Trauma Stewardship

An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others

By: Laura van Dernoot Lipsky, Connie Burk

Narrated by: Laura van Dernoot Lipsky

Length: 8 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's Summary

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.

©2009 Laura Van Dernoot Lipsky (P)2017 Laura Van Dernoot Lipsky

Good book, horrendous narration

I was super excited that this came in audiobook format, so I could listen to this in my car, but once it began I realized something was terribly wrong. The narrator seems unfamiliar and unenthusiastic about the subject and verged on bored. They really did not do this book justice. Perhaps this was the narrators first time reading for an audiobook? I would highly recommend that this author finds better narration for their book to do their book the justice it needs.

This is a must read...

for anyone in a helping profession or anyone who feels that they carry the weight of the world. At times, this felt like a kick in the stomach. It knocked the air right out of me and simultaneously gave a breath of fresh air.

Couldn't relate to this at all...

30 year Emergency Medical Services 911 Paramedic looking for some insight on PTSD after finally burning out and experiencing symptoms. On top of the obvious trauma exposure that comes from a career of everyday violence, death and dying including serving on 9/11, a domestic terrorist attack and then on the frontline in a global pandemic, I couldn't relate to any parts of this book. So wordy and scattered and the social justice agenda felt palpable, i couldn't even get thru Chspter 4. Not a suitable resource for public safety or public health professionals unfortunately.

Should be required reading for teachers

This book changed my viewpoint of my career. I am a teacher and the first thing that struck me is how many people and professions are impacted by trauma. I saw myself and my coworkers all throughout the reading. I realized I need a plan B. I’m burned out. My coworkers probably need a plan B too. But the book has made me more calm in the classroom and do a lot of self-
reflection that just may renew my interest in teaching.

necessity for SWers!!

the trauma exposure response was incredibly enlightening and helped me to understand that I was not the exception top the rule. thank you!!

great for people in ANY care profession

I was suggested this book because I was a marriage family therapist trainee. I wish I had heard/read this book before I started my traineeship. It helped me realize that I was being traumatized by helping those who had experienced trauma - it was so bad that I was headed for burn out before my career even started. This flipped my view and helped me help myself, to seek help, and cope with not being able to be the wonder woman everyone else thought I was and that I was pushing to be. I may still be wonder woman some day, but even then, I'll be the human version with faults, needs, and limits. This book helped me understand that and I've suggested it to others in helping fields including: people working in ERs, those working along side medical staff, nurses, firefighters, volunteers, therapists, clients, and will continue to suggest to people in other fields in the future.

fantastic book

initially i thought i wouldn't like this book because one of the first stories involved sad details which felt like the exact opposite of what i was looking for from this book. and one of the other early stories was a very long tale of trying to save frogs from extinction which seemed so far from what the book seems to be addressing (i get it's traumatic, but i don't see biologists seeking out a book like this). after those stories, the book was great. i loved the descriptions of the comics. it is a very positive, uplifting book overall. most of the end of chapter suggestions were a little ridiculous, but at least one felt helpful. lol at giving five stars then complaining nonstop.

Great book for anyone in the field

This book was solid! Lots of nuggets of wisdom throughout. This is NOT some lofty book, and part of the content will challenge your own ego and sense of self (which, at times, is the medicine we need). Disregard comments about the narration, I thought the author did just fine.

Essential reading for our time

Trauma-informed professionalism requires trauma stewardship. Resilient Activism requires trauma stewardship. If you are paying attention to our world, you need trauma stewardship.

accents were distracting

the voice alterations for the character profiles distracts from the content. overall, definitely a worthwhile listen.

Abandoned half way through

I have read and listened to hundreds of self help books and text books.
This book was painful to listen to and very badly thought out.
I found the author's pace of reading, tone of voice, accent and pitch very difficult to listen to.
Ordinarily I prefer the author to read their own audiobooks but this author was not skilled in this area.
I found her tone almost frenetic which actually caused me anxiety at times.
And explaining what each cartoon at the beginning of each chapter looked like was ridiculous, pointless and irksome.
The content itself was rambling.
Yes there were some good points in this book but they were buried in layer upon layer of case studies... I felt exhausted listening to this audiobook, which is why I abandoned it halfway through.
This book should come with a health warning.

Invaluable

I can’t recommend this book highly enough, it will be enormously helpful - and comforting - to anyone in the helping professions. It is also incredibly well narrated. The conversational, flowing style that the author narrates in brings the content alive in an accessible and meaningful way.

Wonderful

Wonderful book, when I finished listening to it, I went straight back to the beginning and listened again!

I loved the narration, the descriptions of the cartoons included and the different readers of the various contributions.

A powerful read for all those regularly in contact with people going through challenging times in their lives.

You can’t pour from an empty jug but many in modern western cultures seem to have lost that wisdom. Laura gently reminds us to look after ourselves.