The Trauma of Money: Mapping Compassionate Pathways to Healing Financial Trauma and Disempowering Financial Shame

by Chantel Chapman

Genres: Psychology, Finance

320 pages, Hardcover

Published September 23, 2025

Reviews

[Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Deeply appreciate this book for directly addressing the intersection of money, trauma, and psychology. I haven’t read many books that openly discussed topics such as anxious and avoidant attachments to money, compulsive spending or money avoidance (e.g., saving though not investing or refusing to spend at all), how or whether it’s possible to accumulate money while holding social justice values, etc. The Trauma of Money is accessibly written, smart, and overall comprehensive without feeling overwhelming. While there were some sections that came across as “we’re going to take X and Y topic and apply it to money” (e.g., a chapter on neuroscience, a chapter about internal family systems), I still think this book is helpful for reflecting on your own relationship with money, either simply for yourself or so you can have more of these honest conversations with clients.

[venus · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t recommend this book enough. I’ve been interested in this topic for a long time but could never articulate it. I went through a period in my early 20s when I would overtip (50%), foot the bill at fine dining establishments I couldn’t afford, and compulsively spend money simply to manage the tension and frustration that seemed to be my constant companions. Experienced chest tightening over a bank statement or whenever I was at an ATM, praying my card wouldn’t decline when I made a purchase.

I’m so grateful to the universe for leading me to this book because it reduces the shame I’ve internalized around my financial irresponsibility.
This is not a pragmatic financial advice book. Chantel Chapman proves that financial literacy isn’t the be all and end all of achieving financial stability, highlighting the invisible blockages that cause people to sabotage their financial goals namely, our nervous system, financial comfort zones, and relational trauma and so much more! I’m a trauma geek, so I didn’t really learn anything new, but the connection she made between trauma AND its inextricable link to financial habits was eye opening!!!

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[Alison Midollo · Rating 5 out of 5]

wow 10 stars. this book gave me so much language and context for the shame that i have been carrying about money. i am so grateful for this resource and i am so grateful that financial psychology is starting to become more and more mainstream. while i did not care too much for the actual methodology presented at the end, the level of depth and compassion oriented lens on this complex topic is so desperately needed at a time where capitalism is collapsing and new structures are being rebirthed. thank you to all who put this together 🙏🏽

[Laura · Rating 2 out of 5]

I came around this book way before it was launched, when I started to notice some damaging patterns in my relationship with money and I came across the author. A lot of the things she said about the connection between trauma and money resonated with me, so I decided to purchase the book, but It hadn't been launched so I had to wait.

I don't know if it's the fact that I continued doing the work, and recognize all the trauma in me, but when I read the book, it wasn't what I expected. I wanted an entire framework of her program and all I got was a list of social proof of her program (you do that on social media). Only from chapter 16 or so I thought it was worth it, but her program in itself is explained in 10 pages, which completely defeats the purpose of the book (at least how it's been sold).

Another thing I didn't like, is the fact that the book references different studies which are not academic research at all, so I think the results are extremely biased based on the populations where the studies where conducted, this is not bad per se, but there should be a disclaimer of some sort about it.

However, if you've never done the research, you can find a lot of interesting facts about human behavior in the book... In itself, it's a good idea, with a poor execution (not everyone is meant to write a book, or maybe the first one always sucks).

[Audrey B · Rating 4 out of 5]

Research for Psych & Cultural awareness class for my MBA brought me here. As someone who has read extensively on psychology and trauma, I can honestly say it does a good job of weaving in those elements to explain people's money behavior. Some dives into more.... hyped terms and ideas propogated by many young people on social media were kinda cringe and distracting.... I do appreciate the perspective and im sure many would find it refreshing that these views were included

[Jillian Roberts · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whether we like it or not, money is unavoidable. My own relationship with it is layered and often marked by trauma — sometimes capital T, sometimes lowercase t, as Chantel so thoughtfully describes.

I had heard of “fawning” as a trauma response before, but I had never connected the dots to “financial fawning.” Realizing that this pattern has shaped how I respond in moments of financial stress was eye-opening and deeply validating.

As a mother of a child with ADHD, I was especially grateful for the inclusivity and awareness woven throughout this book. It felt like every page acknowledged experiences and perspectives that often go unspoken.

This is not just a book about money — it’s a book about humanity, healing, and the ways we show up for ourselves and each other. Truly, a book for everyone.

[Hannah D · Rating 1 out of 5]

ok

[A · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried twice to get through this book and failed both times (and I rarely give up on a book). The writing is terrible and the structure is confusing and repetitive. It’s a slog. A strong copy editor would help… but made me wonder how it got published in this state to begin with?