I disagree with Oprah

It’s not often that I disagree with Oprah, but today, I am strongly disagreeing with her. In fact, I’m disappointed that she just laughed about this important topic.

Did you happen to see Oprah on CBS This Morning discussing Early Childhood Trauma?

This was a promo for her story on 60 Minutes that aired Sunday, March 11th.  

I’m so grateful that she is putting a spotlight on childhood trauma which is incredibly needed and important for our society today. As she stated, “this could be a game-changer”.  We need to change the wording of how we look at ‘misbehavior’  from “what’s wrong with this person?” to the life changing question of  “what happened to this person?

Yes, the real question is “what happened in early childhood?” The first 6-7 years is when most of our brain development occurs that shapes our patterns and beliefs. It is a critical stage and children are more vulnerable at this stage of life. The even more important question to consider is: “how do we heal from these early childhood traumas?” and I’ll get to that in a minute.

This is what has me upset, concerned and in disagreement with what Oprah said on CBS This Morning. (at minute 4:40). She laughed about receiving whippings as a child. She joked about how in today’s world she’d have to report her Momma to DSS for that.

I don’t believe in hitting children. Ever. For any reason. Violence begets violence. And I see all hitting whether you call it spanking, discipline, punishment, whipping, beating, etc….. as potentially physically and emotionally traumatizing. I see the violence in the world as often a direct result of the violence at home.

I know this is controversial and that many of you don’t agree with me. That’s ok, you have a right to your opinion. I have a right to mine. I see all physical violence against children as shaming and humiliating. I believe it is totally unnecessary when correcting behavior could be done in loving, encouraging, nurturing ways.

In my work as an EFT/Matrix Reimprinting Practitioner, I work with women who’ve experienced many types of trauma in their lives including physical and sexual trauma. I see how being brought up in this way affects self esteem. Self worth. The ability to speak up for oneself. Even the ability to own one’s own feelings.  Or to be able to set strong boundaries. I’m so grateful that through using these healing modalities, I get to experience transformation with these beautiful women. I get to watch them blossom into the women they are truly meant to be.

Part of my own healing and growth is learning to voice my own opinion. So whether you agree or disagree, I hope you’ll respect my right to share what I believe.

If you have issues or traumas you’d like support in healing, please get the help and support you need to heal. Healing is possible and a complete game changer for you. I’d love to talk with you if you feel I can support you in any way. Click here for extra support.