Our Invisible Wounds

Moral injury is a social wound to conscience, values and social trust that affects people across professions and circumstances. This book offers the first inclusive exploration of moral trauma, moving beyond narrow clinical definitions to illuminate the full range of morally troubling experiences. Drawing on the author’s 25+ years of clinical experience, this book distils profound insights into the lived experience of moral injury, such as the feelings of horror, betrayal, injustice, guilt and shame that can wound us in our dealings with others. Through relatable human stories and plain language, it provides a framework for understanding moral trauma that extends beyond established clinical models. This book maps the terrain of moral injury across three parts: understanding moral foundations and contexts, exploring the lived experience of moral pollution, betrayal, compromise and traumatic loss, and finally illuminating pathways toward moral repair and reconnection with a meaningful life. Through this book, readers may come to hold morally troubling experiences not simply as invisible wounds – isolating and shameful – but deeply human experiences that can be witnessed, shared, understood and healed. This book serves frontline personnel across military, emergency services, law enforcement, health care, education, social welfare, humanitarian work, journalism, law and corrections, as well as the clinicians, chaplains and wellbeing staff who support them. It will benefit anyone struggling with moral injury or caring for someone who is.