Moment 210: Dr. Gabor Maté: Your Trauma Is Secretly Controlling You! (Until You Try This)

April 25, 2025 by DOAC

"Trauma means a wound. That's the literal meaning of the word."

"When these needs are frustrated, children are also hurt. And I call that trauma as well."

"The trauma really is like a puppet master behind the scenes, pulling your strings and you're not aware of it."

In this episode, the host engages in a deep conversation about the concept of trauma with the guest, highlighting its definition and impact on individuals. The guest defines trauma not simply as negative experiences but as psychological wounds that can manifest in various ways throughout life. He explains that trauma can be 'big T'—related to severe experiences like abuse—or 'small t', which considers emotional needs unmet within otherwise supportive environments.

The conversation shifts into how trauma affects adults and their responses to situations, referencing statistical observations that declare a significant percentage of the adult population has encountered some level of trauma. The dynamics of how different individuals process their trauma—some becoming angry and others embracing peace—are explored, emphasizing that it often hinges on interpretation and coping mechanisms developed over time.

The discussion continues to investigate how upbringing influences behavior, using examples from well-known public figures like Donald Trump. The host and guest explain how trauma shapes personalities and coping strategies. They assert that being unaware of these influences makes individuals puppets in their own lives, controlled by past traumas. The episode stresses the importance of awareness as the first step towards healing, discussing various methods to cultivate awareness, including introspection, therapy, and embracing emotional truths through different practices.

Finally, the guest encourages listeners to recognize their own trauma and consider what healthy coping methods can be introduced to reconnect with their emotions and find liberation from the past.

Key Takeaways

Trauma is defined as a psychological wound that affects emotional responses and behavior.
There are two types of trauma: 'big T' (significant events) and 'small t' (emotional neglect).
Awareness of one's trauma is crucial for healing and personal growth, as it can transform reactive tendencies into autonomous decisions.