Today I’m excited to welcome Dr Gabor Maté back to the podcast for a third time. Gabor is a fellow physician, author, speaker and friend who brings warmth and wisdom to every conversation we have. He’s a renowned expert on addiction, trauma, stress and childhood development – and someone with a unique understanding of how our spiritual, emotional and physical lives are connected.

Gabor’s latest book The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture is quite simply a masterpiece, which has the potential to help people the world over. It connects two of the most important factors in modern health – individual trauma and the pressures of modern-day living.

During this conversation, we discuss the prevalence and nature of addiction. We ask what ‘normal’ means these days when it comes to health. And why it is that success rarely equates with contentment.

Gabor defines childhood trauma and we discuss how parents can be aware of what causes it – but, importantly, why they shouldn’t look back and feel shame or blame. He shares some very personal insights that demonstrate that he’s as human as the rest of us, and how he’s found peace today.

We talk about self-awareness as a key factor in being a good doctor; why ‘psychosomatic’ should be a diagnosis not a dismissal, and how stress burdens the body, undermines immunity and causes emotional distress. Gabor shares some fascinating new research on the different personality traits that link to chronic disease. And he gives his view on why 80% of all autoimmune disease is seen in women.

This was a very special conversation, one which I hope you will find comforting, motivating and full of hope.

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Show notes https://drchatterjee.com/294

DISCLAIMER: The content in the podcast and on this webpage is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard on the podcast or on my website.

IFS and Shame and Addiction with Mary Kruger