This is not one of those books that you can just read straight through cover to cover. In fact, it may be one that you never read straight through. Instead, it’s one that you dip in and out of as needed focusing on the topics you’re interested in at the time. Or, the chapters that jump out and say “read me”. I’m still not quite sure yet who the intended audience is. I can see some therapists being interested, and I can see some patients being interested. For me, I’m coming at it from the perspective of someone who sees a psychologist and has an interest in trauma healing both for myself and others. I have read several chapters so far, but the one that has had my most interest was on medical PTSD. It was particularly interesting hearing from someone who has Ehlers Danlos syndrome like I do, and could provide the unique perspective of a therapist who has walked in similar shoes and knows what it is like to face medical trauma on multiple levels and who can be left with a question of whether to continue to risk getting help or stay in the safety of not reaching out … which isn’t actually safe at all.

Throughout the text eleven different women therapists share their stories and give unique perspectives on shared experiences. I think that there are many people who will find this valuable resource. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this advanced copy

First of all, content warning. This book discusses real-life cases of trauma from a healing perspective. I suppose you would expect several important and difficult situations to be discussed in such an academic, informative and self-help style book, however, still, best to come to this with that mindset: some people may find the examples challenging to read about.

This book is divided into three sections, which follow a structure that builds up in some ways, but can be read starting from any section and chapter. It contains academic and scientific references, as well as case studies, the therapists’ own views and experiences (essays) and explore several topics about trauma and healing. The techniques discussed also cover a wide range of healing methods from EDMR to dance and praying to talk therapy. I liked the chapter on bricolage a lot. The emphasis is on the contribution of women in healing and therapy, and all perspectives are, of course, constructive.

I have been thinking as I was reading the book, who this book is best suited for, targeted at? Most potentially interesting to therapists, women healers, all women, everyone - in that order. Despite its scholarly quality, it can be comprehended by the general reader to a large extent.