The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness, and Healing in a Toxic Culture

What are the advantages and disadvantages of a holistic as opposed to an atomistic approach to medical understanding? How does Maté suggest bridging these approaches?

Consider the concept of human nature in The Myth of Normal. To what extent does Maté endorse an idea that there are certain essential aspects of being human? What are they?

Can modern obstetrics be combined with more traditional practices for facilitating childbirth? If so, what might these practices look like?

Consider the importance and role of child-rearing in The Myth of Normal. Is the main problem with child-rearing in modern life a lack of parental time due to economic stress, or a flawed understanding of children’s needs? How does Maté suggest remedying this?

Consider Maté’s contention that addiction is a spectrum. How far is it possible to be entirely free of addiction in contemporary Western society, and what must one do to achieve this?

Do labels for constellations of psychological symptoms do more harm than good? Discuss this in connection with Maté’s critique of the concept of mental illness.

Consider Maté’s discussion of discrimination and disadvantage within Western society. Is biology or socioeconomic disadvantage a greater cause of stress and illness? Provide examples from real-life studies.

To what extent can psychedelics facilitate self-realisation? Discuss in connection with Maté’s own description of his experience with ayahuasca in the text. Since the book's publication, how has Western medicine incorporated psychedelics?