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The Myth of Normal

Featuring Dr. Gabor Maté

The Myth of Normal

Dr. Gabor Maté’s most powerful talk, available to everyone. The Myth of Normal, a deeply human and deeply needed exploration of trauma, connection, and what it truly means to heal.

Dr. Gabor Maté, a world-renowned speaker, human development expert, and bestselling author, is known for his groundbreaking discoveries about health, illness, healing, and his ability to explain his findings in simple and accessible ways. In this flagship presentation Gabor covers the primary themes in his latest book, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture, and connects the dots between trauma, science, medicine, and spirituality.

Dr. Gabor Maté takes us through a riveting and compassionate journey that unpacks the illusion of normalcy in a society that prizes success over well-being. Drawing from decades of experience in trauma recovery, addiction treatment, and family medicine, he challenges what we think we know about health, illness, and human connection.

This special cuts to the core of how disconnection shapes our lives, and how healing begins through connection. With both clarity and compassion, Dr. Maté redefines success, human nature, addiction, trauma, and how inquiry leads to better outcomes.

Watch now, free of charge, as our gift to you.

The Myth of Normal was lovingly crafted by Wholehearted.org in support of our core message: 

HEALING IS POSSIBLE.

“We must stop rushing to fix people and instead seek to understand them.”

-Dr. Gabor Maté

The Myth of Normal, produced with the clarity and care it deserves

Gabor Maté, MD

Medical Doctort
Wholehearted Thought Leader
Author, Speaker, Trauma Expert

ABOUT THE PRESENTER

Dr. Gabor Maté has spent a lifetime asking the deeper questions. Questions that don’t seek to fix, but to understand. Questions that turn pain into insight, and insight into compassion. Through decades of work with patients and families, in hospital rooms and community clinics, in conversation and in stillness, Gabor has helped reveal what lies beneath the surface of addiction, illness, and emotional suffering: the human need for connection.

He is one of the world’s most respected voices on trauma and healing, and his books — including When the Body Says No, In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts, and The Myth of Normal — have offered millions of readers a new way to make sense of their lives.

But what sets Gabor apart is not just what he teaches. It is how he sees. With uncommon gentleness and clarity, he helps us look inward, not to judge, but to remember who we were before we had to adapt to a world that could not always meet our needs.

In 2018, Gabor began a collaboration with Wholehearted.org that would become a meaningful creative journey. Over the next several years, we’ve worked together to preserve, deepen, and share his life’s work through a series of programs, teachings, and masterclasses. What emerged is more than a program. It is, in Gabor’s own words, the most complete rendition of his work to date.

The Myth of Normal & The Power of Connection is a flagship talk, offered freely as a legacy of understanding for all who need it.

This is a legacy — crafted intentionally and with love.
This is the only special of its kind. The one we made to last.

Much of Dr. Gabor Maté’s work exists online in fragments — scattered across podcasts, shaky stages, and webcam recordings. But this special lives as a whole. 

You deserve more than soundbites, more than interruptions and hosts who speak over the message.
Your healing deserves a handcrafted message made to stay with you.

“In this culture, we say, ‘What’s wrong with you?’ We must start asking, ‘What happened to you?’”

Additional Details & FAQ

Who is this program for?

This course is for anyone who wants to understand the roots of trauma and addiction — whether you’ve experienced it yourself, supported a loved one, or simply want to make sense of patterns that no longer serve you. It’s also deeply valuable for therapists, caregivers, and anyone in a helping role.

You don’t need to be in recovery. You don’t need to call it trauma. You only need a little curiosity, a little courage, and a desire to heal.

Do I need any background in psychology or medicine to understand this course?

Not at all. Dr. Maté speaks with clarity, humility, and compassion — never with jargon. The ideas are deep, but the language is simple. This series was made for everyone.

How is the course structured?

The course includes 8 core video episodes (ranging from 30 to 67 minutes each), organized to follow a natural and intuitive progression — from understanding trauma and addiction, to exploring their roots, and finally to discovering what healing looks like in real life.

Each episode includes a companion worksheet that invites reflection, practice, and deeper integration of the material.

How do I access the course?

You can watch the course right here on Wholehearted.org. Once enrolled, you’ll have lifetime access to all episodes and resources. Or you can subscribe. This program is included in both paid membership options.

Is this course suitable for professionals?

Yes. Many therapists, social workers, and physicians use it as a deeply meaningful resource — both for their clients and for themselves. If you're a clinician, we also offer a separate professional series with Dr. Maté (A Masterclass for Healers) that will complement your learning.

Is this course free?

This course is offered at a low, one-time cost to help us sustain our mission and continue making content accessible. It is also included with all membership subscriptions. We also provide a free introduction, The Myth of Normal & The Power of Connection, as well as dozens of freely available talks with Dr. Maté in the Wholehearted Public Library.

If cost is a barrier, reach out. We never want finances to stand between someone and their healing.

Can I listen like a podcast or download the videos?

You can stream the course anytime from any device. While downloads aren't available, the platform is mobile-friendly and easy to revisit at your own pace.

Can I share this with someone I care about?

Please do. Healing is often a shared journey. While the course is licensed for personal use, we encourage you to invite others to enroll for themselves — or watch it together as a family, peer group, or professional team. You can also gift the course through our platform.

What if this brings up difficult emotions?

It’s okay. Healing sometimes stirs what we’ve spent years trying not to feel. The course is intentionally gentle and paced with care, but it’s also deep. We encourage you to move slowly, take breaks, and reach out for support when needed. There is no rush.

You don’t have to heal alone.

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