While this was a difficult read it was also very important. There are many activities to help. While this book is extremely helpful it does not replace seeing a licensed therapist. I would recommend this book to those with C-PTSD and those that love them.

I would like to thank Netgalley and the Publisher for providing me with a copy free of charge. This is my honest opinion of it.

"A Practical Guide to Complex PTSD" is an incredible journey into the nuances of PTSD and the radical potential of living a full and healthy life regardless of our past. The writing is clear and concise and the life-giving strategies that Arielle offers is paradigm-shifting and life-altering. Arielle's compassionate and intelligent writing will leave you informed, inspired, and confident to live the best life possible. We don't have to remain victims, but we can move toward a direction of transformational hope and healing. Excellent read!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Anyone who is relatively new to C-PTSD, through their own diagnosis or the diagnosis of a loved one, can benefit from this book. The chapters are separated out into specific needs. Within those, there are explanations of the issue, a patient story(ies), and practical healing activities. Multiple times throughout the book, Dr. Schwartz reminds the reader that these activities, while helpful, will not replace work with a trained therapist.

Personally, I was diagnosed with C-PTSD around 7 years ago. I find this text to be exactly what I needed back when I first got my diagnosis.

This book is an exceptionally helpful tool in dealing with complex PTSD, helping you look inwards to find healing - although particularly for children of abusive parents.

I gained a ton of knowledge about the cause and healing of avoidance symptoms, invasive and intrusive symptoms, depression, emotional imbalance, dissociation and much more. With numerous examples of certain behaviors from real people, it's much easier to envision the disorder in a real person than if it was just a a medical guide. The clear and simple organization of the book is particularly useful; you could read the chapters in any order you like or skip certain parts, although I found all chapters valuable even if I didn't identify with them to the same extent.

However, I do wish it had been clearer that the guide is meant especially for victims of parental abuse or neglect and not just any kind of childhood trauma. I think it's still helpful even if your C-PTSD doesn't necessarily involve abusive parents, but the examples won't be as relevant. In addition, I would have preferred to have a more extensive section on recognizing C-PTSD - even though this is not something you want to self-diagnose.

Most importantly, do take your time with this book rather than reading it in one go for the maximum reflective value. It is truly helpful if you're willing to put work into healing.

*Thank you to the Publisher for a free advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A difficult, but informative read if you have suffered from trauma. I believe the tools and resources will help many in dealing with complex PTSD, but they must remember to go at their own pace. As the world gains insight and research into abuse and trauma more books and well-researched content like this is vital.