We are in an age of endless opportunities to learn and better ourselves because we’re inundated with information in books and podcasts and trainings available to us. I’m learning, however, to limit the amount of gurus’ voices I allow in my life, and Aundi Kolber is one voice I trust. 

Her books, Try Softer and Strong Like Water, are ones I return to again and again with clients and in my personal life. Today, though I could sing her praises all the time, I’ll choose to focus on reviewing Strong Like Water because it is such a helpful resource for people wanting to learn a little more about trauma, it’s impact, and compassionate ways to attend to it within ourselves so that we can begin or continue to heal. 

Here’s a little about the author: 

“Author Aundi Kolber is a licensed professional counselor and author of Try Softer [and Strong Like Water]. She has received additional training in her specialization of trauma and body-centered therapies. As a survivor of trauma, Aundi brings hard-won knowledge about the work of change, the power of redemption, and the beauty of experiencing God with us in our pain.”

– bio on back of Strong Like Water. 

Strong Like Water is her second book, and I’d recommend reading Try Softer as well. There is a helpful workbook for each book now, too, that could help you reflect as you read. Aundi blends personal stories, stories from her work as a licensed professional counselor, education about trauma, the nervous system, attachment and relationship wounds, and emotions, as well as helpful interventions and practices, in this book, which is why Strong Like Water is such an accessible, helpful read.

There is a lot of education about trauma and the body that’s becoming more and more popular to study and talk about. Nervous system regulation is becoming a buzz phrase in our field. You can find a lot of information about this just on Instagram and Tik Tok. But my favorite thing about Strong Like Water is how it teaches important concepts about trauma and the body, specifically the nervous system, from experts in the field, voices we can trust.

She also integrates spirituality with conversations about God and scripture in a gentle way that can be helpful for readers struggling to connect with God in their trauma or distress. The most helpful way we can approach healing from trauma is through a holistic lens, and Aundi does that in the book. Author Emily P. Freeman calls Aundi “one of the most trusted and approachable voices at the intersection of faith, trauma, and body-centered therapy.” (From the endorsements in Strong Like Water) 

Here is a description of the book from the back cover:

“We’ve all heard the platitude: What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. But the truth is that when we spend our lives trying to be “the strong one,” we may become exhausted, burned out, and disconnected from our truest God-given selves. 

What if it were different? Could strength mean more than pushing on and pushing through pain on our own? What if, instead, it’s more like the tide: soft and bold, fierce and gentle, moving together as one powerful force? 

In Strong Like Water, author and trauma therapist Aundi Kolber offers a framework for true flourishing. With each page, you’ll 

– learn how your nervous system can help you move through pain instead of being stuck in it

– explore practices, rhythms, and resources to support you in challenging circumstances with compassion and hope

– discover how to internalize connection, love, and safety — empowering you with greater resilience. 

A new way of healing, wholeness, and possibly — especially— strength is possible. You were made to be strong like water.”

Back cover

While Strong Like Water can be read on your own because it’s so accessible and practical, I’d always recommend discussing what you read with a trauma-informed (and trained) therapist, since trauma’s impact is so nuanced and personal. 

It’s not only a great read for mental health providers and people struggling with mental health issues due to trauma or other past or present difficulties, it’s also helpful for church and ministry leaders who want to be more compassionate and trauma-informed in their leadership. It’s a favorite at Full Life, and though book reviews shouldn’t be biased, we’re allowing some bias because it’s just that good! So we’d recommend you add it to your must-read list today.