Oprah Winfrey and renowned brain development and trauma expert Dr. Bruce Perry discuss the
impact of trauma and adverse experiences and how healing must begin with a shift to asking
'what happened to you?' rather than 'what's wrong with you?' Through wide-ranging and often
deeply personal conversation Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Perry explore how what happens to us in
early childhood - both good and bad - influences the people we become. They challenge us to
shift from focusing on 'What's wrong with you?' or "Why are you behaving that way? ? to asking
'What happened to you?' This simple change in perspective can open up a new and hopeful
understanding for millions about why we do the things we do why we are the way we are
providing a road map for repairing relationships overcoming what seems insurmountable and
ultimately living better and more fulfilling lives. Many of us experience adversity and trauma
during childhood that has lasting impact on our physical and emotional health. And as we're
beginning to understand we are more sensitive to developmental trauma as children than we are
as adults. ?What happened to us' in childhood is a powerful predictor of our risk for physical
and mental health problems down the road and offers scientific insights in to the patterns of
behaviors so many struggle to understand. A survivor of multiple childhood challenges herself
Oprah Winfrey shares portions of her own harrowing experiences because she understands the
vulnerability that comes from facing trauma at a young age. Throughout her career Oprah has
teamed up with Dr. Bruce Perry one of the world's leading experts on childhood trauma. He has
treated thousands of children youth and adults and has been called on for decades to support
individuals and communities following high-profile traumatic events. Now Oprah joins forces
with Dr. Perry to marry the power of storytelling with the science and clinical experience to
better understand and overcome the effects of trauma. In conversation throughout the book the
two focus on understanding people behavior and ourselves in the context of personal
experiences. They remove blame and self-shaming and open up a space for healing and
understanding. It's a subtle but profound shift in our approach to trauma and it's one that
allows us to understand our pasts in order to clear a path to our future - opening the door to
resilience and healing in a proven powerful way. Grounded in the latest brain science and
brought to life through compelling narratives this book shines a light on a much-needed path
to recovery - showing us our incredible capacity to transform after adversity.
