Hidden in Plain Sight: Getting to the Bottom of Puzzling Emotions

Barry Grosskopf, M.D.
VanderWyk & Burnham (2007)
ISBN 1889242292
Reviewed by Catherine Phelps for Reader Views (1/07)

Dr. Barry Grosskopf makes his home on Vashon Island in Washington with his wife. His psychiatric practice focuses on the underserved, underprivileged and difficult-to-treat patients. His book is written with stories of some of his patients, their pain and healing. In this easy to read book, Dr. Grosskopf describes how all of us, whether seldom or frequently feel an unexplained pain within along with sadness.

Few of us have had enough open communication with our parents or grandparents to be able to empathize with the struggles and triumphs they have endured. However, by questioning them or other elders in our extended family, the answers may be found to our present pain. Unknown to our conscience mind, this understanding could be the key to peace within our nuclear family.

The traumas we endure are many, from war to domestic violence. When left unspoken and hidden within ourselves, the scars of this trauma can show its effect across generations. Through understanding our parents and their parents’ pain, an understanding of our fear and pain can come to light. Whether this pain manifests itself from us to our children or spouses, healing and freedom from the shackles of trauma can occur.

The message spoken the loudest within this book is that we are not drequired to love our parents and grandparents. Rather, by understanding how they felt with their personal problems and trauma brings understanding to us for their actions. Throughout our lives, we need to ask ourselves, "Where are you?" We will often find that our reaction to a situation is being shaped by what happened a generation or possibly two ago. By acknowledging this reaction, our future actions can be changed to healing and not continuing they cycle of trauma.

Whoever is currently dealing with unresolved anger and pain would find words or wisdom and a guide to healing by reading, "Hidden in Plain Sight."  It is especially geared towards those who have suffered traumatic losses and pain.

Do you understand how your parents really felt as a child or young adult? What trauma, such as war, poverty or abuse did they suffer? By finding the answer to these questions, and truly understanding how they felt, you will begin your own self-healing.

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