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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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Summary

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
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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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Literally the best book I had ever read/ Listened to!

This is one of those life changing books, that I recommend everyone should read! I will definitely be listening to this book again soon. There are just too many life changing principles to fully consume full understanding of this book after one listen. The stories were so real, relatable and open. I want to thank both Oprah and Dr Perry for this collaboration, the stories mixed with science give an untapped depth to the understanding of trauma and how it effects our lives. How what happened to your efforts who you are and how you behave! This book also gives advice about healing methods, honestly this book has it all! Everyone can benefit from read/ listening to this book. The audio book is animated with actual inserts of Oprah’s interviews, which only adds to the effect of bringing the stories to life!

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A calming listen

This is not (as some have criticised) some Indepth study of trauma. For that, there are countless fantastic books (Gabor Mate et Al).

This is a nice, calming, and eventually helpful book from two people who have dedicated their lives to understanding and helping the victims of childhood trauma, abuse, and neglect, of which i am a bona fide member.

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Rochelle Trow

A book that keeps keeps you captivated from the start to end. I felt like my eyes have just been opened and so much clarity gained as I went through the book reliving my own journey! What happened to me gave me Power!! Thank you for sharing and opening my heart even more.

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Anyone who reads this book and really hears what these two wonderful people are saying to us will go back into the world wiser

Please don’t hesitate to get this book. I cannot believe that anyone no matter how worldly wise they may believe themselves to be cannot gain greater insight by it. Life is challenging, people are challenging but this book helps to counter some confusion and certainly educates. If our world is to become a better place we have to understand those who are broken, including ourselves.
Thank you Dr Perry and Oprah.

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Moving, informative and healing

I loved the relaxed and conversational style of this audio book. it was very informative in an easily digestible way, with lots of elements to reflect upon. Oprah's final chapter and words brought me to tears, I would buy the book again just to listen to that part. Essential reading for everyone

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Inspirarional

I found this audio book so inspirational. It was enlightening and insightful. I am a learning mentor and have worked with children for 23 years. I am fascinated with developmental trauma and its impact on our lives and found this book full of resolutions and answers to so many questions about how we see and understand the children we care for.

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Very important book

This book is so important to read. It’s taught me so much about the people in my life.

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Deeply insightful

An excellent audiobook taking you through the impact of trauma and how to change the narrative

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Phenomenal

This book has changed how I look at every person. it's changed how I parent, how I love and how I lead yoga and meditation classes.
This is a must read.
Thank you Oprah & Bruce for producing this incredibly insightful book.

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Blown away

I’m studying mental health at the moment and came across this book in audible.
Could be the best book iv ever listened too. Amazing insightful. Educational. Brilliant.
Anyone interested in mental health or indeed any parent should listen to this.

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