For the purposes of explaining trauma, the effect it has on survivors, and the process of recovery afterwards, the author references many different potentially triggering real life situations experienced by patients including the Nazi Holocaust, intimate partner violence, incest, the Vietnam War, and confinement of political prisoners. These situations are presented both realistically and empathetically - there is no exaggeration or beating around the bush, as to do either would be doing survivors a disservice. Readers should be aware of this content before picking up this book.