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xxjessicae 's review for:
What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma
by Stephanie Foo
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
This was the first time in my life that I borrowed a book from the library but then purchased a copy in the middle of my read, because I saw that it was going to be transformative for my clinical practice and my understanding of complex trauma. I get the sense that many people will feel validated in some way by this story, which is so important because we generally don't talk about these kinds of experiences and they become sources of shame despite being all too common.
The combination of personal narrative, scientific evidence, and journalistic research makes for a well-rounded exploration of how trauma shapes a person in ways they may not even realize, and how to heal from it. I particularly appreciated the candid descriptions of all the different therapists the author saw, and the nuance with which she described what about her treatments was helpful and unhelpful for her. I did find myself absolutely disgusted at some of her former therapists' comments that bordered on unethical (likesaying that wanting to know her treatment plan was a sign of her control issues????? Confiscate that man's license immediately. ), but she also demonstrates how an initially good therapist can run their course with a patient, and how therapy that's not an amazing fit can still teach some valuable lessons.
Unlike some other trauma-focused literature I've read, there is wonderfully thoughtful attention to intersectionality; the chapters on the immigrant experience and on the colossal failures of the mental health system were particular standouts. The relational therapy approach that ultimately makes the most difference for her is so beautifully illustrated, I can see myself going back to it in the future because it made concepts "click" for me that textbooks never could.
Anyway, I could go on about this book for eons. Highly, highly recommend to professionals and non-professionals alike.
The combination of personal narrative, scientific evidence, and journalistic research makes for a well-rounded exploration of how trauma shapes a person in ways they may not even realize, and how to heal from it. I particularly appreciated the candid descriptions of all the different therapists the author saw, and the nuance with which she described what about her treatments was helpful and unhelpful for her. I did find myself absolutely disgusted at some of her former therapists' comments that bordered on unethical (like
Unlike some other trauma-focused literature I've read, there is wonderfully thoughtful attention to intersectionality; the chapters on the immigrant experience and on the colossal failures of the mental health system were particular standouts. The relational therapy approach that ultimately makes the most difference for her is so beautifully illustrated, I can see myself going back to it in the future because it made concepts "click" for me that textbooks never could.
Anyway, I could go on about this book for eons. Highly, highly recommend to professionals and non-professionals alike.