How to Reverse Trauma | The story of ‘The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog’

ABOUT THE EPISODE

In this episode, Alveena reflects on the true story of The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog by Dr. Bruce Perry and the powerful lesson it carries about how our environment shapes the brain.

Through the story of a neglected child who learned to heal through love, presence, and stability, Alveena explores how trauma can be reversed when safety and care are reintroduced. She connects these insights to psychology, faith, and parenting, showing how our surroundings influence not just who we become but how our brains develop.

This episode is for anyone interested in psychology and trauma, faith and healing, or understanding how emotional environments shape mental health and relationships.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Healing starts with environment; safety, consistency, and presence allow the brain to rewire.
  
  
• Relational poverty is a lack of stable love and connection, not a lack of material comfort.
  
  
• Children learn emotional regulation by being in calm, consistent environments, not through rules.
  
  
• Emotional regulation begins with the parent; the tone of the home sets the foundation for growth.
  
  
• Small shifts like setting boundaries or changing your space can start emotional healing.
  
  
• Love and predictability are medicine for the nervous system.

BEST MOMENTS

"Doctor Perry didn’t see a broken brain. He saw a neglected one."

"A child can grow up in a mansion and still be relationally starved if they don’t experience consistent love, presence, or emotional regulation."

"You don’t teach emotional regulation. You create the conditions where regulation is possible."

"Children don’t need fixing. It’s the environment that needs to change."

"Trauma can be reversed. Brains can rewire. Love, safety, and predictable routines are medicine."

LINKS

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alveena-salim-a98abb49/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/withalveena/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@withAlveena

ABOUT THE HOST

Alveena is a psychology MSc student, writer, and seeker exploring the intersection of mental health, psychology, and Islamic spirituality.

Her work blends academic insight with lived experience, drawing from her background in teaching, therapy, and faith to explore identity, belonging, and healing.

Through her writing and podcast, she shares deeply personal reflections that bridge science and spirituality, encouraging honest self inquiry and wholehearted living.

Grounded yet introspective, Alveena invites others to slow down, reflect, and reconnect with who they truly are.

Thank you for listening. If something in an episode touched you, made you think, or just hit different… I’d love to hear it. Alveena