Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence—from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror

Trauma and Recovery by Judith Lewis Herman is a seminal work that redefines our understanding of psychological trauma. Drawing from two decades of research and clinical practice, Herman explores the profound effects of trauma on individuals, particularly focusing on survivors of sexual and domestic violence, combat veterans, and victims of political terror.

The book introduces the concept of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), highlighting the parallels between private traumas, such as incest and domestic abuse, and public traumas, like war and political oppression. Herman emphasizes that psychological trauma cannot be fully understood without considering its social and political contexts.

Structured around a three-stage recovery model—establishing safety, remembrance and mourning, and reconnection—Trauma and Recovery offers a comprehensive framework for healing. This approach has become foundational in trauma therapy, influencing both clinical practices and broader societal perspectives on trauma and recovery.