Book of the Month September 2021 - The Simple Guide to Collective Trauma

The Simple Guide to Collective Trauma: What It Is, How It Affects Us and How to Help by Betsy de Thierry

I love the Betsy de Thierry ‘Simple Guides’ and the ‘Simple Guide to Collective Trauma’ does not disappoint.  

The author’s experience and knowledge from working in the field of trauma shines through her explanations of what collective trauma is, how it affects communities, families and individuals, and how to help whether you are a professional, parent or carer.



This book feels timely given what has been experienced by all during the pandemic and events across the world which have resulted in the displacement of many individuals who need support and care within the UK.  I also read this book in the aftermath of a local incident that affected the whole community and felt that the clear explanations and accessible format were useful and pertinent.

The term ‘collective trauma’ is explained and highlights feelings that are associated with the experience of a wide range of events which can include group bullying to terrorist attacks and natural disasters.  These feelings are then examined in terms of the body and brain’s stress response, with an emphasis then being placed on safety, a theme that runs throughout the book.

I loved how the author has focused on the importance of relationships and again links this to the body’s neuro-biological response to human connection. What she manages to do is link complex physiological processes to the experience of trauma, relationships and how these can help in recovery.  As such she highlights the importance of understanding and supporting carers and parents with their response to the trauma as this will have an impact on how the child responds and subsequently copes.  

Symptoms of trauma are explored in terms of their affect on normal life. Behaviours are acknowledged as trauma responses and the author helps the reader to re-contextualise possible difficult behaviours in children following a traumatic event. 

Although there are useful suggestions for helping children who have experienced collective trauma throughout the book there is a chapter focusing on really ingenious ideas from sensory play, story telling and art that both professionals, parents and carers can utilise to aid recovery.  Again an emphasis is based on the importance of relationships from personal to community.

The sensitive exploration of cultural diversity and humility is integral to the book and encourages the reader to acknowledge power imbalances in relation to collective trauma and to intentionally bring about changes in this to reduce discrimination.

This book ends on a positive note thinking about the concept of resilience and recovery and a list of beliefs/statements required for a trauma-informed culture. This is useful for the individual but also for organisations to consider.

The content of the book is easily accessible and the reader can dip into different topics easily.  It provides concise explanations and clear advice that leaves the reader feeling hopeful about the possibility of recovery.

Lesley Bell
Therapeutic Social Worker

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