25 Years After 9/11: Dr. George Bonanno on Grief, Trauma, and Resilience

In this special re-release marking the 25th anniversary of September 11, Dr. Robin Stern revisits her conversation with Dr. George Bonanno, professor of clinical psychology at Columbia University and author of The End of Trauma and The Other Side of Sadness.

Dr. Bonanno has spent decades studying how people cope with loss, grief, and potentially traumatic events, including terrorist attacks, natural disasters, bereavement, and life-threatening experiences. In this conversation, he and Robin explore a powerful and often misunderstood idea: while some experiences can leave lasting pain, human beings are also far more resilient than we often imagine.

Together, Robin and George discuss what resilience really means, why not every painful or disturbing experience is necessarily trauma, and how people can begin to move forward when they feel stuck. They also explore the role of flexible thinking—learning to assess the situation in front of you, try different responses, and adjust as you go—as a pathway toward healing and recovery.

On this 25th anniversary of 9/11, this conversation offers a thoughtful reminder that grief, sadness, and resilience can exist side by side. It honors the reality of profound loss while also making space for the strength, adaptability, and courage that help people continue forward.

To check out this and other episodes, head over to robinstern.com.

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Dr. Robin Stern's Books:

The Gaslight Effect

The Gaslight Effect Recovery Guide

Emotional Intelligence for School Leaders

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