping into His calling for your life.
Why I love it: This book helped me understand the beauty of surrendering to God’s plan. Saying yes to His will has been crucial for my healing journey, and this book speaks to that beautifully.
11. Healing Through Word by Rupi Kaur
A collection of poems/journal that deeply resonated to anyone on the healing journey.
Why I love it: Rupi Kaur’s poetry has a way of capturing raw emotion and healing. Her words validated my feelings and helped me feel less alone in my journey.
12. It Didn’t Start with You by Mark Wolynn
Why I love it: This book helped me understand that much of the trauma I carried wasn’t just mine. It gave me insight into inherited family trauma and how to begin healing those wounds.
13. Door of Hope by Jan Frank
An insightful resource about emotional healing and recovery after sexual abuse.
Why I love it: This book provided me with a deeper understanding of how emotional and spiritual healing go hand in hand. It reminded me that there is always hope, even in the darkest moments.
Online Resources
There are many online resources to help you on your trauma recovery journey. Here are a few that have been invaluable to me:
National Alliance on Mental Health
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Blog is a powerful resource dedicated to raising awareness, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, and providing support to individuals and families affected by mental illness. With contributions from experts, advocates, and those with lived experiences, the blog offers practical advice, personal stories, and the latest information on mental health topics. Whether you’re seeking education, inspiration, or connection, the NAMI Blog is a beacon of hope for anyone navigating mental health challenges.
The Mental Health Hotline website is a comprehensive resource offering immediate support and guidance for individuals facing mental health challenges. Whether you’re in crisis, seeking help for a loved one, or looking for information about mental health services, the site connects you to hotlines and resources tailored to your needs. Accessible 24/7, it provides a safe space to find support and take the first step toward healing.
Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is a valuable resource dedicated to empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge to support those experiencing mental health challenges or crises. Through their training programs, MHFA teaches practical skills to identify, understand, and respond to mental health and substance use issues. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, friend, or community member, their resources can help you make a difference.
The Bible App
A free, accessible tool for daily devotionals, guided prayers, and connecting with others in the faith community.
Download the Bible App on iOS or Android
Podcasts
Listening to podcasts has been an important part of my healing process. Here are a few that I recommend for faith and trauma recovery:
These podcasts offer inspiring messages, spiritual growth, and practical wisdom for healing and overcoming obstacles in life.
You can listen on YouTube or the Apple Podcasts
Faith-Based Resources
For me, my relationship with God has had the biggest impact on my trauma healing. These resources blend faith and healing beautifully:
1. Scripture
Scripture has always been a source of comfort and strength. Some of my favorite verses that have helped me through difficult times include:
• Psalms 45:5, Isaiah 43:2, Romans 8:37
• Philippians 2:13, Ephesians 5:1-2, James 1:2-3
• Psalms 118:6, Psalms 121:7-8, Romans 8:28
• Psalms 46:5, Ezekiel 36:26, Psalms 94:19
• Psalms 34:19, Hebrews 12:11, Isaiah 40:31
• John 15:2, Romans 8:37, Mark 7:15
• Exodus 9:16, Ephesians 3:20, Psalms 27:1-3
• Romans 8:1, Psalms 27:3, Philippians 4:13
• Psalms 16:8, Matthew 5:14, 1 John 4:4
• Exodus 14:14, Matthew 11:28-30, Romans 12:2
• Philippians 4:7
2. Worship Music
For emotional healing, worship music has been a lifeline for me. I turn to worship to quiet my mind, reset my spirit, and feel God’s presence.
Some artists I love:
• Maverick City
• Elevation Worship
• Bethel Music
Support Groups
Finding support through a community can make a world of difference in your healing journey. If you’re struggling to find in-person support, consider the following online communities:
1. Facebook Support Groups
• There are many private groups that focus on trauma recovery, mental health, and faith-based healing. You can search for groups that align with your specific needs (e.g., “Trauma Recovery & Healing” or “Faith and Mental Health”).
2. Therapists & Coaches
• If therapy is accessible to you, many websites, such as BetterHelp or Talkspace, offer virtual therapy with licensed professionals. It may be worth considering if you’re unable to find local resources.
3. Local Church Communities
• Don’t underestimate the power of church groups, prayer circles, or Bible studies. These can provide invaluable emotional and spiritual support.
For anyone local to me looking for a church, this is my church home: Crossroads
Healing from trauma is a journey, and there are so many ways to equip yourself with the tools you need along the way. I hope these resources help you feel less alone and more empowered.
What resources have helped you on your healing journey? Let me know in the comments or reach out to me for more information or support.
You are not alone in this.
Keep taking steps forward, and remember: God is with you every step of the way.