A profound new approach to healing trauma, grounded in a radical reframing of how we understand this nearly universal experience
For centuries, we’ve been taught that being traumatized means we are somehow broken—and that trauma only happens to people who are too fragile or flawed to deal with hardship. But as a researcher, teacher, and survivor, Dr. MaryCatherine McDonald has learned that the only thing broken is our society’s understanding of trauma. “The body’s trauma response is designed to save our lives—and it does,” she says. “It’s not a sign of weakness, but of our function, strength, and amazing resilience.”
With Unbroken: The Trauma Response Is Never Wrong, Dr. McDonald overturns the misconceptions about trauma with the latest evidence from neuroscience and psychology—and shares tested practices and tools to help you work with your body’s coping mechanisms to accelerate healing. Here, you’ll explore:
• What is trauma? The latest science that undoes the stigmas of shame, blame, and humiliation
• Moral injury—having our basic sense of how the world should work overturned
• The truth about triggers—what they really are and how they can guide the healing journey
• Traumatic patterns—new findings to help break free from recurring habits and toxic dynamics
• Why we can always rewrite our inner narratives, no matter how much time has passed
• Finding a “relational home” for trauma—how we can help each other return to wholeness
Dr. McDonald’s case studies reveal the many ways trauma can manifest and persist in our lives, yet there’s one factor every case has in common: the trauma response itself reveals the path to healing. “Our traumatic experiences reveal that we can be bent, dented, or bruised,” she says, “but we cannot be broken.” For anyone who has gone through trauma or wants to help others who are struggling, here is an empowering resource for finding our way home to our bodies, rebuilding our relationships, and returning to full engagement with life.
This book is long overdue. Kudos to MC McDonald!:-)
Thank you, MC, for all of your hard work that went into this book, and for sharing it with the world. This is going to make a difference.
I say all of this because my experience with Unbroken was completely different. This is the first book on trauma that I actually finished (cover to cover). It was NOT depressing and, in fact, created many incredibly fascinating reframes that have helped me with several important breakthroughs on my journey.
It was interesting to learn about the mind's filing system and to know that the trauma response is actually your body way to protect you in the moment. Learning about different "issues" through other people's stories was also incredibly helpful for me. PLUS each chapter includes actionable items.
This was an excellent read -- and not only did I learn a lot about the topic as well as myself, but I also enjoyed reading the book. It gave me hope to know that we can heal from past traumas when you do the work and reinforced many of the things I'm learning in the process of therapy.
I highly recommend this book!
McDonald emphasizes that trauma survivors are not defined by their traumatic experiences and that healing is possible with the right support and resources. By reframing trauma as a natural response to overwhelming experiences, the author encourages readers to see themselves and others with greater compassion and understanding.
Overall, "Unbroken" is a valuable resource that can help readers gain a deeper appreciation for the strength and resilience of the human body and spirit in the face of trauma. The book provides practical insights and tools for healing and empowers individuals to take control of their own healing journey.