‘Fear of hurt starts in the womb’
CLINICAL psychologist Dr Rani Samuel recently launched her debut novel, In Search of Daniel, which deals with trauma, forgiveness, healing and hope.
It is about a young man, named Daniel, who discovers a family secret on his 18th birthday. As his life spirals out of control, he embarks on a journey of healing, from Cape Town to Rwanda and Israel.
Samuel, a clinical psychologist for 20 years, said the journey through emotional trauma could leave anyone feeling out of control, lost, and in tears.
“The word ‘trauma’ has its origins in the Greek language and refers to ‘a wound or injury’. It is caused by an external force, which can be physical or psychological. Across the world, trauma and emotional distress are happening to all of us – to our family, friends, colleagues and neighbours. The lockdown, isolation, anxiety, depression and violence has an impact on everyone on a daily basis.
“The novel explores the theme of trauma in the womb, and it unfolds the consequences and the journey of healing. Interestingly, our entry into the world, through the womb of our mothers, is often where our traumas begin. Everything pregnant mothers experience, the baby she is carrying also experiences – both good and bad. Studies in the scientific field of epigenetics show that ancestral health, the amniotic environment of the womb, the circumstances of our birth, and intimate relationships with our caregivers have significant bio-psychosocial impacts on a person, and can have life-long consequences.
“This implies that, emotionally, our sense of hurt, rejection and fear often starts in the womb. Many people are orphaned even before they are born. The result is a life of ongoing emotional
upheaval, amplified over time by personal trauma in our relationships and environments, until we reach a breaking point. This takes us far away from living out a purposeful life, full of meaning and hope,” said Samuel.
Samuel, who is also a writer and blogger, said she previously released two books – Living Stones: Psychological and Spiritual Insights to Inspire, and Renew and Heal your Life – but this was her first novel. She also wrote a column for a community newspaper.
Samuel, from Musgrave in Durban, said her patients inspired her to write. She said that working as a psychotherapist, she guided people on healing journeys – from chaos to calm – in spite of the storms of life.
“One of the significant aspects to establish at the outset of the healing journey is where the trauma began, what are its roots, and then track the painful consequences of the emotional wounds the patient has endured.
“Emotional blockages can be removed, and that grief and trauma can be healed. A path of peace is possible. Emotional healing is not an event. Instead, it is a process, a journey from dark to light. We are all born with a unique purpose that will be lived out in our years on earth. We need to be aware and connect to the reason that each of us was born. You are more than your biology or your history. We need to understand our spiritual ancestry.”
The book, which took her more than two years to write, is available on Amazon, Kindle, and paperback.