Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Sourcebook     by Glenn R. Schiraldi  "I had gone through so much sadness, suffering and despair before coming across this book by chance. When I started reading it, it was as if I had awakened from a long coma, as if I was stepping out of a thick fog. Finally everything was starting to make sense! Schiraldi's writing style is clear and to the point, friendly without being patronizing. His description of the illness and treatment methods inspired me strength and confidence, now I know I can beat this thing! I very highly recommend this book to anyone who suffers from PTSD, as well as to all those who study this illness, there's much to learn from it." E-book not free at publisher as Amazon says. Order E-book here.

I Can't Get Over It: A Handbook for Trauma Survivors      - Second Edition by Aphrodite Matsakis, Ph.D. (This is the best book I've found on PTSD so far being a trauma victim. Assists one in understanding PTSD and has exercises in the book to do if you are able. Basic theme of the book is to assist the trauma survivor in their own recovery. I highly recommend this book). 

Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma      by Peter A. Levine with Ann Frederick (This book too was very helpful for me to understand PTSD and has exercises all through the book. As the book above, the book is focused on the survivor and healing).

"(Waking the Tiger normalizes the symptoms of trauma and the steps needed to heal them. People are often traumatized by seemingly ordinary experiences. The reader is taken on a guided tour of the subtle, yet powerful impulses that govern our responses to overwhelming life events. To do this, it employs a series of exercises that help us focus on bodily sensations. Through a heightened awareness of these sensations trauma can be healed)."

Trauma and Recovery      by Judith Herman MD, Judith Lewis Herman "This was one of the first books my psychiatrist suggested I read, and I've by now given several copies to friends. My PTSD became full blown when, 9 months after my car accident I was still trying to recover from what had been a misdiagnosed broken neck. I'm fortunate to have found a skilled therapist who values Dr. Herman's work and who recognized in me signs and symptoms of older betrayals. This is an important work."

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: A Complete Treatment Guide      by Aphrodite Matsakis, Leslie Tilley (Also written by Aphrodite Matsakis as the above book is. This book is more clinical, yet is very understandable for the lay person so I also recommend it to everyone. There is a great deal of material in here. Many forms of therapy discussed. Uncovering the trauma, feelings work, ptsd related problems, symptom management, and final healing stages discussed. Again, highly recommended).

Life After Trauma: A Workbook for Healing      by Dena Rosenbloom, Mary Beth Williams, Barbara E. Watkins (Fantastic workbook for working through all types of trauma. Basic areas covered include what trauma is and common reactions; ways of coping after the trauma; making sense of your posttraumatic reaction; feeling and being safe; how trust can be an issue after trauma, thinking through beliefs about trust; regaining control over your life; valuing yourself and others, self esteem issues; feeling close to others, intimacy issues; and coping with stress. I cannot recommend this workbook enough if you are ready to work at your own pace on working through your trauma(s). "The authors have written an important book for people recovering from traumatic life experiences. Its outline and helpful guidelines set the stage for healing. Its practical suggestions, exercises, and bibliography can be a source of inspiration and knowledge for those walking this difficult path)."

EMDR: The Breakthrough Therapy for Overcoming Anxiety, Stress, and Trauma      by Francine Shapiro, Margot Silk Forrest "Hailed as the most important method to emerge in psychotherapy in decades, EMDR has successfully treated complex psychological illnesses and problems - from depression, phobias, and recurrent nightmares to post traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Francine Shapiro, the originator and developer of EMDR, explains how she created her groundbreaking therapy - Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, how it works, and how it can help those who feel stuck in negative reactions and behaviors." (EMDR appears to be controversial and this website holds no opinion on EMDR on way or another).

The PTSD Workbook: Simple, Effective Techniques for Overcoming Traumatic Stress Symptoms    by Mary Beth Williams Ph.D. , Soili Poijula, Lasse A. Nurmi "This is a good book that is challenging and rewarding for PTSDers to read and work through. The cautions and reminders to take care of oneself while working through the exercises are helpful. There is lots of information presented about PTSD in a very readable fashion. If a survivor of trauma had to work through those experiences and the resulting symptoms of PTSD alone, this is definitely a good place to start. I like to use some of the exercises with my teenage clients who are dealing with trauma-related symptoms."