5 Books Expanding Perspectives in Trauma Treatment

Archer’s book on anti-racist psychotherapy is simply a must-read for all mental health professionals. It broadens our understanding of trauma to include diverse perspectives and lived experiences of oppression and race-based trauma, which we must learn to acknowledge, validate, and treat as therapists. His anti-racist psychotherapy framework includes the multigenerational legacy of trauma as well as present-day acts of oppression. His research supports the need to address both the individual and societal dimensions of suffering and recovery.

Stephanie Foo’s book is a beautifully written memoir and a deeply personal account of complex and attachment trauma. What I love about this book is the message of hope that she directs at survivors of complex trauma, reassuring them that healing is possible. For therapists, listening to the lived experiences of survivors, especially those of migrant backgrounds and in the BIPOC community, can help expand an understanding of trauma and factor in generational trauma, immigrant trauma and pressures on families to succeed, and issues of identity.

Jackson’s book on cultural humility in art therapy helps therapists explore their identity and social positioning in creative ways, which (as an art therapist myself) I know can lower defenses and create more insight around challenging topics. She presents multiple activities for individuals and groups to build self-awareness and self-reflection about one’s self and one’s privilege, biases, and beliefs as a cornerstone to building cultural humility in work with clients.

This is a short and concise book on decolonizing trauma from an Indigenous perspective. It decenters whiteness in the diagnosis and treatment of trauma by bringing in traditional and restorative healing practices, such as body-based approaches and dance and movement therapy. This is an essential read for practitioners to question a Eurocentric understanding of trauma as well as definitions of health, including mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being.

Body-based and somatic practices for complex trauma survivors How to offer more body-based practices - very comprehensive guide to offer yoga movement practices to help survivors of complex trauma rebuild a connection with their bodies and the present moment. What I love is how Yamasaki weaves in personal narrative and inspiring survivor stories, again speaking to hope non-pathologizing.