Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others [Paperback]

Laura Van Dernoot Lipsky (Author), Connie Burk (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 1, 2009

A longtime trauma worker, Laura van Dernoot Lipsky offers a deep and empathetic survey of the often-unrecognized toll on those working to make the world a better place. We may feel tired, cynical, numb, or like we can never do enough. These, and other symptoms, affect us individually and collectively, sapping the energy and effectiveness we so desperately need if we are to benefit humankind, other animals, and the planet itself. Through Trauma Stewardship, we are called to meet these challenges in an intentional way--not by becoming overwhelmed but by developing a quality of mindful presence. Joining the wisdom of ancient cultural traditions with modern psychological research, Lipsky offers a variety of simple and profound practices that will allow us to remake ourselves--and ultimately the world.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

Praise for Trauma Stewardship

"Taking on society's biggest challenges can make self-care seem trivial, even self-indulgent. We willingly subordinate our own needs to those of the work and the world at large, often feeling gratitude for the opportunity to do so, then wonder why we're so exhausted. Gently and insightfully, Laura nudges us toward the proverbial balance so that in the end, we can both work and live more fully."
--Chelsea Sexton, alternative fuel vehicle advocate and cofounder of Lightning Rod Foundation and Plug In America, featured in the film Who Killed the Electric Car?

"I saw a lot as a cop in San Diego and as chief of the Seattle Police Department. Looking back on my thirty-four years in policing, I only wish that Trauma Stewardship had been in my car or on my desk that whole time. Whether it's bureaucratic sources of distress or the steady diet of traumatic situations encountered on the streets, Laura's extraordinary book offers a lucid, insightful, often humorous, and always practical guide to the professional who has no choice but to deal with trauma. I can't recommend it highly enough."
--Norm Stamper, PhD, Seattle Chief of Police (Ret.) and author of Breaking Rank: A Top Cop's Exposé of the Dark Side of American Policing

"This impressive book helps one to recognize the effects of trauma exposure everywhere: in ourselves, our organizations, and our society. Readers will be guided (gently) along an individual path of exploration, growth, hope, and recovery. I will be recommending it to everyone I work with."
--Cynthia Garrett, MD, Vancouver Native Health Society Medical Clinic and New Westminster Mental Health Centre

About the Author

Laura van Dernoot Lipsky is a trauma social worker, educator, and consultant. She is also the founder and director of a Spanish-language preschool and grade school enrichment program that offers an environmental and social-justice curriculum. Connie Burk is the executive director of the Northwest Network of Bisexual, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse.

Product Details

• Paperback: 264 pages
• Publisher: Berrett-Koehler Publishers (May 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 157675944X
• ISBN-13: 978-1576759448
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #7,231 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE MUST READ!!!!!!!!!!!, April 22, 2009

By 

Samantha Wipperman (Washington, D.C.) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others (Paperback)

How many books do you read that compel you to want to send it to everyone you know? THIS BOOK IS SUCH A BOOK. This work completely transcends it's genre. At the risk of sounding over-the-top, if you are a citizen of this Planet, you should read this book. It is dense with nugget after nugget of profound Wisdom and Insight into the human condition. Let's face it, the World we live in poses very challenging circumstances--both Individually and Globally. Lipsky does not sugar-coat these realities. Rather, she courageously probes into the core of human trauma and it's residual effects while offering a treasure trove of tools for transcendence. The writer's use of HUMOR is MASTERFUL-she somehow manges to elicit an array of almost "Sedaris-style" belly laughs while addressing the most serious of life's obstacles. Her profound insight into the recesses, idiosyncracies and trappings of the human mind allows her to offer the golden chord of healing in the form of pragmatic solutions and tools--we just have to grab on. It's quite a ride!!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful!, April 13, 2009

By 

J. Sullivan "Bookworm" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others (Paperback)

I didn't even know I needed this book. It gives coherent words and structure to understand the process that occurs for those who find themselves caring for others, and what we might need to keep going and make it make sense.

The chapters are concise and readable, with cartoons and anecdotes to make it witty and interesting. I don't know what more I can say except that it is breathtaking.

If you are a nurse/doctor/social worker/psychologist/first responder/legal aid/non-profit/humanitarian worker, even if you think you aren't burnt out or that the trauma you are experiencing in your patients/clients doesn't affect you, read this book! It should be taught in grad school.

As a non-professional who may be responsible for elders or others with special needs, this book could provide a safety valve and strategies for keeping in touch with yourself while caring for others. This is not a self help book. It is a whole new way of looking at the field that is accessible to professionals and non-professionals alike. Wish I had had this years ago.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For Everyone, April 22, 2009

By 

Katherine A. Goodman - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others (Paperback)

The thing about this book that's so brilliant, is that it is absolutely for anyone who is care taking, not just professionals. The insights, support, and perspective offered are smart, clear, and compassionate. At some point, everyone is taking care of someone else, even if it's just as someone who works for a non profit organization that provides a service. Burn out is everywhere and this little wonder of a book helped me understand how to take care of myself as well. It's smart, savvy, and the cartoons really give you a lift. I can't say enough about it. It is supremely useful and user-friendly! I would have been lost with out it.