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The Complex PTSD Workbook: A Mind-Body Approach to Regaining Emotional Control and Becoming Whole
A mind-body workbook for healing and overcoming Complex PTSD
Those affected by complex PTSD, or C-PTSD, commonly feel as though there is something fundamentally wrong with them―that somewhere inside there is a part of them that needs to be fixed. Facing one’s PTSD is a brave, courageous act―and with the right guidance, recovery is possible.
In The Complex PTSD Workbook, you’ll learn all about C-PTSD and gain valuable insight into the types of symptoms associated with unresolved childhood trauma. Take healing into your own hands while applying strategies to help integrate positive beliefs and behaviors.
Discover your path to recovery
Examples and exercises―Uncover your own instances of trauma with PTSD activities designed to teach you positive strategies.Expert guidance―Explore common PTSD diagnoses and common methods of PTSD therapy including somatic therapy, CBT, and mind-body perspectives.Prompts and reflections―Apply the strategies you’ve learned and identify PTSD symptoms with insightful writing prompts.
Find the tools you need to work through C-PTSD and regain emotional control with this mind-body workbook.
Those affected by complex PTSD, or C-PTSD, commonly feel as though there is something fundamentally wrong with them―that somewhere inside there is a part of them that needs to be fixed. Facing one’s PTSD is a brave, courageous act―and with the right guidance, recovery is possible.
In The Complex PTSD Workbook, you’ll learn all about C-PTSD and gain valuable insight into the types of symptoms associated with unresolved childhood trauma. Take healing into your own hands while applying strategies to help integrate positive beliefs and behaviors.
Discover your path to recovery
Examples and exercises―Uncover your own instances of trauma with PTSD activities designed to teach you positive strategies.Expert guidance―Explore common PTSD diagnoses and common methods of PTSD therapy including somatic therapy, CBT, and mind-body perspectives.Prompts and reflections―Apply the strategies you’ve learned and identify PTSD symptoms with insightful writing prompts.
Find the tools you need to work through C-PTSD and regain emotional control with this mind-body workbook.
191 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2017
1506 people are currently reading
4878 people want to read
About the author
Arielle Schwartz
24 books126 followersArielle Schwartz PhD is a clinical psychologist practicing in Boulder, Colorado.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
June 5, 2017
This isn't a workbook for recovery, it's more of a workbook for figuring out which form of therapy you want to try with a therapist. It's a good starting off point, but if you're looking for a true workbook or a therapy substitute this falls short. If you're just learning about PTSD or C-PTSD this book helps explain what it is and the complexity of symptoms so it's a good book to begin with but for people looking to do the hard recovery work, look elsewhere. If you've read anything about PTSD, anxiety, attachment issues, OCD, you won't find new info here.
March 30, 2018
Well written and easily accessible. Perhaps, for someone who has already accessed trauma informed therapy, it will not hold an enormous amount of new information, but it a good refresher and it is an excellent start for folks looking for an overview, writing activities, and a great resource page.
I thoroughly enjoyed the layout, the information, the activities, the explanations (glossary in the back was a nice touch), and the reference/citations in the back made my little librarian-heart flutter with happiness.
As a trauma informed yoga teacher, I so appreciated the encouragement to use yoga as a vehicle to find your way gently back into your body. Some of the longer mindfulness exercises would have been more useful with the addition of guided meditations. Meditation and mindfulness are best accessed (in my opinion) via guided exercises at first.
Some great places to find free guided mindfulness exercises:
Dr. Christopher Germer- Mindful Self Compassion
Vinny Ferrao- just Google him
Sharon Salzberg
Kristine Neff
Tara Brach
Overall, a well though out and delivered workbook. It does read more like a guide to choosing therapy and some of the activities could be super triggering for someone trying to go at it alone, but there are ample warnings to access mental care, if needed.
I thoroughly enjoyed the layout, the information, the activities, the explanations (glossary in the back was a nice touch), and the reference/citations in the back made my little librarian-heart flutter with happiness.
As a trauma informed yoga teacher, I so appreciated the encouragement to use yoga as a vehicle to find your way gently back into your body. Some of the longer mindfulness exercises would have been more useful with the addition of guided meditations. Meditation and mindfulness are best accessed (in my opinion) via guided exercises at first.
Some great places to find free guided mindfulness exercises:
Dr. Christopher Germer- Mindful Self Compassion
Vinny Ferrao- just Google him
Sharon Salzberg
Kristine Neff
Tara Brach
Overall, a well though out and delivered workbook. It does read more like a guide to choosing therapy and some of the activities could be super triggering for someone trying to go at it alone, but there are ample warnings to access mental care, if needed.
May 10, 2017
As someone who has suffered from early childhood with anxiety, OCD, and possibly C-PTSD, this book is honestly an awesome tool for helping regain your emotional stability. With each "self-help" book you get, it won't work for you unless you make an active effort to put it into practice and want to make that change. This book is a valuable resource for all those affected by Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
For me, when I saw "PTSD", I thought that is not for me. I've never had PTSD. But I was wrong.
I was taken out of my biological home at a very young age due to neglect and abuse, along with my 5 other older brothers and sister who were eventually taken out of the home. I was adopted out at a young age, and have grown up in a pretty normal somewhat dysfunctional family but have also experienced being a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse throughout my life. What I didn't realize until reading this is that each of these experiences left me reeling from PTSD.
I have learned a lot about my self as well as C-PTSD from this book and I think if there is one thing this book does well that is the most important, is that it validates you and your traumatic experiences. Most other books will tell you clinical definitions and give lessons to practice out. This book starts with validation. Validation, is most important because most of the time, we just need some one to tell us what were are feeling and dealing with is real. Validation is also a very important part of the healing process and Dr. Schwartz does a good job portraying that in her writing and format of this book. I also see hope because of it and it's real life applications and examples.
I also wanted to note that this book is very well written from an expert in the field's combination of knowledge, years of experience and passion for the topic.
I know I have spent most of my life joking about my fear, isolation, anxiety, depression, and hopelessness, but even while joking about it, to others, I suffer even more in silence as no one could ever know the depths of it.
Each chapter begins with an picture such as mountains, the ocean, flowers, the sky, and there are quotes in blue ink text which are the real experiences of others going through this. Orange ink text are quotes from experts in the field or motivational excerpts. Along with the information and workbook style of this publication, it is a very instrumental, valuable, inspirational and motivational tool for anyone who suffers from C-PTSD.
I did read this book as I got a copy of this from a publisher's club but the experience and opinions are based on my true experiences and I highly recommend this book.
For me, when I saw "PTSD", I thought that is not for me. I've never had PTSD. But I was wrong.
I was taken out of my biological home at a very young age due to neglect and abuse, along with my 5 other older brothers and sister who were eventually taken out of the home. I was adopted out at a young age, and have grown up in a pretty normal somewhat dysfunctional family but have also experienced being a victim of domestic violence, sexual assault, and other forms of abuse throughout my life. What I didn't realize until reading this is that each of these experiences left me reeling from PTSD.
I have learned a lot about my self as well as C-PTSD from this book and I think if there is one thing this book does well that is the most important, is that it validates you and your traumatic experiences. Most other books will tell you clinical definitions and give lessons to practice out. This book starts with validation. Validation, is most important because most of the time, we just need some one to tell us what were are feeling and dealing with is real. Validation is also a very important part of the healing process and Dr. Schwartz does a good job portraying that in her writing and format of this book. I also see hope because of it and it's real life applications and examples.
I also wanted to note that this book is very well written from an expert in the field's combination of knowledge, years of experience and passion for the topic.
I know I have spent most of my life joking about my fear, isolation, anxiety, depression, and hopelessness, but even while joking about it, to others, I suffer even more in silence as no one could ever know the depths of it.
Each chapter begins with an picture such as mountains, the ocean, flowers, the sky, and there are quotes in blue ink text which are the real experiences of others going through this. Orange ink text are quotes from experts in the field or motivational excerpts. Along with the information and workbook style of this publication, it is a very instrumental, valuable, inspirational and motivational tool for anyone who suffers from C-PTSD.
I did read this book as I got a copy of this from a publisher's club but the experience and opinions are based on my true experiences and I highly recommend this book.
May 11, 2021
It felt a little basic to me, which is good because it can be a good starting place for someone who is pretty well functional. However, there was a lot of emphasis on needing to get into therapy, which seemed incongruous with writing the workbook. If it were a workbook on knowing if you should go to therapy or preparing to start therapy, that would be one thing, but the title indicates that you might be able to do well with just the book.
In addition, part of the call to therapy is that for healing specifically from Complex PTSD it needs to be done in a relationship, and maybe if your case is severe the therapist is the best chance of that, but a guide to determining if your current relationships can be a place for healing (or are irreparably toxic) and how would be more useful.
With this attitude, I don't think this person should have written a workbook.
Otherwise most of the exercises are fine and some of the practices for centering are really good, but they are not unique to this book.
In addition, part of the call to therapy is that for healing specifically from Complex PTSD it needs to be done in a relationship, and maybe if your case is severe the therapist is the best chance of that, but a guide to determining if your current relationships can be a place for healing (or are irreparably toxic) and how would be more useful.
With this attitude, I don't think this person should have written a workbook.
Otherwise most of the exercises are fine and some of the practices for centering are really good, but they are not unique to this book.
December 27, 2021
Informative, but pretty repetitive. Also really short. Quick read if you're not doing exercises (there are plenty, most of them - journaling and breath/grounding exercises).
Very good structure of the book, from simple to more complex.
Real life stories as a basis for every chapter, which were interesting to read.
Author makes emphasis on CBT and yoga (author aren't only psychologist, but also yoga instructor if I'm not mistaken, so that's understandable).
Other things I really appreciated - author openly says that this book is an addition to therapy, not a replacement and asks reader to be kind to themselves in a process of dealing with CPTSD.
Very good structure of the book, from simple to more complex.
Real life stories as a basis for every chapter, which were interesting to read.
Author makes emphasis on CBT and yoga (author aren't only psychologist, but also yoga instructor if I'm not mistaken, so that's understandable).
Other things I really appreciated - author openly says that this book is an addition to therapy, not a replacement and asks reader to be kind to themselves in a process of dealing with CPTSD.
April 14, 2019
Good resource. Matter of fact tone, cut and dried approach. Will appeal to emotionally detached or avoidant people who don't want to go into much detail about what happened, who just want to know what to do about it...
June 23, 2019
In many ways, the best book I have ever read. And the first book I’ve “worked with”. I feel like a lot of healing has been accomplished and I am ready for more.
June 8, 2021
“The Complex PTSD Workbook” was so well-organized, comprehensive, practical, useful, and easy to read, with personal stories at the start of each section, practices and reflection questions throughout the book, and brief descriptions of many different healing modalities. This workbook is organized by symptoms so each section immediately feels relevant and applicable; you don’t get lost reading long stories or lists of healing modalities without finding out why/if it might be helpful for addressing your specific experiences. I appreciate that this book covers everything that’s covered in “The Body Keeps the Score” in an even more accessible and concise way. I’ll be recommending it over TBKS, both because I think it’s better for everyday people looking to heal and also because I’d been seeking alternatives to that book given the news about van der Kolk’s abuse of staff at the trauma center.
Something I appreciated most about this workbook is that, while it discusses all of the ways working with a therapist or practitioner can be important, it also acknowledges that therapy/healing work can be inaccessible and it offers a lot of practices that can be done at home, and then ample space to journal and reflect on those practices.
Something I appreciated most about this workbook is that, while it discusses all of the ways working with a therapist or practitioner can be important, it also acknowledges that therapy/healing work can be inaccessible and it offers a lot of practices that can be done at home, and then ample space to journal and reflect on those practices.
June 2, 2020
As a therapist, most of this book wasn't groundbreaking or life changing. It goes through many aspects of complex PTSD treatment in slow, calming ways and gives the reader opportunities to write about and process emotions and experiences. For me, this book was helpful because of all the theories and techniques that got mentioned in passing. I marked several pages in this book with references to therapeutic techniques that I want to research more or that I think will be relevant for clients I'm seeing. This served as a great step into complex PTSD treatment and gave me a lot of additional resources to use.
December 11, 2024
I very much enjoyed and recommend this book. It talks deeply about peoples' traumas, what may cause them and ways to heal. A lot more goes on in someone's life than we realize. Understanding it better in ourselves and others can help it make more sense. I really like learning about psychology and I am glad I read this book. While I did know about some of this already, this book opened my eyes even more about trauma and ptsd.
May 25, 2017
Clear concise and very accessible book with lots on information for people recovering from c-ptsd. Most of the book didn't provide new information (or exercises) for me, personally. But I wil pick it up again, because it provides this clear overview of all of this, and because of its calm attractive design I will surely pick it up again in the future in order to help myself, or others.
July 27, 2021
This was super informative and I cried every single chapter. Super validating to read and it made me feel hopeful for the future. Highly recommend this if you have CPTSD, it is super informative and gives you real examples that help you not only feel understood but it makes it easier to sympathize with yourself.
August 6, 2021
Great for the basics and revisit for tools to do at home
I love this book for the basics. I personally loved the 2nd phase because it teaches a good tool for facing and dealing with someone who might trigger a PTSD reaction or uncomfortable situation where we really do need to set a boundary and have a clear way for emotional regulation. I also loved how it defines resilience in phase 3. However what I didn't like is that it doesn't address tools for HSP like another book I've been listening to that can amplify triggers and need a balance of stimulation and relaxation. I feel like there can be even more advanced methods based on personality type and specific experiences such as "tricky families" that I learned from a social worker. There are 7 different family types that can contribute to cptsd . I'm hoping they make an updated version to accommodate personality types and different experiences contributing to cptsd. But its perfect for the basics and those who are not familiar with psychology and therapy, with the work they can do on their own.
I love this book for the basics. I personally loved the 2nd phase because it teaches a good tool for facing and dealing with someone who might trigger a PTSD reaction or uncomfortable situation where we really do need to set a boundary and have a clear way for emotional regulation. I also loved how it defines resilience in phase 3. However what I didn't like is that it doesn't address tools for HSP like another book I've been listening to that can amplify triggers and need a balance of stimulation and relaxation. I feel like there can be even more advanced methods based on personality type and specific experiences such as "tricky families" that I learned from a social worker. There are 7 different family types that can contribute to cptsd . I'm hoping they make an updated version to accommodate personality types and different experiences contributing to cptsd. But its perfect for the basics and those who are not familiar with psychology and therapy, with the work they can do on their own.
June 12, 2023
What do you do when your mind and body has been wired for protection rather than connection? 1. It happens and that’s ok. 2. Explore it - you can go through this book if it’s your jam. After all, doesn’t all literature try and teach us the same thing?
Arielle Schwartz writes with a calm and clinical tone. An overview of possible treatment methods is provided, alongside thoughtful prompts and questions, and anecdotes. All of this is skilfully grounded by much needed validation and encouragement for possible change.
I don’t necessarily totally relate to concepts of clinical psychology, but I’m able to find nuggets of knowledge and it can be useful for anyone trying to independently work through therapy. It was a contrasting read to finding what I was looking for in comics, fantasy, and a little more abstract or indirect self help texts.
If you’re here: We all need a little atunement and recalibration, so Godspeed for your journey x
Arielle Schwartz writes with a calm and clinical tone. An overview of possible treatment methods is provided, alongside thoughtful prompts and questions, and anecdotes. All of this is skilfully grounded by much needed validation and encouragement for possible change.
I don’t necessarily totally relate to concepts of clinical psychology, but I’m able to find nuggets of knowledge and it can be useful for anyone trying to independently work through therapy. It was a contrasting read to finding what I was looking for in comics, fantasy, and a little more abstract or indirect self help texts.
If you’re here: We all need a little atunement and recalibration, so Godspeed for your journey x
November 20, 2019
A really helpful and compassionately written resource for those living complex ptsd. I really liked the end quote in the final reflections:
The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.—Elisabeth Kübler-ross
The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen.—Elisabeth Kübler-ross
March 3, 2021
Це прямо дуже хороша книга. Адресована вона клієнтам психотерапевтів та людям з к-ПТСР що ще не дійшли до нього, може допомогти як зорієнтуватися у виборі, так і зрозуміти що відбувається в процесі терапії, і активно собі допомагати. Авторка наголошує що книга не замінить терапії, проте може допомогти та пояснити. Важлві речі тут написані стисло, доброзичливо та з повагою до читача. Майже щосторінки вправа (всі вправи хороші).
August 17, 2021
A decent book to assign clients for bibliotherapy. A lot of pages, but not a lot of meat. I don't think books like this need to add a bunch of blank lines for people to journal prompts. A lot of pretty layouts, but again, seems like a lot of decisions are about filling up space to beef up the book/price. Vignettes might be helpful for clients.
March 25, 2018
This is not an easy read, and real talk I still haven't done the work of writing in all the places in the book you're supposed to write. For my first read I just did a read through, and even that first blush of contact with the material brought up a lot of stuff for me.
January 5, 2018
A little heavy on the “you should try yoga” (yeah, yeah we’ve heard it before), but otherwise a good, easily digestible resource on C-PTSD and healing.
November 26, 2022
5⭐️…such a great resource for individuals and therapists. Very helpful!!!
October 9, 2022
Complex Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD) differs from traditional PTSD. C-PTSD stems from childhood trauma such as abuse, emotional neglect, and unresolved trauma whereas PTSD is more associated with a traumatic event such as being a victim of a crime or experiencing combat.
Although C-PTSD is not recognized in the DSM-V, it is closely related to major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, borderline personality disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder.
If any of the above sounds like you, this may be worth picking up.
This workbook gives you the information, tools, skills, and safe space to start your healing journey.
Since C-PTSD is not recognized as a real diagnosis (yet), I did get annoyed by the overgeneralization and vagueness.
Although C-PTSD is not recognized in the DSM-V, it is closely related to major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, borderline personality disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and post traumatic stress disorder.
If any of the above sounds like you, this may be worth picking up.
This workbook gives you the information, tools, skills, and safe space to start your healing journey.
Since C-PTSD is not recognized as a real diagnosis (yet), I did get annoyed by the overgeneralization and vagueness.
January 31, 2025
3.5✨
If you struggle with trauma or depression, I would recommend trying this workbook. Unfortunately for me, I knew a lot of the stuff in here based on own research and years of therapy, so I did not learn anything new. But it is a great way to reflect on what happened and what you can do to move forward, so I highly recommend!
If you struggle with trauma or depression, I would recommend trying this workbook. Unfortunately for me, I knew a lot of the stuff in here based on own research and years of therapy, so I did not learn anything new. But it is a great way to reflect on what happened and what you can do to move forward, so I highly recommend!
July 29, 2023
I think that this workbook would be best suited for people who aren’t super knowledgeable about trauma and who are just beginning their healing journeys. It really wasn’t helpful for me, as there was no new information I needed. I found myself skipping many pages that felt redundant or unnecessary. For anyone looking to do actual healing work and not just wanting to learn about complex ptsd, I’d suggest looking into other workbooks.
November 20, 2023
4.5 stars
March 25, 2024
Straightforwards but had wikipedia vibes.
February 20, 2025
Perfect for a beginners approach to healing! A solid description of all types of healing. BUT a little outdated in medicines in my opinion (I'm just a little natural girly).
January 20, 2018
I will need to revisit this book several times. It is an excellent summary of therapeutic summaries (many of which I have already accessed), and provides a good basis for understanding C-PTSD.
December 20, 2023
The book describes different therapeutic approaches and techniques for dealing with the symptoms of complex post-traumatic stress disorder. I liked the fact that there are practical stories as examples, but they are presented in a few sentences and do not take up half of the book, as is usually the case - instead, there is a detailed discussion of which techniques can be used in which situations, how to recognize emotions, how to facilitate their experience, and how to change existing cognitive attitudes. Overall nothing new, but the structure is good. The book implies that the reader will not only work with the book, but also with the therapist.
A good complement to Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving, Pete Walker.
A good complement to Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving, Pete Walker.
January 27, 2019
An excellent resource for the general public and clinicians alike. As a trauma therapist, yoga teacher, and art maker, I found working through this workbook to be like a greatest hits tour of all the things that have been helpful to me in my own healing journey; all of them are now backed by research, so yay! I’ll be sharing this book with my clients, too.
July 22, 2025
Before giving my opinion of this book, I want to recognize that I’m aware of its shortcomings, and those of the author. Some of the examples of traumatized people who did terrible things in wartime and/or while traumatized or dissociated feel uncomfortable and insensitive when the author discusses how they’ve “come so far” or “completely recovered” without mentioning or considering the person or people that were unalived, sexually assaulted, or emotionally abused by the subject.
However, I do think this is a book worth reading if you are trying to sort through your own trauma, specifically if scientific data and evidence for programs, exercises, activities, and treatments that have effectively changed the game for trauma recovery appeal to you. The most interesting parts for me were getting a primer on Internal Family Systems and PBSP psychomotor therapy (specifically the structures/stand-ins that trauma survivors physically place in their environment to represent parts of a traumatic event or history, enabling them to “rewrite” the past for a moment and consider alternative ways to live that allows them to grieve their trauma and release themselves from its grip). While I know that one method will not be effective for every trauma survivor, I love learning about the possibilities available to recover from trauma and continue my quest to do so.
However, I do think this is a book worth reading if you are trying to sort through your own trauma, specifically if scientific data and evidence for programs, exercises, activities, and treatments that have effectively changed the game for trauma recovery appeal to you. The most interesting parts for me were getting a primer on Internal Family Systems and PBSP psychomotor therapy (specifically the structures/stand-ins that trauma survivors physically place in their environment to represent parts of a traumatic event or history, enabling them to “rewrite” the past for a moment and consider alternative ways to live that allows them to grieve their trauma and release themselves from its grip). While I know that one method will not be effective for every trauma survivor, I love learning about the possibilities available to recover from trauma and continue my quest to do so.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews