Laura van Dernoot Lipsky MSW

Laura van Dernoot Lipsky is the founder and director of The Trauma Stewardship Institute and the author of the acclaimed book Trauma Stewardship: An Everyday Guide to Caring for Self While Caring for Others. With nearly three decades of experience, she has worked directly with survivors of child abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, natural disasters, and other forms of acute trauma.

In addition to her clinical and advocacy work, Laura is a longtime activist and educator, deeply engaged in movements for social and environmental justice. Her work is grounded in an understanding of systemic oppression and liberation theory, which she weaves into her teaching and training across disciplines and communities.

Laura’s TEDx talk, Beyond the Cliff, invites audiences to explore the cumulative toll of witnessing human, ecological, and systemic suffering. Within the framework of trauma exposure, she offers insight into what becomes difficult—and how we can move toward individual and collective reconciliation and healing.

Known for her depth, humor, and humanity, Laura’s work continues to inspire helping professionals, activists, and caregivers to show up sustainably and with purpose in the face of overwhelming need.

Laura’s new book The Age of Overwhelm: Strategies for the Long Haul is now available.