The Simple Guide to Child Trauma: What It Is and How to Help

by Betsy De Thierry

· What is trauma?
· How does it affect children?
· How can adults help? Providing straightforward answers to these complex questions, The Simple Guide to Child Trauma is the perfect starting point for any adult caring for or working with a child who has experienced trauma. It will help them to understand more about a child's emotional and behavioural responses following trauma and provides welcome strategies to aid recovery. Reassuring advice will also rejuvenate adults' abilities to face the challenges of supporting children.

Genres: Adoption, Parenting, Self Help, Nonfiction

80 pages, Paperback

Published September 21, 2016

About the author

Betsy de Thierry is a trained psychotherapist and a qualified primary school teacher who has founded several charities that work directly with troubled families.

Reviews

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really good insight into why some children will act the way they do, and how we as adults can learn to become patient with children who may be acting out due to previous traumas and experiences.

[Irvi · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read on how we may be able to help traumatized children. A good start for those who wants to learn children psychology in general so that we could have a better understanding of what is trauma and how does it affect children.

[Travel Writing · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely & short illustrated read on child trauma: its effects, some simple practices, and why it's vital we understand how it can arise in children's behavior.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a useful tool for parents and caregivers, enabling them to gain an understanding of what their child is going through. It succinctly explains some of the sources of trauma and how trauma affects the thoughts, behavior, relationships, learning and emotions of the child. This can help you understand some of the things they do. The book also affirms the importance of the parent or caregiver in helping your child heal. You will also find helpful techniques to help your child cope in times of distress.
This is a book I never dreamed I would need, but it has really helped me. The book is only 80 pages , but it packs a lot of information in. I highly recommend this book.

[Mrs Sarah Macleod · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straightforward and hugely helpful and insightful

I have bought the 'Simple Guide...' series after reading Attachment difficulties. I am very grateful to Betsy for these easy to understand books that are a real asset to anyone working with children that need support. Her work provides an invaluable insight into why children who have or continue to suffer trauma, behave the way they do and how you can better understand the reason behind it and act in a way that benefits and supports these fragile little minds. Thank you Betsy.

[amber · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm giving this 5 stars because the length makes it accessible to anyone and it's a great place to start. And that is the author's goal.

If you work or live with kids with trauma, you'll benefit from continuing on from this book as it's more of an introduction than a thorough guide.

Very helpful place for a person to start, though.

[Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

So useful!

I have a very traumatised foster son who sometimes baffles me with his behaviour. I am just beginning to understand why he behaves in this way. This book is a good way into this area and sets out ideas clearly and simply. Wish I’d found this when my little one came to me two years ago.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very brief read. Felt lots of science aspect was helpful and understand behaviour due to trauma. But not much I didn't already know. May not be the fault of the book, however. Could be my own exposure to psychology and children. Good jumping-off point if you work with SEN children or children with Attachment issues.

[Gwen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting book giving hints and tips on how to help children who have experienced trauma. Descriptions of how they might behave as a result of their experience/s. List of additional organisations and therapists that may help.

[Asiye Sertçakar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple as the title says, yet covers everything you need to know for starters. I intended to read this book to help my children and students, but it turned out that some part of me was already one of those traumatized children. Helping others helps us first.

[Kate Jenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

An incredibly useful book I was given by work. Full of basic explanations of trauma in childhood and what we as professionals can do to support them. It has really help reflect on the words that I use with children that have experienced trauma and the best way of approaching the relationship.

[Abby Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't recommend Betsy's Simple Guide series enough! As a social worker I recommend them to foster carers all the time. They break down abstract concepts and theories into every day language with practical takeaways.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

The beauty of this book is it’s simplicity. It’s digestible content is suitable for those working in the psychotherapy field and for those who love and care for an individual with trauma .

[Michael Bedding · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for begginers looking for some understanding and simple guidelines for helping traumatised children.

[Catherine Andrew · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent beginners guide!

[Catia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A useful overview of child trauma.

[Tina Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clear, simple explanations and advice. A very good starting point for those wanting to know more.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very informative and a nice easy read. Highly recommend.

[Own Timis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended by my adoption agency. A good introductory book which I suspect will prove helpful when as I go through my journey to starting a family.

[Anna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really useful quick read (Took about half an hour) into what trauma is and how it can present in children, and how they can be supported in recovery.

[H · Rating 3 out of 5]

Quick read and a simple overview. Was helpful for an interview.