Educational Media Reviews Online

Humans are incredibly emotional beings. They think and they feel. They are practical, they are sensible, and they are faulted. What makes humans so interesting is their behaviors. At their core, not one person is identical to another. This individuality is amazing. However, one thing all humans have in common is the capability to make adjustments, when necessary, usually influenced on past experiences. Unfortunately, this includes the negative alongside the positive. Trauma is a prime example of the former and tracing the root of it is a taxing process that involves a comprehensive treatment plan. But what exactly can trauma be responsible for-and who is responsible for the damage it causes?

The Wisdom of Trauma is a captivating documentary that reconceptualizes how the “common template” of hidden childhood distress knows no bounds in the damage it can cause an individual. It suggests that deep seated trauma goes beyond strictly acquired behaviors; it can be attributed to causing physical maladies and addictions as well. While this psychological concept is certainly not new, the explanation and accessibility of it is put on full display, as the film follows bestselling author and physician Dr. Gabor Maté. Known for his methods of Compassionate Inquiry, Maté believes, “the truth is inside all of us; we just need to ask the right questions.” Within the film, the directors take a humanistic approach by simply telling stories, starting with Maté’s own life. His honesty frames his treatment style, as he takes responsibility for the man he became due to being overstressed and personal tribulations encountered due to his childhood. To overcome, he needed to craft a way to emerge. This resulted in his embracing of trauma informed therapy methods.

In addition to the doctor’s story, the viewer meets several others who have suffered from drug addiction, mental illness, and cancer. The one “common trend” every person’s story has is past trauma. To enhance the weight of each individual’s tale, the directors tactfully include black and white shadow sketches that mirror the spoken words. This makes each scene dance along with classical music and ballads added, providing a refreshing soundtrack. The overall construction is well thought out and genuine. Close up shots of people’s faces also make the tense subject matter feel approachable to the viewer.

The Wisdom of Trauma would be a very strong addition to any high school or academic library. The themes of mental health and therapy can be used as a vehicle to drive insightful conversations that further destigmatize the discipline as a whole. The website for the film contains additional helpful resources to fuel classroom discussions and stimulate continual learning about the subject.

Awards:
Best Therapy, Believe Psychology Film Festival; Best Feature Film, Documentary Film Festival; Higher Ground Award, Shift Your World Film Festival; Glad I Came Award and Best Feature, Setubal Film Festival; Best Documentary, Open World Toronto Film Festival

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