Kati Morton has a popular YouTube and social media presence sharing her advice and knowledge of psychology with her viewers. This is her second book and focuses on trauma, PTSD and emotional stress, with a nod to issues arising from recent world events, like our increasing online lives and the pandemic.

On the whole, it’s written in accessible and friendly language, which makes it an unintimidating read, and it covers the basics. Morton talks about how trauma is processed by our brains and bodies, and different ways this can effect us, always with an eye on recommending therapy and not coping alone. I liked that she talked a bit about how to choose a therapist, since finding one that is right for you can be a little confusing or intimidating for some people.

Before reading this book, I hadn’t heard of Kati Morton and thought that this looked like a book that might tell me something new. It’s not really that kind of book. If you’ve read up on your psychology or you’ve already got some knowledge, this book is going to be too light and too broad for you. Instead, it’s really a primer that covers various different aspects of trauma and recovery, and always with an eye on getting you into therapy. I actually think that that is this book’s strength. If you’re going through something, this could be the perfect book to get you some answers and some understanding of the things that trauma does to you and can help you find the words and terms to talk about this and get the support you might need. It’s a book that I think a lot of people will find helpful after the pandemic, for example, when they’re not sure where to begin. If you’re overwhelmed and not sure where to start, start here. For those already on the road, so to speak, maybe this one isn’t for you.

I have to say, I found the authors references to her YouTube channel kind of funny. She’s not shy about talking about it, but she’s not shamelessly plugging it either. It was just a sign to me that we live in a new age, where mental health professionals can make it on social media and then write a book. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with that. In fact, I think there’s probably a lot of people who have found answers and reassurance through channels and accounts like hers. It’s good that we talk more about mental health and have a greater understanding. But she’s not breaking new ground with her book. It’s no The Body Keeps The Score, for example.

On the whole, it’s accessible, reassuring and gives a rounded, not to complex, knowledge of the subject. I would recommend it to people who want to know more about PTSD and emotional stress, or who are thinking about talking to someone. It may lack depth to those who are already interesting in the subject and have some knowledge about this area.

Read It If: you’re looking to find out more about emotional stress, trauma and PTSD, but don’t know where to start. This will give you answers and help you find out what you might like to do next, or even some further reading. A good entry to the subject.

Thank you so much to Hachette, who sent me a copy of this book for review.