258 books
—
186 voters
Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read.
Start by marking “Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving” as Want to Read:
Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving
by
I have Complex PTSD [Cptsd] and wrote this book from the perspective of someone who has experienced a great reduction of symptoms over the years. I also wrote it from the viewpoint of someone who has discovered many silver linings in the long, windy, bumpy road of recovering from Cptsd.
I felt encouraged to write this book because of thousands of e-mail responses to the a ...more
I felt encouraged to write this book because of thousands of e-mail responses to the a ...more
Get A Copy
Kindle Edition, 376 pages
Published
December 18th 2013
by Azure Coyote Publishing
(first published December 13th 2013)
Friend Reviews
To see what your friends thought of this book,
please sign up.
Reader Q&A
Community Reviews
Showing 1-30
Start your review of Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving
Complex PTSD is one of the best books I’ve read on childhood trauma recovery.
Despite the long title, the book itself is not complex nor is it written in psycho-babble ra-ra. The author is grounded in that he himself has struggled with trauma recovery and it’s palpable that he wishes to impart the strategies and wisdom he has found to work for himself and others.
There are many elements that make this self-recovery book stand above others for me.
*The author speaks from experience as both a surviv ...more
Despite the long title, the book itself is not complex nor is it written in psycho-babble ra-ra. The author is grounded in that he himself has struggled with trauma recovery and it’s palpable that he wishes to impart the strategies and wisdom he has found to work for himself and others.
There are many elements that make this self-recovery book stand above others for me.
*The author speaks from experience as both a surviv ...more
There are less than 20 books i can think of that actually changed my life, and this is one of them.
Pete Walker outlines in clear understandable language what contributes to C-PTSD. This is definitely a layman's book and thank god, it's free from the endless anecdotes that infest most popular "self help" or psychology books that populate the ranks of Amazon best sellers.
Dr. Walker uses examples from his own life with humility and insight---a refreshing change from the hectoring and condescending ...more
Pete Walker outlines in clear understandable language what contributes to C-PTSD. This is definitely a layman's book and thank god, it's free from the endless anecdotes that infest most popular "self help" or psychology books that populate the ranks of Amazon best sellers.
Dr. Walker uses examples from his own life with humility and insight---a refreshing change from the hectoring and condescending ...more
We all are familiar with PTSD. Most often in the news concerning returning veterans. Walker's books is about Complex PTSD (cPTSD.) The added 'c' essentially extends many of the ideas of trauma recovery to childhood developmental traumas. Most specifically childhood traumas arising from poor parenting and troubled home environments.
It is delineated by common features: emotional flashbacks (unlike PTSD there is not usually visual component), toxic shame (directly drawing from the work of John Bra ...more
It is delineated by common features: emotional flashbacks (unlike PTSD there is not usually visual component), toxic shame (directly drawing from the work of John Bra ...more
Words cannot describe how important this book has been to me; it has changed my life. The insights offered into my own life and psyche by Pete Walker in this book are nothing less than revelatory. Mr. Walker offers brilliant, seemingly omniscient insight into not just PTSD but childhood trauma in general, and offers a clear, concise approach to recovery.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has PTSD, or anyone who has experienced, or even thinks they may have experienced, any form of childh ...more
I highly recommend this book to anyone who has PTSD, or anyone who has experienced, or even thinks they may have experienced, any form of childh ...more
NOTE: this book is good for therapists, clients and people trying to help themselves and/or a loved one.
Don’t let the therpaist talk scare you off.
That being said.
This book is by a therapist, not a researcher, and therefore needs a bit of a disclaimer.
Read on if you’re so inclined......
Some therapists come to the work as somewhat ‘normal’ well adjusted folk.
They heal by sharing their stability, training, intelligence, evidence and good old ‘common sense’.
Others come to this work having gone ...more
Don’t let the therpaist talk scare you off.
That being said.
This book is by a therapist, not a researcher, and therefore needs a bit of a disclaimer.
Read on if you’re so inclined......
Some therapists come to the work as somewhat ‘normal’ well adjusted folk.
They heal by sharing their stability, training, intelligence, evidence and good old ‘common sense’.
Others come to this work having gone ...more
Absolutely excellent. Anyone who had an abusive/neglectful childhood should read this book, whether you have a formal diagnosis of CPTSD or not. Practical advice on learning to be free from toxic shame and the inner critic.
I would highly recommend this book. It is written by someone who suffers from CPTSD. At times, the text might feel superfluous, but in fact, it is good for explaining the points the author is making.
WARNING: It can be a very triggering read. I found that I could only read it in small bits. And, at times, triggering is healing. You have to be ready to look at yourself and be willing to accept truths as you read them.
The books is well written. The insight very helpful. Add this to other modes of h ...more
WARNING: It can be a very triggering read. I found that I could only read it in small bits. And, at times, triggering is healing. You have to be ready to look at yourself and be willing to accept truths as you read them.
The books is well written. The insight very helpful. Add this to other modes of h ...more
Nov 17, 2016
Travel Writing
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
Every single person in the world
"...become an unflinching source of kindness and self-compassion for yourself."
Excellent read on how an abusive childhood has had a profound impact on you. And not just a broken-bones-CPS-got-involved-kind of childhood, but a childhood with parents who had minimal attunement, who were sharp tongued more often than not, who had addictions, even if those addictions were seemingly under control- they weren't. The book also speaks clearly on specific ways to walk yourself to healing, to a life that ...more
Excellent read on how an abusive childhood has had a profound impact on you. And not just a broken-bones-CPS-got-involved-kind of childhood, but a childhood with parents who had minimal attunement, who were sharp tongued more often than not, who had addictions, even if those addictions were seemingly under control- they weren't. The book also speaks clearly on specific ways to walk yourself to healing, to a life that ...more
10 stars
This is the best and most helpful book I've ever read and reading it was the most encouraging thing I've done in years.
Finally someone understands me. Finally I don't feel like a lost case, a weird psycho, the only one in the universe suffering from an array of psychological problems that sometimes show for no obvious reason.
This book gave me hope which I lacked for years. There's a very long and difficult journey in front of me, but I don't mind. After reading this book, I know there's ...more
This is the best and most helpful book I've ever read and reading it was the most encouraging thing I've done in years.
Finally someone understands me. Finally I don't feel like a lost case, a weird psycho, the only one in the universe suffering from an array of psychological problems that sometimes show for no obvious reason.
This book gave me hope which I lacked for years. There's a very long and difficult journey in front of me, but I don't mind. After reading this book, I know there's ...more
This book changed my life.
Highly, highly recommended for everybody with any kind of childhood trauma - and that includes
the devastating effects of the invisible, intangible emotional neglect by chronically stressed, distracted and otherwise occupied parents.
Another brilliant (and quite unique) aspect of the book is the deep insight Pete Walker has in the traumatic origin of pathological narcissism and sociopathy.
The way he shows in his empathetic, wise and deeply insightful style that both narc ...more
Highly, highly recommended for everybody with any kind of childhood trauma - and that includes
the devastating effects of the invisible, intangible emotional neglect by chronically stressed, distracted and otherwise occupied parents.
Another brilliant (and quite unique) aspect of the book is the deep insight Pete Walker has in the traumatic origin of pathological narcissism and sociopathy.
The way he shows in his empathetic, wise and deeply insightful style that both narc ...more
This is by far the BEST book I have ever read on Complex PTSD , which is very different from PTSD.
As a therapist and a survivor of C- PTSD myself , I have found that the often prescribed CBT type of therapy does not work for those of us with C-PTSD. My experience and my own journey as a survivor of childhood trauma has led me on a quest to find the most effective therapy methods for healing. I have found these clients need more than what traditional therapists frequently offer. For one, the the ...more
As a therapist and a survivor of C- PTSD myself , I have found that the often prescribed CBT type of therapy does not work for those of us with C-PTSD. My experience and my own journey as a survivor of childhood trauma has led me on a quest to find the most effective therapy methods for healing. I have found these clients need more than what traditional therapists frequently offer. For one, the the ...more
After reading this book and becoming more aware of PTSD and C-PTSD and all the (initially) pretentiously sounding terms like emotional flashbacks and bibliotherapy (but later on revealing elusive emotional processes that are very little written about even in the world of psychology); I can honestly say that I have come to regard Pete Walker as nothing less than a brilliant practitioner of psychotherapy specializing in C-PTSD, which is grossly under-diagnosed throughout the world, currently, but
...more
Can’t recommend this one enough. It’s taken me about a month to work through for two reasons.
1) I wanted to really absorb all the information so I forced myself to only read in short bursts. This was sometimes not hard to do because my mind would constantly explode as I read and I’d need to collect myself.
2) At about 50 pages in I started over so I could write notes as I went and I continued to copy down important bits of information up until almost the last page.
For me this has been an invalua ...more
1) I wanted to really absorb all the information so I forced myself to only read in short bursts. This was sometimes not hard to do because my mind would constantly explode as I read and I’d need to collect myself.
2) At about 50 pages in I started over so I could write notes as I went and I continued to copy down important bits of information up until almost the last page.
For me this has been an invalua ...more
This is an outstanding piece of work. Probably the best treatment of Complex PTSD I have read, written in language that anyone can understand and full of material that can be brought into use to effect. Much of what he outlines here comes from his own personal experience and accords with my own. Many of the approaches he outlines I have had to work out for myself through trial and error and they've worked for me. the great benefit was the additional clarity he could offer and some new insights t
...more
Wow! This was a very difficult book to get through, I had to stop several times in order to give myself time to process what I was reading. I am so glad that I found this book! I mean this very literally, I am sure that this book has saved at least one person's life.
...more
Overall, this is a useful book that extensively looks at the impacts of childhood trauma with a few caveats.
My main gripe with it lies in Walker’s reduction of the DSM as a diagnostic guide which, while deserving of criticism and scrutiny, seemed to further stigmatize mental health issues and potential avenues of effective treatment. Chapter 1’s section on “What You May Have Been Misdiagnosed With” uses stigmatizing language to unnecessarily invalidate a host of mental health afflictions (inclu ...more
My main gripe with it lies in Walker’s reduction of the DSM as a diagnostic guide which, while deserving of criticism and scrutiny, seemed to further stigmatize mental health issues and potential avenues of effective treatment. Chapter 1’s section on “What You May Have Been Misdiagnosed With” uses stigmatizing language to unnecessarily invalidate a host of mental health afflictions (inclu ...more
Walker is amazing for breaking down so many thought processes and physical sensations in a repeated, clear, descriptive way. I didn't always jive with his perspective on traumatizing parents because he has a very black and white "people who caused these problems are terrible and never had anything good to offer" and it's often so much more complicated. He also has some gender essentializing language and perspectives. But for the most part the tools in this book are incredibly helpful for working
...more
I recommend this book to everyone whose trauma is at least partially caused by their family of origin. You will find yourself in this and you will find helpful concepts. For me personally, especially the concept of "emotional flashbacks", that is flashbacks that come without sounds or pictures, just with thre emotions you felt when you were a helpless child was eye-opening. Being able to give them a name, I've been able to pinpoint emotional flashbacks while they're happening and work through th
...more
This is the single greatest therapeutic resource I have ever read and I wish it was more widely available. I don't know if it's easily accessible to people without a background in therapy or mindfulness, but it will send you a long way to being able to self-soothe, and to understand and reduce your trauma reactions. I have used the flashback management tips several times, and they have mostly been successful.
...more
The most helpful and illuminating self-help book I have ever read. I highly recommend this read for anyone who has had a difficult childhood, difficult relationship with their parents, been shamed by organized religion, or who has been abused in a relationship. Honestly I think everyone should read it as there is something for everyone and the coping strategies are wonderful.
This will never be a book that I'm truly "finished" reading. I keep it by my bed at all times and have turned to it more than once when I found myself falling into fear or depression. Even if you've never had an official diagnosis of CPTSD (which is highly likely, since it still isn't officially recognized by all major mental health organizations) if you've ever had a panic attack, experienced social anxiety or depression, or been diagnosed with any other mental health issue, I really recommend
...more
Jun 05, 2016
Betty Mars
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
a-year-in-books-2016
This is truly the only book--the only anything--I have ever read that accurately describes my internal experience. If you or someone you love has CPTSD, this is an invaluable resource that not only offers insight on how it plays out but actionable guidance on how to navigate it as well. Must read.
This book is so good! But why did the author have to bring "god" into the mix? Argh...
...more
I've read a lot of self-help books that I thought would help me address various problems connected with my early life, and this is far and away the most helpful. Pete Walker seems to be a compassionate man, and his words and viewpoint really resonated for me. The book wasn't always an easy read because it brought up some painful feelings and realizations, but it was so well worth it. It provides an overview of the various dimensions (cognitive, emotional, physical) involved in healing from child
...more
It’s very well written, and it is an interesting read, I’ll give Walker that. However, I find this book too anecdotal for my liking, where he presents different theories based on his personal experience as a child growing up with emotional abuse around him as well as a therapist who’s patients endured abuse during childhood.
I question whether this is based on actual evidence/academic research. For instance, though I found it interesting to read about the different 4F-types, I also know that one ...more
I question whether this is based on actual evidence/academic research. For instance, though I found it interesting to read about the different 4F-types, I also know that one ...more
This is an excellent book. I found his writing and how he explained PTSD to be very compassionate. That is something very important when trying to understand yourself and make changes in your behavior. I really am very grateful Walker wrote this book. Thank you.
The five-star reviewers have it right about the helpful parts of this book, but it made me so uncomfortable how often he would refer to this or that client he’d had as “a narcissist” (and therefore a lost cause) that reading it became a profoundly un-therapeutic experience
A very accessible, validating read with many practical suggestions on ways to process and integrate trauma.
Essential read for anyone who grew up with abusive or unavailable parents.
wow. This book.....It's like I just found part 1 of my user manual.
It's been a tough read. Emotionally wrenching, but incredibly valuable. It helps explain so much o my confusion and coping mechanics.
here, let me share one of the most valuable things I found in it.
13 Steps for Managing Emotional Flashbacks
1. Say to yourself: "I am having a flashback". Flashbacks take us into a timeless part of the psyche that feels as helpless, hopeless and surrounded by danger as we were in childhood. The feel ...more
It's been a tough read. Emotionally wrenching, but incredibly valuable. It helps explain so much o my confusion and coping mechanics.
here, let me share one of the most valuable things I found in it.
13 Steps for Managing Emotional Flashbacks
1. Say to yourself: "I am having a flashback". Flashbacks take us into a timeless part of the psyche that feels as helpless, hopeless and surrounded by danger as we were in childhood. The feel ...more
There are no discussion topics on this book yet.
Be the first to start one »
Readers also enjoyed
289 users
177 users
122 users
92 users
26 users
10 users
9 users
8 users
7 users
7 users
Pete Walker is a "general practitioner" who has a private practice in Berkeley, California, in the serene Claremont Hotel neighborhood. He has been working as a counselor, lecturer, writer and group leader for thirty-five years, and as a trainer, supervisor and consultant of other therapists for 20 years.
Pete Walker is a "general practitioner" who has a private practice in the Rockridge neighborho ...more
Pete Walker is a "general practitioner" who has a private practice in the Rockridge neighborho ...more
News & Interviews
Need another excuse to treat yourself to a new book this week? We've got you covered with the buzziest new releases of the day.
To create our...
37 likes · 9 comments
No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »
“Reparenting Affirmations I am so glad you were born. You are a good person. I love who you are and am doing my best to always be on your side. You can come to me whenever you’re feeling hurt or bad. You do not have to be perfect to get my love and protection. All of your feelings are okay with me. I am always glad to see you. It is okay for you to be angry and I won’t let you hurt yourself or others when you are. You can make mistakes - they are your teachers. You can know what you need and ask for help. You can have your own preferences and tastes. You are a delight to my eyes. You can choose your own values. You can pick your own friends, and you don’t have to like everyone. You can sometimes feel confused and ambivalent, and not know all the answers. I am very proud of you.”
—
22 likes
“There is often a close relationship between emotion and physical sensation. Physical sensations in the body often co-occur with feelings. Moreover, sensations of tightness and tension can develop as a defense against feelings. As unexpressed feelings accumulate, a greater degree of muscular tension is necessary to keep them under wraps. A child who is repeatedly punished for emoting learns to be afraid of inner emotional experience and tightens [armors] the musculature of her body in an effort to hold feelings in and to banish them from awareness. Holding your breath is a further manifestation of armoring. It is an especially common way of keeping feelings at bay, as breathing naturally brings your awareness down to the level of feeling.”
—
16 likes
More quotes…
