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What Happened to You?

Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing

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What Happened to You?

By: Oprah Winfrey, Dr Bruce Perry
Narrated by: Dr Bruce Perry, Oprah Winfrey
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About this listen

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.

A simple change in perspective can open up a new and hopeful understanding about why we do the things we do, why we are the way we are – and provide 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 into the patterns of behaviours 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 with Dr Perry to marry the power of storytelling with the science and clinical experience to better understand and overcome the effects of trauma.

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.

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying PDF will be available in your Audible Library along with the audio.

©2021 Oprah Winfrey and Dr Bruce Perry (P)2021 Macmillan Audio
Career Success Developmental Psychology Mental Health Motivation & Self-Improvement Personal Development Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Career Inspiring Feel Better Thought-Provoking Resilience

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Critic reviews

An incredible dialogue that bares the fundamental causes of trauma, and rightly turns the question of shame on it’s head and back to the environment. There is so much more we need to learn and this book is the perfect guide to reframing how we can act - through research, experience and compassion - in tomorrow's world. An essential read (Dr Camilla Pang, biochemist and author of Explaining Humans)
Revealing, intimate, and educational, it’s a testament to the authors’ wish for readers to come to grips with, and let go of, the past – and to move forward into 'post-traumatic wisdom.' (Leigh Haber, O Magazine)

What listeners say about What Happened to You?

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Wonderful

I work with a team of Social Workers in South Wales UK who do their upmost to work from a trauma informed perspective. This book is wonderful. Dr Perry and Oprah when I listened to you it was like listening to our team trying to get others to see brain development and the impact of trauma - especially early trauma. Thank you xx

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More powerful than counselling!

The most powerful healing book I’ve ever read/listened to. Thank you to everyone involved.

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Brilliant

I think everyone should listen to this book. I mean, everyone! Thank so much Oprah

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Amazing!!

I just loved this audiobook. Full of insight and profound wisdom. I want to listen all over again. Thank you x

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All parents and teachers should read this!

I bought this for my own struggles, however I can see how the knowledge of Bruce D Perry could benefit schools and societies as a whole. Fabulous read!

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Informative, relatable and enjoyable.

Informative, relatable and enjoyable.

I found myself saying absolutely, so true, if only and yes! All the way through this audible book, well narrated, touching case studies and gave me new insight into trauma and sequential healing.

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Wow! Incredible and insightful book.

This book is a must for anyone trying to understand their own behaviour or have interaction with Children.

Dr Perry and Oprah have this way of speaking so that you understand and I could not put this down.

So beautifully narrated by both Authors

This is one of the best books I have ever read. So many Ah ha moments for me.

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Amazing

I absolutely loved this book even though I have struggled at times with professional terminology. I would highly recommend this to read or listen to this book, as it makes you think about your past and explain some of the reactions, fears and behaviours that each of us has.

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breathtaking in places, so many aha moments

thank you to you both this has given me permission to think differently very grateful

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Must listen

What happened to you is what gives you strength upon strength and that gives you power. If you forgive and you heal, you will have evolved within you the WISDOM of a trauma.
Healing can happen at any age.

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