The Healing Power Within: Understanding the Brain & Healing Trauma

Episode 113,   Dec 28, 2023, 01:26 AM

Quotes of What Happened To You book

1. "Sometimes the smallest moments can have the biggest impact on our lives." - What Happened To You?

2. "It's not about what happened to you, but how you choose to overcome it." - What Happened To You?

3. "Within our darkness lies the strength to find our light." - What Happened To You?

4. "Every scar tells a story of resilience and survival." - What Happened To You?

5. "The journey of healing begins with accepting and understanding our past." - What Happened To You?

6. "We are not defined by our past, but by the strength we possess to move forward." - What Happened To You?

7. "Finding peace doesn't mean forgetting, it means finding a way to live with the memories." - What Happened To You?

8. "Our greatest strength lies in embracing our vulnerabilities." - What Happened To You?

9. "Healing is not a destination, but a lifelong journey of self-discovery." - What Happened To You?

10. "Our experiences may shape us, but they do not define us." - What Happened To You?

Books like What Happened To You

1. "The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma" by Bessel van der Kolk

2. "The Deepest Well: Healing the Long-Term Effects of Childhood Adversity" by Nadine Burke Harris

3. "Healing the Fragmented Selves of Trauma Survivors: Overcoming Internal Self-Alienation" by Janina Fisher

4. "Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence--from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror" by Judith Lewis Herman

5. "Complex PTSD: From Surviving to Thriving: A GUIDE AND MAP FOR RECOVERING FROM CHILDHOOD TRAUMA" by Pete Walker

6. "Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma" by Peter A. Levine

7. "The Unbearable Lightness of Being" by Milan Kundera (fiction, explores themes of trauma and identity)

8. "The Body: A Guide for Occupants" by Bill Bryson (examines the human body and its responses to stress and trauma)

9. "The Drama of the Gifted Child: The Search for the True Self" by Alice Miller

10. "Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions" by Johann Hari

What Happened To You book summary

"What Happened to You?" is a book co-authored by Dr. Bruce D. Perry, a renowned child psychiatrist, and Oprah Winfrey, a media mogul and philanthropist. Published in 2021, the book explores the impact of trauma on individuals and societies, focusing on the importance of understanding and addressing childhood trauma.

The book begins with Oprah sharing her personal experiences with trauma and its effects on her life. She also touches upon the importance of empathy and understanding others, which sets the tone for the rest of the book.

Dr. Perry then delves into the science behind trauma, explaining how experiences, particularly in childhood, can shape brain development and overall development. He emphasizes that trauma is more than just a psychological issue; it has physiological consequences as well.

The authors discuss the concept of the "ACEs" (Adverse Childhood Experiences) study, which reveals the lasting impact of childhood trauma on individuals. They emphasize that trauma is not limited to extreme experiences like physical or sexual abuse but can include neglect, poverty, and other adverse conditions. Oprah and Dr. Perry stress the importance of recognizing and addressing these experiences to break the cycle of trauma.

Throughout the book, Oprah and Dr. Perry share stories of individuals who have faced trauma and managed to heal. They highlight the resilience and capacity for growth that lies within each person, even in the face of significant adversity.

The authors also explore how trauma affects societal systems, such as education, criminal justice, and healthcare. They advocate for a trauma-informed approach in these systems, which involves understanding the impact of trauma on individuals to create supportive and healing environments.

"What Happened to You?" ultimately aims to foster empathy and understanding towards individuals who have experienced trauma. It encourages readers to reframe the question from "What's wrong with you?" to "What happened to you?" in order to foster healing and create a more compassionate society.

Overall, the book provides insights into the science of trauma, personal stories, and practical strategies for healing and supporting individuals who have experienced trauma. It serves as a valuable resource for individuals, educators, healthcare professionals, and policymakers interested in promoting trauma-informed care and resilience.