In our quest for health and wellness, we often focus on diet and exercise. However, one critical aspect that frequently goes unaddressed is trauma and its profound impact on our lives. Stephanie Foo’s book, “What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma”, provides an intimate exploration of this often-overlooked topic.
Foo’s memoir is not just a personal story; it’s a journey through the complexities of trauma, particularly Complex PTSD (C-PTSD). Unlike PTSD, which typically results from a single traumatic event, C-PTSD stems from prolonged exposure to traumatic situations, often during childhood. Foo’s narrative is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of understanding and healing from trauma.
One of the elements of this book I appreciated right from the start was how Foo writes about her trauma with such authenticity and vulnerability. The physical and emotional abuse her parents inflicted on her is difficult to read, but I found it cathartic as a fellow survivor of child abuse. Foo’s story is raw and unfiltered, offering a genuine look at her struggles and triumphs. She bravely shares her experiences of growing up in an abusive household and the long-term effects on her mental health. This level of openness not only humanizes the discussion around trauma but also encourages others to open up about their own experiences.
The Science of Trauma
The memoir is interwoven with scientific research and insights into how trauma affects the brain and body. Foo explores the biological underpinnings of trauma, explaining how it can manifest physically and psychologically. This scientific perspective provides a deeper understanding of how trauma can influence your overall health and well-being.
Healing and Recovery
One of the most inspiring aspects of the book is Foo’s journey towards healing. She highlights various therapeutic approaches, including EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), somatic therapy, and mindfulness practices. These therapies underscore the importance of a multi-faceted approach to trauma recovery, emphasizing that healing is not linear and requires a combination of strategies.
What I felt most moved by in this memoir is Foo’s determination to heal. It reminds me of my own healing journey and all the many setbacks and roadblocks along the way. In addition to writing about the rewarding parts of help-seeking, Foo also shares the many ugly parts, like the difficulty of finding a therapist who actually felt helpful, the costs associated with therapy, and how therapists are often underpaid, and her doubts about herself as someone capable of living a healthy and relationally-satisfying life.
Despite these adversities, she persisted, continually trying new and incrementally helpful approaches like EMDR and gratitude journaling. When she describes finding the therapist, Dr. Jacob Ham, who truly helped her with her complex PTSD toward the end of the book and the nature of their work together, I found myself eagerly seeking out every podcast featuring Dr. Ham.
Here are a few links to some of his most insightful appearances.
What Really Helps Trauma? | Dr. Jacob Ham, Being Well Podcast
Road to Resilience Episode 11: The Long Arm of Childhood Trauma
Without a doubt, this is one of the most genuine and most skillful portrayals of therapy I’ve seen across all forms of media.
“What My Bones Know”, is more than just a memoir; it’s a beacon of hope for those struggling with the invisible wounds of trauma.
True health encompasses every aspect of our being, and addressing trauma is a vital and often overlooked part of the process. Seeking therapy from trained professionals, such as psychologists or therapists specializing in trauma, can be a critical step in your healing process.
💙 Robyn
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