The Trauma Recovery Handbook

Reviews / Votes

A must-read and essential text on trauma by a true expert. This book takes readers on a journey well away from all-too-common stigmatising and over diagnostic narratives, to one which helps us see children for who they are, for what they really need, why they act as they do, and most importantly, how we can spot genuine trauma in children and help them recover. De Thierry writes with an easy style, and makes her points using a wide range of the most important clinical and neuroscience theories, all worn lightly. Fundamentally this is that rare thing, a text that genuinely helps professionals, therapists and parents reach into the worlds of traumatised children and help them to actually recover. This book will be a boon to so many who need just this kind of guidance in working with the most traumatised children. -- Dr. Graham Music Everybody is talking about trauma, its causes and its impact on children; on their mental, physical, emotional and social health, as well as their life opportunities, as therefore on their children and grandchildren. What makes Betsy de Thierry's Trauma Recovery Handbook different is this. It's simply packed with practical and proven tools for lasting recovery and healing. That's why I recommend it. -- Steve Chalke MBE, founder of Oasis Betsy de Thierry's book is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding trauma. It provides a thorough contextual analysis that is not only insightful but also adaptable to various cultures and contexts. The author's ability to address trauma in such a comprehensive and culturally sensitive manner is truly commendable. This is a must-read for professionals and individuals alike. -- Rami Khader, Executive Director of Anar for Empowerment and Psychosocial Support, Bethlehem-Gaza | Palestine I immersed myself in this fascinating book over a series of cross-country train journeys, and by the time I reached my final destination, I was practically equipped to be a better doctor, friend and parent.


Betsy has the extraordinary capacity to take what the world often labels as chaos or disorder in children and give scientifically-credible, clear, logical frameworks and language around what young humans naturally do to adapt to terror, powerlessness and overwhelm in life, and offers practical, realistic, meaningful guidance for the trauma-recovery journey.


If we want our children, families and societies to thrive on every level from the individual to the political and economic realms- trauma recovery for children after experiences of injustice and harm is non-negotiable. Betsy challenges us again to understand trauma differently, to question the accuracy and ethics of current groaning narratives of huge numbers of 'disordered' or 'misbehaving' children', and gives scientifically- grounded, coherent, practical, realistic, and proven steps to reach that trauma-recovery goal. -- Dr Laura Carolyn Wood, Forensic Paediatrician, Yorkshire Betsy de Thierry has drawn on years of clinical and supervisory experience to richly capture some of the elements and underpinnings of supporting children on their trauma recovery journey. The book is written in an accessible, warm, and engaging way and speaks to therapists, schools, parents, carers, and anyone else working with a child who has experienced traumas. In this book, Betsy focuses on sharing her Trauma Recovery Focused Model which offers readers lots of ideas and guidance; as well as powerful acronyms and vignettes. This is one to not be missed. -- Dr Karen Treisman An absolute must-read for anyone supporting children and young people who have experienced trauma. The thoroughness of this book will support anyone in their desire to enable recovery from trauma. -- Dr Lisa Cherry From the moment I read the very first chapter, I found myself utterly captivated. It is a rare treasure, a profoundly written book that I couldn't put down. Every page resonated with the compassion, knowledge, and understanding that are hallmarks of Betsy's work, reflecting a deep sense of empathy, caring, and kindness in your understanding of the trauma's children endure.

The structure of the book is masterful, with reflective questions at the end of each chapter that provide invaluable opportunities for learning and development. As a practitioner, I found that every question I had was addressed in the subsequent pages, showcasing your thoroughness and foresight.
This book will undoubtedly become my "Trauma Bible," a cornerstone reference for supporting children and their families on the path to trauma recovery.

In conclusion, your book is much more than a guide; it is a lifeline for practitioners dedicated to trauma recovery. It offers a wealth of wisdom, knowledge, practical advice, and empathetic interventions that will inspire and equip anyone working in this challenging yet rewarding field. Comprehensive in its scope, this book leaves no aspect uncovered. It is essential reading for every service and practitioner, encouraging deep reflection on the crucial role each person plays in the journey of trauma recovery. -- Lynn Miller Child, Protection Review Manager in Aberdeenshire Council and a Trauma and Promise Champion within the Council I can't reiterate enough how inspiring and empowering this handbook will be. The clear explanations make it accessible to parents, carers, and professionals alike and bring an overwhelming feeling of hope and the possibility of recovering from trauma. I look forward to being able to share this handbook with colleagues and friends who are supporting others through trauma and trauma recovery. -- Tracey Dudgeon, Advanced Pupil Support Worker (west Lothian Council)