Suggested Reading

Women, Abuse and Trauma Therapy: An Information Guide

Books for the Public

Allen, Jon G. (1995). Coping with Trauma: A Guide to Self-Understanding. Washington, D.C.: American Psychiatric Press.
This comprehensive book is written in plain language and explains the effects of severe trauma, and how best to cope with its symptoms and after-effects.

Cameron, Grant (1994). What about Me? A Guide for Men Helping Female Partners Deal with Childhood Sexual Abuse. Carp, ON: Creative Bound
This book is for partners of women who are recovering from the trauma of childhood sexual abuse. The male author writes in plain language and discusses key issues in helping female partners heal. Some of the topics addressed include understanding suicide, dealing with anger, handling nightmares and gaining trust. The key points are summarized at the end of each chapter.

Cohen, Barry M., Barnes, Mary-Michola and Rankin, Anita B. (1995). Managing Traumatic Stress through Art: Drawing from the Centre. Baltimore, MD: Sidran Press.
Three art therapists have collaborated to produce this workbook. It is designed especially for trauma survivors and is an extremely well-liked resource. This workbook introduces inventive and creative ways to understand, manage and transform the after-effects of trauma. The workbook contains step-by-step art projects as well as writing exercises.

Copeland, Mary Ellen and Harris, Maxine. (2000). Healing the Trauma of Abuse: A Woman’s Workbook. Oakland, CA; new Harbinger Publications.
This workbook offers skills that trauma survivors require to deal with high levels of anxiety, depression, substance abuse, flashbacks and nightmares.

Gil, Eliana. (1983). Outgrowing the Pain: A Book for and about Adults Abused As Children. New York: Bantam Doubleday Dell.
This book helps survivors of childhood abuse recognize the connection between their past abuse and current struggles. The book includes questions that can help survivors recognize destructive patterns and suggestions for new ways of coping.

Matsakis, A. (1998). Trust after Trauma: A Guide to Relationships for Survivors and Those Who Love Them. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
This book is written for abuse survivors who are able to start the work of strengthening existing relationships and developing new connections in their lives. The author includes detailed exercises to help readers in healing through strengthened relationships.

Napier, Nancy J. (1993). Getting through the Day: Strategies for Adults Hurt As Children. New York: W.W. Norton
This book is written in straightforward language and includes an important discussion about the continuum of dissociation and the difference between ordinary mood shifts and trauma-induced dissociation. Chapters deal with triggers, mindfulness, “inner child” parts, shame, “future” self, and relationships with family, friends and therapist.

Rosenbloom, Dena and Williams, Mary Beth, with Watkins, Barbara E. (1999). Life after Trauma: A Workbook for Healing. New York: Guilford Press.
This workbook helps guide trauma survivors in the day-to-day process of healing. The authors include clinically proven activities, relaxation techniques, self-evaluation questionnaires and practical exercises to demonstrate how to develop effective coping and self-care strategies.

Shapiro, Francine and Forrest, Margot Silk. (1998). EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress and Trauma. New York: Basic Books.
This book is written for general audiences explains how EMDR works, and how it can help people who feel stuck in negative reactions and behaviours. Interspersed through the text are a variety of compelling case studies.

Vermilyea, Elizabeth. (2000). Growing beyond Survival: A Self-Help Toolkit for Managing Traumatic Stress. Baltimore. MD: The Sidran Press.
Growing beyond Survival is a workbook developed to help trauma survivors learn and practise skills for managing their trauma-related responses. This workbook can be used independently, as a resource in individual therapy or as part of group therapy.

Williams, Mary Beth and Poijula, Soili (2002). The PTSD Workbook: Simple, Effective Techniques for Overcoming Traumatic Stress Symptoms. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
In this workbook, two psychologists gather together techniques and interventions used by post-traumatic stress experts from around the world. Readers determine the type of trauma they experienced, identify their symptoms and learn the most effective techniques and interventions they can use to overcome them.

Books and Articles for Professionals

Chu, J.A. (1998). Rebuilding Shattered Lives. New York: John Wiley.

Courtios, C.A. (1999). Recollections of Sexual Abuse: Treatment Principles and Guidelines. New York: W.W. Norton

Dayton, Tina (2000). Trauma and Addiction. Deerfield Beach, FL: Health Communications Inc.

Haskell, Lori (2003). First Stage Trauma Treatment: A Guide for Mental Health Professionals Working with Women . Toronto: Centre for Addiction and Mental Health.

Herman, J. (1992). Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence – From Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. New York: Basic Books

Ogden, P. & Minton, K. (2000). Sensorimotor Psychotherapy: One method for processing traumatic memory. Traumatology, VI (3).

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