Books About Trauma and Coping Tools Our Therapists Recommend

At Being Human Group, our therapists often hand clients a book or a simple coping tool to keep the work going between sessions. These are the books about trauma, anxiety, neurodivergence, and burnout we recommend most, along with the calming tools that help when your body is on high alert. They're a supplement to therapy, never a replacement, and if something you read stirs things up, we're here to help you work through it.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Being Human Group earns from qualifying purchases. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We only list things we'd recommend to a client.

Best Books on Trauma and Healing

If you're working on old wounds in trauma therapy and EMDR, these two come up again and again in our sessions.

What My Bones Know

Stephanie Foo

A memoir of healing from complex trauma that helps a lot of people put words to what they've been carrying.

No Bad Parts

Richard C. Schwartz, PhD

An approachable introduction to Internal Family Systems and the idea that every part of you is trying to protect you.

Books for Neurodivergent Adults

Helpful reading alongside our neurodiversity-affirming therapy and assessments, whether you're newly identified or have known for years.

Divergent Mind

Jenara Nerenberg

A validating look at how neurodivergence shows up in women and why it so often goes unrecognized.

The Autistic Adult's Toolbox

Natalie Diggins

Practical tools for executive function, sensory needs, and everyday life, built for how autistic brains work.

The Autistic Burnout Workbook

Dr. Megan Anna Neff

A step-by-step plan for recognizing and recovering from autistic burnout, written by an autistic psychologist.

Self-Care Activities for Autistic People

Dr. Megan Anna Neff (card deck)

100 short, concrete activities for grounding and rest when planning feels like too much.

Stress, Burnout, and Rest

For the exhaustion that a weekend off doesn't fix. These pair well with the work we do in anxiety therapy.

Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle

Emily Nagoski, PhD and Amelia Nagoski, DMA

Explains why completing the stress cycle in your body matters as much as solving the problem that caused it.

The Nap Ministry's Rest Deck

Tricia Hersey

50 small rest practices for people who feel guilty slowing down.

The Live Your Values Deck

Lisa Congdon

A card deck for clarifying what matters most to you, which can make hard decisions feel a little clearer.

Parenting and Family

A favorite for parents who want to stay connected to their kids while still holding boundaries, and a good companion to couples and family therapy.

Good Inside

Becky Kennedy, PhD

A warm, practical guide to parenting from connection, including how to repair after the hard moments.

Gender-Affirming Resources

For transgender and gender-questioning clients and the people who love them. Learn more about our gender and LGBTQIA+ affirming care.

Trans Bodies, Trans Selves

Edited by Laura Erickson-Schroth

A comprehensive resource written by and for transgender communities, covering health, identity, relationships, and more.

Calming and Coping Tools

Simple sensory tools our therapists suggest for grounding when anxiety or overwhelm hits. Keep one in your bag, car, or desk.

Instant Ice Packs

25 pack

Cold on the face or wrists can help calm an overwhelmed nervous system quickly, and these work anywhere.

Sour Hard Candy

Individually wrapped

A strong sour taste can bring your attention back to the present moment during a wave of anxiety.

Textured Worry Stones (6 Pack)

Fidget tool

Quiet, pocket-sized grounding for meetings, waiting rooms, or anywhere you need something to hold.

nodpod Weighted Sleep Mask

Gentle pressure eye mask

Soft, even pressure and darkness for rest breaks and better sleep.

Steam Eye Masks

Unscented, 10 pack

Gentle warmth for tired eyes and a built-in reason to pause for ten minutes.

Stress Relief Coloring Book

Coco Wyo

Bold, simple designs for a low-pressure way to settle your mind.

Ohuhu Alcohol Markers (48 Colors)

Brush and fine tips

Pairs well with the coloring book, or for doodling while you listen or reflect.

Looking for More Than a Book?

Reading can open the door, and therapy helps you walk through it. Our team in Plymouth, MI sees teens and adults in person and online across Michigan, and we'd be glad to help you find the right fit. You can also browse our mental health resources for crisis lines and community support.

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