Coping When Trauma Feels Endless with Betsy de Thierry

Parenting a child with SEND can be incredibly rewarding but it can also be emotionally exhausting.

Behind the daily advocacy, appointments, battles with the system and constant care, many parents are burning out. The emotional toll can be heavy and, too often, it’s overlooked.

On 17 September 2025, we are absolutely thrilled to be joined by Betsy De Thierry, one of the world's leading voices on trauma to look at how we can cope when the challenges and the trauma doesn't stop.

You might be experiencing symptoms of trauma if you have hypervigilance, emotional shutdown, anxiety, overwhelm and guilt. This trauma doesn’t always come from past experiences it can develop over time, simply from being in survival mode for too long - something most SEND parents can relate to.

Drawing on Betsy’s renowned Trauma Continuum model, this webinar will help you recognise and understand your emotional responses, reconnect with yourself and take meaningful steps toward resilience and balance.

What you will learn:

• Understanding the Trauma Continuum and where you may sit on it
• How trauma shows up in parents - from emotional fatigue to fight-or-flight patterns
• How your responses are shaped by ongoing stress, not personal weakness
• How to recognise trauma responses in yourself and interrupt the cycle
• Practical strategies for emotional recovery and day-to-day regulation
• Self-care that’s actually realistic for SEND parents
• Building resilience and holding onto hope, even in the tough times

If you’ve ever felt alone, overwhelmed or like you’re running on empty then this webinar is ideal for you. You are not failing - you are human.

Join us on the night and you'll come away with a deeper understanding of your own emotional wellbeing and tools to help you move from just surviving to sustainably caring, coping and even thriving.

Why join live?

Attending live isn’t just about watching a webinar, it’s about being part of something powerful in real time.

Here’s what you get when you join us live at Sunshine Support:

✅ You get your questions answered…
Our sessions always include a live Q&A with our expert speakers where you can ask what’s on your mind and get tailored advice that you won’t find on Google.

✅ You get to feel seen and understood
There’s something special about joining other parents who get it. You’ll be in a room (virtually!) with people who understand the challenges you’re facing; they will share the same fears and challenges that you have and you’ll leave feeling less alone.

✅ You get practical takeaways you can use right away
We don’t just talk theory. You’ll leave the webinar with real strategies and a better understanding of how to support your child.

✅ There is no pressure – just come as you are
Your camera won’t be on so come in your PJs if that’s what’s comfy. Or you can listen in while doing the washing up or sitting with a cuppa. There’s no judgment, just support.

We get your life is unpredictable and you might not be able to make it – that’s OK. As long as you have purchased a ticket, we’ll send you the full replay within 24 hours of the webinar taking place.

The important bits you need to know:

• All webinars are recorded except where we explicitly state they will not be
• When you sign up, we will send you the link to the webinar. You’ll get reminder emails in the run-up to the event so long as you don’t unsubscribe from Eventbrite emails
• When you join the webinar your camera and microphone are automatically turned off so we cannot see or hear you.
• If something comes up and you cannot make it then don’t worry as all ticketholders are sent a link to the recording of the webinar the next day. This is then available to you for 30 days.
• Slides, references and CPD certificates are also sent out the next day.
• Join live and you have the chance to ask any questions you might have.
• Any questions or queries, then please email them through to events@sunshine-support.org.uk

DISCLAIMER

The views expressed in the webinar are of the presenter and not Sunshine Support as an organisation. The information detailed on this page is accurate at the time of publishing. We reserve the right to change the speaker at any time. There may be events outside of our control that contribute to this and our intention will always be to ensure the webinar goes ahead and meets the brief as closely as possible.

About Betsy de Thierry

Betsy is the 5th generation pioneer. Her great, great grandfather was a missionary to China; Betsy was born in Burundi in 1972.

Over the last 30 years, Betsy has founded many pioneering projects that have seen children, young people & their families find restoration in the face of their difficulties, support in the isolation of their struggles, and care in the harshness of life.

​Betsy first qualified as a counsellor and primary teacher in 1994 and has worked in these fields since that time.

She has an MA in Counselling and Psychotherapy.

She is the Director of Trauma Recovery Global which supports, trains and collaborates with professionals who work with traumatized children and families across 30 nations.

She has trained over 30,000 professionals; for government ministers, education staff, police, violent reduction departments, multi -agency groups and conferences for specialist trauma professionals.

Betsy is determined to see those who have been traumatised, hurt or misunderstood, find hope, healing and a future.

She works nationally & internationally to bring together leaders to see change in national provisions & systems. Betsy & her team are committed to supporting those working with vulnerable people and empowering them to enjoy life in the midst of the tough terrain of helping others.

Betsy is energetic and enthusiastic about life and holds firmly to the view that there is always a way and no one is beyond healing and hope.

"Trauma Recovery is possible"