The Pain We Carry: Healing from Complex PTSD for People of Color (The Social Justice Handbook Series)

I believe this a book that belongs amongst the giants who dominate the field of mental health, therapy, and anti-racism scholars. This is a book that belongs with Brene Brown, Richard Schwartz, Gabor Maté, Joy DeGruy, Resmaa Menakem, and so many others. We need Natalie's voice where ever BIPOC healing is being discussed. If you are BIPOC and healing from trauma read this book. If you are a white-bodied person and you want to learn how to best treat BIPOC clients, read this book. If you are a mental health professional or healer get this book, read it, underline through out it. It's seriously one of the best books I've read and it is for BIPOC and by BIPOC. Thank you Natalie, I feel your ancestors spoke through you as you wrote each chapter.

I downloaded the audible version last week per a friend’s recommendation and two days later, I just had to order book to read along! This is the first book in years that I finish so quickly from start to finish and just keep going back to it! I feel seen!! I feel heard!!! I feel validated I feel that the author, Natalie Gutiérrez was telling my story from birth to present, even the story of my ancestors! She put into words the truths behind the complex lifetime traumatic experiences, those of us in BIPOC communities experience every single day! This book is easy to read and follow and I promise you, that you won’t want to put it down!!! As a mental health provider who specializes in treating clients with C-PTSD within BIPOC communities, I have utilized this book in sessions with clients and have recommended this book to all of my friends and colleagues. The Pain We Carry should absolutely become part of all academic curriculums, especially in colleges and universities, as well as utilized in trainings and workshops in an effort to continue growing the social Justice efforts in increasing cultural humility within all systems and institutions that have a long history of perpetuating injury, harm, and trauma unto People of Color!

The Pain We Carry is one of the most important books I’ve ever read—and a soul-stirring gift to every person of color who has been carrying invisible wounds for far too long. Natalie Y. Gutiérrez doesn’t just write about trauma—she holds it with reverence. This book is a sanctuary for those of us who have been gaslit, silenced, or overlooked in mainstream mental health conversations. Finally, here is a book that speaks directly to the pain rooted not just in our personal histories, but in our generational, cultural, and systemic experiences. Gutierrez's approach is both fierce and tender. She brings together the clinical expertise of an LMFT with the heart of a truth-teller, crafting a healing roadmap that is trauma-informed, culturally aware, and deeply human. The validation within these pages is transformative. For many of us, this is the first time we’re reading language that names our pain—and gives us permission to seek peace. What sets this book apart is how it seamlessly weaves psychological insight with ancestral wisdom, grounding readers in practices that not only heal the nervous system but also affirm our identity, our community, and our dignity. From somatic tools to guided reflections, every page is intentional and empowering. The Pain We Carry is not just a book. It is a mirror, a mentor, and a movement. It says: You are not broken. You are brave. And you deserve to heal. If you are a person of color navigating the complex terrain of trauma, this is your essential companion. Read it. Sit with it. Share it. Let it change your life.

Amazing book

I’ve been searching for this book way before I knew it existed. Natalie Gutierrez brilliantly and mindfully built a healing guide for people of color. Per her guidance, I took my time reading and going through the activities, reflections, and meditations. So much was uncovered for me because of The Pain We Carry, even after being on my healing journey for 23 years. I feel seen and empowered.

The Pain We Carry is such an important contribution to our mental health. Natalie Gutierrez validates the suffering of BIPOC and makes sense out of our experiences. I love the practical exercises, meditations and journal prompts provided. It’s a comprehensive tool for all therapists and my one looking to heal ancestral wounds and present day oppression. I’m so thankful for this work of art. It’s reach will be immense. I hope all therapy focused programs adopt it.

This book clearly comes from the heart and validates so many experiences of pain, persistence and healing we as BIPOC folx go through. As a therapist, I have already recommended this book to most of my clients - and also fellow trainees in trauma therapy programs. Highly recommend for clinicians as well as regular folx as part of our learning and healing journeys. It will also make a great gift for the BIPOC loved ones in your life as they navigate social and cultural exclusion and oppression in this country.

Great book for self reflection. Great for a book study or a class. It would be nice if the exercises they have written come in digital form to meditate.

Impactful, accessible and easy to read. I appreciated the exercises for every chapter. Thank you for your beautiful work!