📚 Book Review: What Happened to You? Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing, by Oprah Winfrey and Bruce D. Perry
“Trauma is not what happens to us, but what we hold inside in the absence of an empathic witness.” - Peter Levine.
Dr Perry holds multiple prestigious positions, including Principal of the Neurosequential Network, Senior Fellow of The ChildTrauma Academy, and Professor in the Departments of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University in Chicago, as well as the School of Allied Health, College of Science, Health and Engineering, La Trobe University in Melbourne.
Oprah Winfrey, a widely recognized figure, needs no introduction. She has conducted numerous interviews with trauma survivors throughout her career, making her highly relevant to this book. Additionally, Oprah has personally experienced childhood trauma, which has fueled her interest in comprehending and overcoming the lasting effects of early trauma and assisting others in their journey towards healing.
Written in Oprah's signature interview style, the text takes the form of a conversation where she explores Dr Perry's philosophy while sharing her experiences and pivotal moments. The central theme of the discussion revolves around the profound impact of early childhood experiences, both positive and negative, on our development and identity.
Firstly, it's important to clarify that this book does not provide concrete self-help techniques for trauma recovery. Instead, it engages in a broader discussion about the urgent need for a paradigm shift within the mental health industry and society. The emphasis is moving away from the general question of "What's wrong with you?" and shifting towards a more compassionate inquiry of "What happened to you?" This shift enables us to understand better how our past experiences shape our thoughts and behaviours, emphasizing the importance of addressing the root causes to find true healing.
“What Happened to You?” provides profound understanding by encouraging us to inquire about a person's past to gain insights into their present behaviours while recognizing that the tools for healing are not easily prescribed. Each individual's healing journey is unique and influenced by their perspectives and specific effects of the trauma they have experienced. Even if multiple individuals shared the same traumatic event, their individual experiences and resulting consequences would necessitate tailored approaches to healing.
It is essential to clarify that this book does not seek to assign blame to anyone for their trauma, nor does it encourage using the past as an excuse for one's behaviour. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of accepting and comprehending that one's response to trauma is valid. The book offers reassurance that healing is possible and encourages readers to embrace their journey towards healing and growth.
This book offers numerous valuable insights, particularly in debunking the notion that children are inherently resilient. Dr Perry highlights that people are not simply resilient but adaptable and moldable. No one emerges from a traumatic experience unchanged. We are compelled to transform, adjust, and move forward, but the impact of trauma lingers. It is often problematic when others perceive that someone has "bounced back" simply because they appear to be coping well, failing to recognize that they are still processing and recovering from the trauma. This fresh perspective serves as a reminder to check in with survivors consistently and reinforces the understanding that there is no set timeline for recovery.
This book provides a captivating and thought-provoking reading experience. The book delves deep into unravelling the intricacies of our identity, offering valuable insights into the factors that shape who we become. Beyond fostering self-awareness, I was particularly drawn to the book's potential to inspire empathy and mindfulness in our interactions with others. It prompts us to pause and consider our actions' impact on those around us. This book is a compelling resource for individuals seeking to enhance their understanding of the workings of the brain and the lasting effects of trauma. Still, it also holds significant relevance for professionals engaged in child-related fields and mental health. I highly recommend it as essential reading for anyone in these domains.
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