Ryan Light

“What I’ve learned from talking to so many victims of traumatic events, abuse, or neglect is that after absorbing these painful experiences, the child begins to ache. A deep longing to feel needed, validated, and valued begins to take hold. As these children grow, they lack the ability to set a standard for what they deserve. And if that lack is not addressed, what often follows is a complicated, frustrating pattern of self-sabotage, violence, promiscuity, or addiction.”
― Bruce D. Perry, What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing

“You love others the way you’ve been loved.”
― Bruce D. Perry, What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing

“It is in the small moments, when we feel the other person fully present, fully engaged, connected, and accepting, that we make the most powerful, enduring bonds.”
― Bruce D. Perry, What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing

“A lifelong set of beliefs and behaviors can emerge when trauma is experienced at a young age. In one of the most serious manifestations, early sexual abuse can poison intimacy, even if the person has no actual recollection of specific instances of abuse.”
― Bruce D. Perry, What Happened to You?: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience, and Healing