Shared Mass Trauma in Social Work: Implications and Strategies for Resilient Practice

This edited volume looks at the phenomenon of shared trauma and how it affects social workers and their clients alike. Bringing together established voices from the field of social work, Shared Mass Trauma in Social Work presents ideas of how to provide resilient care and practice while social workers and their clients are both experiencing the same mass trauma. Social workers are often on the front line when community trauma occurs, and the boundary between their experiences and those of clients can become blurred. In this timely resource, Ann Goelitz and the contributors aim to share both their findings and evidence-based tools to help professionals look after themselves and their clients in times of turmoil. Beginning by setting a conceptual framework for shared trauma and reviewing related research, the contributors discuss the concept as it relates to events such as the coronavirus pandemic, climate change and natural disasters, police brutality and racism, and war and terrorism. Filled with case studies that bring the text to life, chapters then move to the modalities of psychotherapy, group work, and community organizing, before concluding with reflections and lessons learnt for future practice. The glossary of terms, sample syllabus, and practical exercises to support training social workers are a bonus for educators. Shared Mass Trauma in Social Work incorporates specific implications, trauma-informed care, social work principles, and practical tips to support training and established clinicians working in unprecedented circumstances.

Table of Contents:
Acknowledgements Lost of Contributors Foreword Kevin Barry Heaney Introduction Ann Goelitz PART I. Getting Started: Shared Trauma Perspectives 1. Shared Trauma: An Essential Construct for Challenging Times Carol Tosone and Shari Bloomberg 2. An Investigation of Research on Shared Trauma Carol Tosone and Julian Cohen-Serrins PART II. Battlegrounds of Shared Trauma: Traumatic Events 3. Frontline Devotion in a Shared Trauma: Partners of Doctors and Nurses Combatting COVID-19 Alana Siegel and Rachel Dekel 4. Trauma, Policing, and United States Social Work Practice Aimee Jette and Tina Sacks 5. Social Resilience and Natural Disasters: Effective Social and Community Response to Shared Trauma Ngoh Tiong Tan 6. Shared Reality as a Result of War and Terror Orit Nuttman-Shwartz PART III. Battlegrounds of Shared Trauma: Social Work Modalities 7. Finding Our Way Together: Relational Therapy during a Global Pandemic Johanna E. Barry and Jonathan B. Singer 8. Shared Trauma in a Group Context Carolyn Knight and Alex Gitterman 9. Shared Trauma and Community Organizing Ozy Aloziem and JaLisa Williams 10. In Conclusion: Lessons Learned Going Forward Ann Goelitz Glossary of Terms Appendix 1: Sample Shared Trauma Course Syllabus Appendix 2: Practice Exercises and Questions Index

About the Author :
Ann Goelitz, PhD, LCSW, is a psychotherapist and author of From Trauma to Healing: A Social Worker's Guide to Working with Survivors, now in its 2nd edition (Routledge). She has also taught at Columbia University and Hunter College, US, presented extensively, and written numerous academic articles.

Review :
"I cannot think of a book more timely than Shared Mass Trauma in Social Work. With the systemic insight that defines social work scholarship and practice, Dr. Goelitz has assembled both a research and practice-informed volume that is a critical resource for human services professionals who are still wondering which end is up after the global pandemic. Her attention to the scourge of police brutality, systemic racism, and other unrest is also critical, bringing in contributions from scholars with first-hand connections to the matters discussed. I highly recommend this work for all who seek to be the change moving forward."- Jamie Marich, Ph.D., LPCC-S, LICDC-CS, REAT, RYT-500, Founder of The Institute for Creative Mindfulness. Author of Trauma and the 12 Steps; Healing Addiction with EMDR Therapy: A Trauma-Focused Guide, and many other volumes on trauma recovery "Shared Mass Trauma in Social Work is extremely timely and pertinent, especially in today’s climate with mass trauma permeating our lives. This guidebook shares ways to effectively help ourselves and those we work with. I feel so fortunate to have come across it when I can really use its wisdom, guidance, and treatment suggestions. I am impressed by the variety of trauma related topics and top-tier authors, researchers and clinicians who offered their insights and perspectives. Thank you Dr. Goelitz for offering this pearl of wisdom to the field."- Michelle Maidenberg, Ph.D., MPH, LCSW-R, CGP, Author of Free Your Child from Overeating: 53 Mind-Body Strategies for Lifelong Health, upcoming book ACE Your Life: Unleash Your Best Self and the Life You Want to Be Living, Psychology Today blogger. "I cannot think of a book more timely than Shared Mass Trauma in Social Work. With the systemic insight that defines social work scholarship and practice, Dr. Goelitz has assembled both a research and practice-informed volume that is a critical resource for human services professionals who are still wondering which end is up after the global pandemic. Her attention to the scourge of police brutality, systemic racism, and other unrest is also critical, bringing in contributions from scholars with first-hand connections to the matters discussed. I highly recommend this work for all who seek to be the change moving forward." Jamie Marich, PhD, LPCC-S, LICDC-CS, REAT, RYT-500, Founder of The Institute for Creative Mindfulness, author of Trauma and the 12 Steps and Healing Addiction with EMDR Therapy: A Trauma-Focused Guide, and many other volumes on trauma recovery "Shared Mass Trauma in Social Work is extremely timely and pertinent, especially in today’s climate with mass trauma permeating our lives. This guidebook shares ways to effectively help ourselves and those we work with. I feel so fortunate to have come across it when I can really use its wisdom, guidance, and treatment suggestions. I am impressed by the variety of trauma related topics and top-tier authors, researchers and clinicians who offered their insights and perspectives. Thank you Dr. Goelitz for offering this pearl of wisdom to the field." Michelle Maidenberg, PhD, MPH, LCSW-R, CGP, Author of Free Your Child from Overeating: 53 Mind-Body Strategies for Lifelong Health, upcoming book ACE Your Life: Unleash Your Best Self and the Life You Want to Be Living, Psychology Today blogger