A SCREENING of the documentary, The Wisdom of Trauma, is being hosted by the Coffs Harbour Students Association at Southern Cross University in collaboration with CHESS Connect*.

The film features the work of Dr Gabor Maté who narrates his exploration of the connection between illness, addiction, trauma and society.

Advertise with News of The Area today.
It’s worth it for your business.
Message us.
Phone us – (02) 4981 8882.
Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au

SCU Bachelor of Psychological Science student Amanda Bos is the driving force behind bringing the film to the Coffs Harbour Education Campus on Thursday 1 September.

She is passionate about seeing (and healing) trauma as the underlying cause of many ailments, addictions and more.

“As a third-year psychology student I am all in favour of any well-researched productions that aim to highlight the impact of complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD), educate the masses and ideally bring about change at a societal level in how we conceptualise trauma and treatment,” Amanda told News Of The Area.

“Our culture is not trauma-informed, and many people living with the effects of their trauma whether it is mental distress, chronic pain, physical health issues, addictive behaviours and isolation slip through the cracks, and don’t get the care that they need.

“This is a film that inspires and unites,” said Amanda, adding, “When we come together and begin to embrace our own humanity — to see each other not for what we’ve done, but for what we’ve been through – we can then begin to put the pieces together for a more compassionate world.”

In the documentary, Dr Maté poses the questions, “What if we lived in a world beyond ‘diagnoses’ and labels?

“Beyond suppressing symptoms? Beyond fixing behaviours?”

Dr Maté goes on, “Mental health issues are related to some of the biggest social issues that we face today.

“But our culture doesn’t understand that the root of many of these mental health issues, including addiction…is trauma.

“What if we could provide real solutions and help our fellow humans heal?

“Envision what the world would look like if we did.

“The Wisdom of Trauma documentary is a part of the education our culture so desperately needs,” he said.

Amanda’s psychology experience sees her working as a volunteer Telephone Lifeline Crisis Support Worker.

She has a special interest in eating disorders, body image, trauma and addiction.

Her experience in the fitness industry and her own personal journey with body image has honed her passion for supporting other people to create healthy relationships with eating and exercise.

Additionally, Amanda is a Body Image Movement Global Ambassador, raising awareness of the dangers of dieting and the “thin is in” ideal.

As an ambassador, Amanda celebrates body diversity and positive body image.

Her long-time determination and passion for positive body image inspired her successful campaign to bring the documentary ‘Embrace’ to Coffs Harbour and she was a keynote speaker at this event in 2016.

Amanda aspires to create social change, improve mental health, contribute to a better society, and create a scientific revolution in how we approach health and weight.

Upon completion of her psychology degree Amanda aims to lead body image workshops for school-age children and promote a non-diet, weight-neutral, body-positive perspective in her clinical practice.

All are welcome to join Amanda and CHESS Connect and other community networks to watch the documentary on Thursday 1 September, 6:30pm – 8pm at CHEC, D Theatre Hogbin Drive, Coffs Harbour Education Campus.

*CHESS Connect is a for-purpose, not-for-profit organisation supporting people to live a Strong Life through a range of employment, disability and wellbeing services.

By Andrea FERRARI