Books
A Gentle Note Before You Begin
Healing is not linear.
There is no perfect timeline.
There is no final destination where everything suddenly makes sense.
These books are not quick fixes.
They are companions.
They offer language when you struggle to find your own.
They offer perspective when you feel lost.
And sometimes they simply remind you that you are not alone.
Take what resonates. Leave what does not. Come back when you are ready.
- The Body Keeps the Score — Bessel van der Kolk
- The Chimp Paradox — Dr Steve Peters
- Thrive — Arianna Huffington
- Atomic Habits — James Clear
- The 5 Second Rule — Mel Robbins
- The High 5 Habit — Mel Robbins
- Let Them - Mel Robbins
- You Are a Badass — Jen Sincero
- How Are You, Really? — Jenna Kutcher
- You Are Not a Before and After — Alex Light
- Mad Girl — Bryony Gordon
- No Such Thing As Normal — Bryony Gordon
- The Secret — Rhonda Byrne
- The Truth Within the Lie — Dana Grant
- Rising Strong - Brené Brown
- The Gifts of Imperfection b - Brené Brown
* Feel Free to email lydia@info.ridingthetraumatrain.co.uk with suggestions*
If You Feel Ashamed or “Not Enough”
The Gifts of Imperfection by Brené Brown
Best for releasing perfectionism and softening harsh self judgement
Rising Strong by Brené Brown
Best for rebuilding after setbacks and learning from difficult moments
You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
Best for challenging limiting beliefs and building confidence
If You Feel Angry or Easily Triggered
The Chimp Paradox by Dr Steve Peters
Best for understanding emotional reactions and learning to respond rather than react
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk
Best for understanding why your nervous system reacts the way it does
If You Feel Numb or Disconnected
How Are You, Really? by Jenna Kutcher
Best for reconnecting with your own truth gently and honestly
Untamed by Glennon Doyle
Best for rediscovering your inner voice and questioning external expectations
If You Feel Lost in Your Identity
The Truth Within the Lie by Dana Grant
Best for rewriting old narratives and stepping into personal authority
You Are Not a Before and After by Alex Light
Best for untangling your worth from appearance and external validation
If You Feel Overwhelmed and Need Structure
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Best for small consistent change when everything feels too big
Thrive by Arianna Huffington
Best for redefining success and creating healthier boundaries