The Trauma Root of Social Work: Beyond the Trauma Wall

Author(s) : Florence Koenderink

The Trauma Root of Social Work: Beyond the Trauma Wall

Book Details

  • Publisher : Routledge
  • Published : August 2026
  • Cover : Paperback
  • Pages : 218
  • Category :
    Trauma and Violence
  • Catalogue No : 98636
  • ISBN 13 : 9781041127406
  • ISBN 10 : 1041127405
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Many social workers and policymakers feel frustrated by the revolving door of cases closing, only to be reopened, or by stalemates that stand in the way of the desired progress. The Trauma Root of Social Work provides social workers and social policymakers with an accessible understanding of trauma, where it comes from, and the benefits of trauma-proactive social work.

This book explains the concept of the trauma wall, its appearance in our lives and work, and how it can be broken down by recognising and addressing root causes to achieve better and more sustainable outcomes in social work. It describes the mechanisms involved in high stress levels and brain development to explain the reactive behaviour and attitudes encountered in social work. Practical approaches aid social workers in supporting people with unresolved trauma in case work. The book leaves readers better equipped to know how to break down the trauma wall, enabling them to develop more effective policy and practice to really resolve and close cases.

This book is an invaluable resource for social workers and social policymakers involved in creating the structures, frameworks, and regulations for social work at all levels. Additionally, it is useful for anyone looking to break down the trauma wall at individual, family, community, and societal levels to promote positive change and address the current polycrisis.

Table of Contents


1. Discovering the Wall

Part I: Defining Trauma
2. What is Trauma?
3. Recognising Trauma and Healing
4. Sources of Trauma Part

II: Stress Response and Brain Development
5. Stress and Survival
6. Brain Development in Children Part

III: Concrete Effects of Trauma
7. Trauma Shapes Us
8. Health Part

IV: Addressing Trauma to Effect Change
9. Trauma Awareness and Competence
10. Breaking Down the Wall 11. Radical Reform of Child Protection Systems

About the Author(s)

Florence Koenderink is an independent consultant in child protection reform with almost 20 years of experience in the field across four continents. Her professional experiences range from on-the-ground work to policy advice at national and international levels. In child protection, her specific focus was on disability inclusion and trauma-informed approaches. By launching the ‘Beyond the Trauma Wall Initiative,’ she broadened her scope beyond child protection to break down the trauma wall.

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