Renowned physician Gabor Maté,is one of the world’s leading experts on trauma. His 2008 book In the Realm of the Hungry Ghosts provided a more nuanced understanding on trauma, addiction, and PTSD. The film The Wisdom of Trauma follows the doctor and his relationship with trauma, covering his work from treading addicts in Vancouver.
One touching aspect of the film deals with Fritzi Horstman, founder of the Compassion Prison Project. The work done with inmates is clearly meaningful, but it’s never explained what this work has to do with Gabor Maté. Still, watching these individuals come to terms with their circumstances through healing is still a striking part of the documentary.
Maté is seen as a groundbreaking thinker, and one interesting aspect explored is the relationship between healing and psychedelics. The documentary makes it clear to the viewer that the link between psychedelics like Ayahuasca and mental health healing is still new, but there are studies being held in which these substances have a positive impact on trauma.
The film tries its best to come across as one man trying to make a difference with his patients, but it comes off more as self-aggrandizement. The physician could have easily focused on how his own research can benefit other mental health professionals, doctors, patients, and much more. But the focus is all on him and his practice, not how his practice can benefit others. Still, there’s a lot to digest here, and the film would work for mental health professionals, students studying psychology or neuroscience, and those studying to become addiction specialists.