DeepSummary
This episode features an interview with Karen Guggenheim, who experienced post-traumatic growth after the devastating loss of her husband. Karen shares how she went from feeling shattered and numb to finding purpose and meaning by starting the World Happiness Summit, an annual event to share the science of well-being with others.
Clinical psychologist Dr. Edith Shiro, author of 'The Unexpected Gift of Trauma,' explains the concept of post-traumatic growth and how people can navigate the process of healing and transformation after traumatic experiences. She discusses steps like radical acceptance, finding a new narrative, integration, and discovering wisdom and purpose.
The guests illustrate how trauma can be a catalyst for personal growth, increased empathy, and a deeper appreciation for life and relationships. While painful, adversity can ultimately lead to positive changes and a desire to help others on a similar journey.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Post-traumatic growth refers to the positive psychological changes and personal growth that can occur after a traumatic event.
- Experiencing trauma can lead to increased appreciation for life, stronger relationships, greater personal strength, and a renewed sense of purpose or wisdom.
- The path to post-traumatic growth involves radical acceptance of the trauma, finding a new narrative, integrating the experience into one's identity, and discovering wisdom or a mission.
- While the process is difficult, post-traumatic growth is a possibility for everyone, and can provide resilience and tools for navigating future challenges.
- Social support, self-compassion, and actively seeking out moments of happiness are important factors in facilitating post-traumatic growth.
- Karen Guggenheim's journey of starting the World Happiness Summit after her husband's death is a powerful example of post-traumatic growth.
- The concept of post-traumatic growth challenges the notion that trauma is solely negative, and suggests that growth can emerge from adversity.
- Dr. Edith Shiro's work highlights the importance of understanding the subjective nature of trauma and the potential for personal transformation.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I choose happiness because the pain is so, so bad that I gotta find a way for it to be great.“ by Karen Guggenheim
- “Trauma is subjective. I cannot tell you what is traumatic for you, and you cannot tell me what trauma is for me.“ by Edith Shiro
- “The possibility of post-traumatic growth is there for everybody now. Some people have it easier than others.“ by Edith Shiro
- “And I think you develop tools that are very, very powerful and very protective for the next events that are happening in your life.“ by Edith Shiro
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Episode Information
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos
Pushkin Industries
4/22/24
Karen Guggenheim was devastated by the death of her husband, Ricardo. She was alive, but dead to the world around her. Slowly she put her life back together and found growing happiness. To share her insights with others in need, Karen started the World Happiness Summit.
Karen's campaign to spread global happiness is just one example of "post traumatic growth". Clinical psychologist Dr Edith Shiro (author of The Unexpected Gift of Trauma) has worked with many people who have recovered from trauma and grown as a result. She explains how we can give ourselves the best possible chance to experience post traumatic growth.
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