The 7 Best Somatic Therapy Books for Self-Growth and Healing
Somatic therapy books to guide your healing journey, from trauma recovery to nervous system regulation.
In the realm of mental health, somatic therapy has emerged as a transformative approach that recognizes the intricate connection between mind and body. For those looking to deepen their understanding of somatic healing, the right resources can make all the difference.
Here’s a curated list of somatic therapy books from a Brooklyn-based somatic therapist. This diverse set of resources offer insights, practical exercises, and a deeper understanding of how our bodies hold and process trauma.
1. The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
This seminal work is a must-read for anyone interested in the intersection of trauma and the body. Dr. van der Kolk presents compelling research and case studies that highlight how trauma affects both physical and mental health.
His insights into the importance of body awareness in the healing process make this book a foundational text in somatic therapy and changed the course of trauma treatment for generations to come.
One caveat: this book is dense and filled with research, making it challenging to get through. We often recommend listening to the audio version and using the hard copy as a reference.
Additionally, reading this book may bring up implicit memories and latent traumas. If you need support, reach out to a licensed trauma therapist.
2. Befriending Your Nervous System by Deb Dana
In this practical guide, Deb Dana helps readers understand their nervous system states and cultivate a sense of safety and regulation.
Our bodies constantly send us information—learning to listen to this bodily wisdom is a key aspect of somatic healing.
The book is packed with exercises and mindfulness practices that empower readers to navigate emotional landscapes and foster a healthier relationship with their bodies.
The audio version, narrated by Deb Dana, is an excellent listen as she models somatic attunement—a slow and steady presence throughout.
3. The Complex PTSD Workbook by Arielle Swartz
For those grappling with complex PTSD, this workbook offers a structured approach to healing.
Combining somatic techniques with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Swartz provides tools to help individuals process their past experiences and reclaim their lives in the present.
The exercises in this workbook are designed to integrate mind-body awareness, making it an invaluable resource.
We recommend getting the hard copy so you can take notes and track your progress, using it as a personalized resource guide for you to refer to throughout your healing.
4. What Happened to You? by Bruce D. Perry and Oprah Winfrey
This thought-provoking book reframes the conversation around trauma by asking, “What happened to you?” rather than “What’s wrong with you?” Perry and Winfrey explore how our experiences shape us, emphasizing the importance of understanding our histories in the healing journey.
This book covers topics similar to The Body Keeps the Score but in a more digestible way. It’s a perfect introduction for those new to the mind-body connection in somatic therapy and a great place to start if you are wanting to learn more about trauma but are unsure where to begin.
5. Eastern Body, Western Mind by Anodea Judith
Anodea Judith masterfully blends Eastern philosophy with Western psychology in this insightful book. She overlaps traditional Western Psychology with Eastern wisdom, making a compelling case for the connection between the two.
By exploring the chakra system and its relevance to psychological issues, she offers a holistic view of healing that incorporates both spiritual and somatic dimensions.
This book is ideal for those interested in integrating diverse therapeutic modalities. It’s great to purchase a hard copy as the book contains many visuals to reference.
6. EMDR Essentials by Barb Maiberger
While primarily known for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Barb Maiberger’s work also touches on the somatic aspects of trauma healing. This book provides a comprehensive overview of EMDR techniques, emphasizing how they can facilitate somatic awareness and help process traumatic memories stored in the body.
If you are interested in exploring the healing potential of somatic EMDR therapy, this book is an excellent starting point.
7. Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors by Janina Fisher
Janina Fisher offers a compassionate and deeply insightful approach to understanding trauma and dissociation.
Drawing from somatic therapy, Internal Family Systems (IFS), and neuroscience, she explores how trauma can fragment the self into protective parts that carry overwhelming emotions, memories, and survival responses.
Rather than pathologizing these parts, Fisher invites readers to approach them with curiosity, compassion, and understanding. Her accessible explanations and practical tools make this book especially valuable for trauma survivors and therapists alike.
While some of the concepts around dissociation and fragmented selves can feel emotionally activating, many readers find this book profoundly validating and healing. We recommend moving through it slowly and with support if needed.
Reading somatic therapy books can be a powerful step toward understanding and healing trauma.
Each book offers unique insights and practical tools to guide you on your healing journey.
Engaging with these resources will deepen your knowledge of somatic therapy and enhance your emotional intelligence and nervous system regulation.
Want to try Somatic Healing Tools at Home?
Learn to regulate your nervous system and improve your overall well-being with our self-paced Nervous System Reset course designed by a licensed trauma therapist to make somatic healing tools accessible beyond the therapy room.
This course is designed to help you:
Understand your nervous system states
Build a therapeutic toolkit without therapy
Reset your system and learn daily regulation
Rewire your system for safety and connection
More notes on somatics:
Julie Goldberg is a licensed therapist and the founder of Third Nature Therapy. Her practice focuses on helping individuals better understand their inner world, befriend their nervous system (instead of working against it), and navigate changing relationships. She offers somatic therapy, EMDR intensives, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Brooklyn, NY.