
In Good Morning, Monster, bestselling psychologist Catherine Gildiner shares five gripping stories of patients who faced devastating emotional trauma—and emerged transformed. With the intimacy of memoir and the suspense of fiction, Gildiner pulls back the curtain on real-life therapy, revealing the strength it takes to confront buried wounds and reclaim one’s life. This powerful narrative captures both the raw pain and profound courage of healing, offering deep insight into the human spirit’s resilience.
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What does it take to emerge from childhood trauma with your spirit intact? Five remarkable individuals faced unimaginable monsters in their early years, yet found their way back to wholeness through the sacred space of therapy. These aren't just stories of survival-they're masterclasses in human resilience, showing how our deepest wounds often become the source of our greatest strengths. The therapeutic journey reveals itself not as a linear path but as a winding road through darkness toward light. Each person's story illuminates different aspects of trauma and healing, yet all share a common thread: the extraordinary capacity of the human spirit to rebuild after devastation. Their journeys remind us that healing is possible even from the most profound injuries, though it requires courage few of us can imagine. What's particularly striking is how these individuals found guidance in unexpected places-a fictional colonel from M*A*S*H, a lonely piano, cultural traditions, or a compassionate therapist who recognized their heroism. Their stories challenge us to reconsider what we think we know about trauma, resilience, and the remarkable adaptability of the human mind.
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