What Happened to You?

Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing

By: Oprah Winfrey, Dr Bruce Perry

Narrated by: Dr Bruce Perry, Oprah Winfrey

Length: 8 hrs and 26 mins

Publisher's 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?”

This audio edition is read by the authors.

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 audiobook, 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 audiobook 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

Brilliant.

Moving, riveting, filled with startling insights. Buy it. Listen to it. This audio book will save many damaged lives. Wish I could give 20 stars.

Fav new book!!

I'm definitely going to read this over and over again. Such a beautiful way to convey such important messages, through story and understanding.
I have begun applying some techniques to my horse training to build trust and get to the cortex. Thank you!

Amazing, Powerful, Deep

So many need to read this book. The depth of understanding childhood trauma, the mind and healing is a gift to all. The real life examples are heart Breaking but insightful. Understanding how we respond due to our childhood trauma is empowering. Thank you for this gift.

Essential reading

The work of Bruce Perry is remarkable

This is a remarkable book and Oprah is a fabulous partner to Dr Perry in this book

I was sad when it ended

Audiobook a better option than the actual book.

I expierenced a lot of light bulb moments listening to Oprah and Dr Perry.
Chapter 7 in particular.
I am going to listen to this audiobook often when I am feeling overwhelmed with my trauma recovery

Remarkable book!

Life changing. I now am able to understand people I encounter better now. This book is really a gem, I will be using it for the rest of my life to center myself.

A must read for every human

This book made me cry so many times, and answerd so many questions for me!

Brilliant! 🌟

Every human alive should read this.

Thank you, Dr Perry and Ms Winfrey for this precious gift.

Life Changing

Everyone should listen to this audio book. It changed my life and can change the world. It set my thoughts on how I will be raising my children. It helped me become a better teacher, friend, sister, wife, and listener.

This book helped me understand so many things about myself. "Ah-ha moments" as Oprah calls them.

It's not a self-help book. It's a "finding your inner superhero" book. I am becoming the best version of myself.

Thank you Dr. Perry and Ms. Oprah.

Incredible Tool for understanding people

One of the best books I’ve listened to if you want to understand human behaviour. Love Oprah and Dr Perry’s voices. Very soothing. 🙏🏼