What's your ptsd bible? ptsd, cbt, dbt, act?

[Hojay]

Hi everyone,
I'm a supporter on this forum, just FYI. My sufferer recently asked me to help him research literature, not only about his disorder, but practical recovery type books, as well.

Just a bit of background: He suffers from cPTSD from CSA. That said, for me, personally, books for BPD supporters have been particularly helpful to read. That's not to say he has BPD, but just to give you a sense of how the "c" in his cPTSD sometimes manifests.

He knows, I know, that books aren't a replacement for therapy, but I think it's better than nothing for now, and I'm happy he's getting back to being proactive about his recovery.

So: he already owns The Body Keeps the Score, which he found "interesting" in terms of learning what's going on with his body, but also somewhat triggering (due to the many CSA case examples, I believe.)

I was wondering what your go-to books are, literature that has really helped or that you keep going back to when things get rough?

Specifically, I've been researching cPTSD related books, but also CBT, ACT, and DBT approaches that aren't necessarily PTSD-focused. Here is what I've found. Any input and additions would be greatly appreciated!

Overcoming Trauma and PTSD: A Workbook Integrating Skills from ACT, DBT, and CBT
(looks great for targeted PTSD-related CBT etc., but could also be potentially triggering if they use a lot of trauma case studies?)

Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving by Pete Walker
(Same about the potential for triggers, but the table of contents is so spot on as to what he's been dealing with, it could really be helpful!)

Mind over Mood by Dennis Greenberger
(Interesting, because it's not PTSD, but purely CBT focused, so maybe less "threatening" to read?)

Any other cPTSD, ACT, CBT, DBT go-tos?

DISCLAIMER: Lest anyone think I'm trying to play therapist here, I wouldn't be touching this book recommendation business with a ten foot pole if he hadn't asked me to help :bag:

 

[scout86]

"Once a Warrior Always a Warrior" by Dr. Charles Hoge. My stuff isn't military related, but I like this guy's approach. He has a very pragmatic way of looking at things and alternates writing with one of his soldiers, who tells his own story. I found that pretty helpful too because the guy has gone through a lot and he's more or less ok now.

 

[Hojay]

"Once a Warrior Always a Warrior" by Dr. Charles Hoge.

This is great, Scout, thank you! Funny enough, my partner has mentioned that reading vet experiences has been more helpful than stories that too closely mirror his own. I think that's part just managing getting triggered by hearing CSA stories, but also because he very much admires vets and it infuses his own PTSD experience with something a little more warrior-like than often so blatantly victim-oriented CSA lit.

That said, I just checked for the book and it's not available ANYWHERE around where we live (good ol' Europe.) Still, thank you for the tip. Gives me a new angle to think about.

 

[Suzetig]

Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman, excellent book fir understanding what is needed in a therapeutic relationship to support recovery, clearly explains 3 stage model of therapy and one of the strongest advocates for the concept of complex PTSD. It’s more aimed at therapists than the self help audience but it’s good. I also like What Doesn’t Kill You by Stephen Joseph, a good explanation of post traumatic growth and exercises to help individuals recover and grow.

 

[EveHarrington]

I don't have any recommendations other than what has already been mentioned.

I do want to say that I think its a good idea to explore a variety of books about different kinds of therapy, as it really does take a LOT to heal PTSD. I know that personally, I have had to pick this skill from one kind of therapy, another skill from a different kind of therapy, one idea from over here, another idea from over there....and put it all together like a jigsaw puzzle. Of course, just take one book at a time. Oh, what really helped me was keeping a journal of ideas and skills that really help me. This way I didn't have to always be referring back to the original source. I had everything that I needed in one place.

Good Luck!

 

[Nessa7]

The PTSD Workbook: Simple, Effective Techniques for Overcoming Traumatic Stress Symptoms

It is primarily focused on CBT. It doesn't have too many examples, which is something that I appreciate, too. It has a lot of simple exercises. It is easy to skip sections if they are too much to handle at the time. The most recent edition is missing a bit of the stuff that the earlier one had about CPTSD specifically, but it isn't too big of a difference.

 

[Hojay]

Thank you @Suzetig! I've looked into those two and they sound great! Definitely on the list now.

Oh, what really helped me was keeping a journal of ideas and skills that really help me. This way I didn't have to always be referring back to the original source. I had everything that I needed in one place.

This is a great idea. Not only for my SO, but myself as well!

And a big yes on diversifying. I'm compiling a list of different approaches--PTSD focused and beyond--so hopefully some will apply, and others, if not now, maybe in the future. :)

It doesn't have too many examples, which is something that I appreciate, too.

Yes, it's tough to find good ones without examples and case studies. I'm sure they help a lot of people, but they just distract my guy from whatever valuable advice is contained. So this is a a great recommendation, thank you!

 

[LuckiLee]

@Hojay, this is great news! I'm so glad he's decided to do a little research. And I bet you're thrilled about it too.

I like the book The Post traumatic stress disorder relationship and I just got Once a warrior....

Good luck. So happy for you!

 

[Cactus Bloom]

Hi everyone,
I'm a supporter on this forum, just FYI. My sufferer recently asked me to help him r...

Hi! These two books have given me really great understanding on how the survival mechanisms of fight/flight/freeze works and how trauma causes us to get “stuck” in this survival mode. I highly recommend them.

“In An Unspoken Voice: How the Body Releases Trauma and Restores Goodness” and “Waking The Tiger: Healing Trauma”
They are both written by Peter A. Levine. You can also read more about his work online.

“The Body Remembers: The Psychophysiology of Trauma and Trauma Treatment” by Babette Rothschild.

I hope something like this will help!

 

[Hojay]

I'm so glad he's decided to do a little research. And I bet you're thrilled about it too.

Thank you @LuckiLee! Small victory, but yes, I'm beyond thrilled he's open to working on recovery again. Then again, have to practice some good non-attachment here, give him the books, and extract myself from whatever he'll do with them. I don't want to drive myself bonkers hoping this means he's really going at it...

Is the Post Traumatic Relationship good to read for sufferers too? It's mainly a supporter's book, right? Haven't read it, shame on me.

And thank you @Fionas74! Those are great recommendations!

For anyone interested, what I've also landed on and added to the potential list:
Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy
David D. Burns

The Dialectical Behavior Therapy Skills Workbook: Practical DBT Exercises for Learning Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotional Regulation, and Distress Tolerance
Matthew McKay,Jeffrey C. Wood,Jeffreny Brantley

The Drama of the Gifted Child: The Search for the True Self, Third Edition
Miller, Alice

 

[scout86]

That said, I just checked for the book and it's not available ANYWHERE around where we live (good ol' Europe.)

Amazon maybe? I got my copy from a used book seller, online, alibris.com.

 

[Mach123]

Invisible Heroes

This one but first Judith Herman. Her book is still widely considered the go to book even though it's older. I learned so much reading that.