Most of us encounter trauma at some point in our lives, whether directly through our own experiences or indirectly through relationships with trauma victims. Hale describes these encounters as journeys to "The Red Place" - an emotionally intense state of being often beyond conscious awareness that contains both the heroic and the monstrous aspects of past violations, a place where we can both experience the pain of trauma and find the strength to cope with it. This book delves into the psychological complexities of the Red Place by analyzing stories of trauma - from myths passed down by the ancients, to modern films and novels, to real life case studies from her own work as a psychotherapist. Throughout, Hale reveals how empathic connections in both personal and professional relationships have the power to heal in the aftermath of trauma. Such relationships can help us harness the generative forces of the Red Place rather than being led by its destructive ones, ultimately transforming past traumas.
