The primal wound
£15.95
In this book Nancy Newton Verrier, a psychotherapist and adoptive mother, elaborates on what she calls "the primal wound” – the wound that results when a child is separated from their mother – and the trauma that it causes. She examines the life-long consequences this can have for adopted people, as they are growing up and into adulthood, underpinning this with information about pre- and perinatal psychology, attachment, bonding, and the effects of loss.
Since its original publication in 1993, The primal wound has revolutionised how we think about adoption. Over the years, thousands have read this classic and found in it profound insights and revelations on what being adopted means to adopted people.
The primal wound is a demanding book. It can be a difficult and painful read because of the emotions it evokes in all members of the adoption triad. But it can also bring relief as it can be a great help in acknowledging, understanding, and validating the wounds created by the trauma of separation between mother and child.
The primal wound has become a classic in adoption literature and is considered the adoptees’ “bible”. It offers adopted people validation for their feelings, explanations for their behaviour, and a context in which to situate and make sense of their experiences.
The book is a must for anyone struggling with unexplained feelings and insecurities caused by adoption, and has been described as “life changing”, “a light bulb experience”, “a revelation” and “a journey of discovery”.
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Reviews
This is one of the most important books ever written about adoption. As an adult adoptee, I have to admit that it was painful to read but it was painful because what is written is so true. I highly recommend that both adoptees and adoptive parents, or prospective adoptive parents read this book. How helpful this would have been to my own adoptive parents. This is a must read. It will truly help you find the truth of what a child endures when they are taken away from their mother. I have great respect for Nancy Verrier for having the courage to write this book.
Five stars, Amazon.co.uk
This book is a great read for anyone who has adopted or is thinking about adopting a child. The book is well written and gives wonderful insight into the mind of the adopted child. I would recommend this book to everyone.
Five stars, Amazon.co.uk
I bought this book to really try to understand the feelings and emotions caused by separation of the child from its birth mother and I learned so much more. An informative but also a sensitive and emotional portrayal of the facts. I finished the book feeling enlightened and with an enhanced understanding of the subject…This book is everything a great book should be. Fully informative and highly readable.
H. A. Coneys, five stars, Amazon.co.uk