Chasing Normal - A Memoir

Beck’s keynote, Childhood Trauma: How Teachers Saved Me, is moving educators across the country. Through her lived experience and classroom insight, Beck shows the powerful impact a teacher’s care and consistency can have on the trajectory of a child’s life.
Learn more here Childhood Trauma; How Teachers Saved Me
My Traumatised Brain: Science, Story & Strategies
For the first time, someone understood how to work with my traumatised brain.
Discover how rhythm, connection, and neuroscience help traumatised students move from fear to learning.
A 55-minute on-demand session blending science, lived experience, and practical classroom strategies.
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Chasing Normal is an unabashedly raw and honest account of the reality of how abuse and neglect affected every single aspect of Beck's life and the enormous effort, determination and courage it takes to work through the chronic anxiety, depression and panic attacks she suffered to arrive at a place in her life where she is more at peace and feels the most normal she’s ever felt.
A place she would never have arrived at without key people including teachers throughout her early life, that supported and guided her.
I COULDN’T put your book down. Your DETERMINATION and strength is amazing. Peta - Primary Teacher
'Wow... you're an inspiration. I read it in 3 days... couldn't put it down.'- Amanda. Primary Teacher
PLEASE NOTE: Paperback price includes standard delivery across Australia
Ebook format is PDF
Chasing Normal Reviews
I recommend Beck’s book, and Bruce Perry’s books to all educators. Sarah A. Primary Teacher
Wow! This is one powerful story and a reminder that some children rely on us more than we know to make their lives more enriched Thank you for writing this. - Sue. S - Teachers
As a teacher with lots of trauma students this book has truly hit home for me and the positive influence I must make on all my student. Thank you for sharing your story! - Felicity. C - Teacher
Your book was a tough read but taught me more about trauma than any PL/training I’ve encountered in my career and I believe it has made me so much better at my job in learning support. Thanks to your bravery the students in my life are benefitting from at least one caring adult who tries to understand them - Nicky P. ESO
This is the most amazing, inspirational book I've read... highly recommend - Amanda, Teacher
This is must-read for any educator who wishes to deepen their understanding of the effects of childhood trauma. Beck’s story provides a compelling motive for “why” we need trauma-informed education for all those young people who need someone to walk beside them, offering safety, warmth, and a chance to be seen. - Dr Lyra L’Estrange, Trauma-Aware Education, Queensland University of Technology
Chasing Normal is an essential book for anyone who works with children and wants to understand the true power of relationships, kindness and compassion when caring for children. Chasing Normal is an especially important book for teachers to appreciate the critical impact they can have on students exposed to abuse, neglect and trauma. - Dr Emily Berger, Senior Lecturer and Educational and Developmental Psychologist, School of Educational Psychology and Counselling, Monash University.