Review of Recovery from Complex PTSD

Saint Bruno · Post by **Saint Bruno** » 27 Jun 2021, 06:50

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Recovery from Complex PTSD" by Don Barlow.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Recovery from Complex PTSD by Don Barlow is a very insightful self-help book that intends to inform anyone battling complex PTSD (C-PTSD) that they can recover from it and live a fulfilling life. The author further gives detailed insights into the illness and provides ways they can heal from it.

Don Barlow is a survivor of a traumatic upbringing, as he grew up with a manipulative and abusive parent. He spent many years battling mood swings, panic attacks, and anxiety. Fortunately, Mr. Barlow recognized his symptoms were those of PTSD and began to research on the topic. Today, he has recovered from that trauma and wishes to share his knowledge with readers in this book. While most people have heard about PTSD, C-PTSD is not that popular. The author explains that while PTSD results from a single traumatic event, C-PTSD generally results from a series of events or a traumatic event that occurs over a long period. Mr. Barlow also gives the symptoms of both disorders and, most importantly, shares how sufferers can recover and reclaim their identity.

Firstly, I must commend the author for the amount of research put into this book. It's easy to notice this because he excellently breaks the topic into bits, cites the works of others, and uses well-known theories to corroborate his points. I especially liked his use of Maslow's hierarchy of needs theory to explain why someone suffering from C-PTSD finds it hard to maintain healthy interpersonal relationships. I enjoyed the book's impeccable organization. I never felt the information was overwhelming or not enough due to how the author progressively dissects each topic before offering solutions. The author's points are also related to the reader in a conversational and encouraging tone, making reading the book a pleasant experience.

What I like most about this book is the summary section at the end of each chapter. This part did not only help me recall the things discussed, but it also helped me understand the salient points therein. More so, I enjoyed the author's use of analogies because they made his points easy to understand. I also appreciate the exercises in the book and believe readers will find them beneficial.

Furthermore, the teachings in this book are not only for people with C-PTSD. The author's message is eye-opening and relevant to all readers. For example, I think every reader could use his advice on helping others. By helping others, you not only put smiles on their faces but also improve your self-esteem. Also, the author reiterates the need to seek professional help for mental issues without fear or shame, which, for me, is praiseworthy.

To conclude, I am happy to report that this book is exceptionally edited. I didn't find any errors in the book and didn't dislike any aspect of it either. Recovery from Complex PTSD deservedly gets four out of four stars from me because it's a well-written book that is both relevant and easy to understand. Therefore, I highly recommend it to people dealing with mental issues arising from a series of traumatic events or a prolonged traumatic event. This book would help you understand what you are dealing with and set you on a recovery path. Readers who are interested in learning about C-PTSD will also find this book very insightful and beneficial.

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Recovery from Complex PTSD
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Kavita Shah · Post by **Kavita Shah** » 29 Jun 2021, 01:12

I didn't knew that there is something like C-PTSD. A series of traumatic events can make one very disturbed. The author has raised an important topic and it will be very useful for people who are battling with it. Thank you for a great review!

Mandeep Singh 4 · Post by **Mandeep Singh 4** » 29 Jun 2021, 02:13

The information is too good. We can learn specific knowledge about the book. A series of traumatic events can make very interesting to read. The author as raised an important topic and it will be very useful for people who are battling with it . Thank you for a great review!

Raluca_Mihaila · Post by **Raluca_Mihaila** » 29 Jun 2021, 05:24

The author did a great job with this book, and this teachings are valuable to anybody. Thank you for this insightful review!

Mercy Osmond · Post by **Mercy Osmond** » 29 Jun 2021, 08:19

I had no idea there is complex PTSD. This book will be of help to people suffering this. Thanks for the educating review.

Pandora10 · Post by **Pandora10** » 29 Jun 2021, 13:36

This appears to be a useful resource for anyone suffering with C-PTSD, or those that know someone with this illness. The author seems to have done a good job of presenting the results of his research in a format that is organized and easy to understand. A summary section at the end of each chapter is a great way to reinforce new concepts for most readers as well as reinforcing pertinent facts. Thanks for the nicely detailed review on this book.

The frant1c reader · Post by **The frant1c reader** » 29 Jun 2021, 15:03

I have quite a bit knowledge about PTSD. But it compares in no way to account of a survivor. There's a lot I could learn from this book. Thank you for such a wonderful review!

Khushboo Barwar · Post by **Khushboo Barwar** » 29 Jun 2021, 15:04

I don’t know what C-PTSD is but this book seems like a guide to help those battling it and also people like me who wanna learn how traumatic events can make a person suffer and how we can contribute in their healing. This book sounds great. Will definitely give it a try. Thanks for this insightful review.

Barbara Perini · Post by **Barbara Perini** » 29 Jun 2021, 16:53

I found it amazing that the book is well-organised. I'm curious about these topics, and your brilliant review elucidated the information I would search for.

30 Jun 2021, 04:13

Prior to reading this review, I had no idea there was something called complex PTSD. It's scary how mental illnesses have so many facets. I'm glad the author found healing. Stellar job with the review!