Renowned author and physician Dr Gabor Maté is an international public speaker highly sought after for his expertise on trauma, addiction, childhood development, attention deficit disorder (ADD), and the relationship between stress and illness.
Maté is the bestselling author of five books published in nearly 40 languages, including the 2008 award-winning book In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters With Addiction, where he addresses addiction not just as a disease but as a complex interplay of personal trauma and societal issues.
His findings on childhood development and attachment theory parenting are examined in the book Hold On To Your Kids: Why Parents Need to Matter More Than Peers, while Scattered Minds: A New Look at the Origins and Healing of Attention Disorder offers a refreshing new perspective on ADD.
An international bestseller translated into fifteen languages, When the Body Says No, explores how personal traits and emotional stress can manifest physically and affect one’s health.
His most recent book, a New York Times and international bestseller, explores the deep connections between mind, body, and society. Co-authored with his son, Daniel, The Myth of Normal: Trauma, Illness and Healing in a Toxic Culture investigates trauma, illness, and healing in today’s toxic culture.
Acclaimed for his compassionate approach and pioneering work in understanding addiction, ADHD, and the impact of emotional stress on the body, Dr. Maté has changed how we look at healing and health. He truly is a celebrated pioneer in understanding human behaviour and healing.
A meeting of hearts and minds
Recently, White River Manor co-founders Giles and Jeanine Fourie had the privilege of meeting Dr. Gabor Maté at the 2024 Masters Events Conference in Oxford, UK. This annual event brings together more than 70 top global leaders in mental health, addiction, and recovery.
White River Manor co-founder Jeanine Fourie remarked, “I think his work is phenomenal. He really sees people for who they are and not their outward projected behaviour. Dr Maté is one of the kindest people I’ve ever met in the field of trauma. We were so honoured and privileged to meet such a man of great magnitude.”
“It was truly inspiring to meet Dr. Maté in person,” Giles Fourie shared. “Listening to his sessions on healing and recovery reinforces why we do the work we are doing at White River Manor. Dr. Maté’s philosophies strongly influence our treatment and care approach. His perspective on looking beyond the surface to understand the root causes of behavioural and health issues has reinforced our commitment to treating each individual with the deepest empathy and respect. Being in that room was an invaluable experience.”
Dr Maté spoke at length about the connection between mind and body and believes that trauma, which derives from the Greek for “wound”, “is not what happens to you; it is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you.”
The insights gained from Dr Maté at the conference will continue to shape new ways to support clients on their journey to recovery. His dedication to transforming the landscape of mental health care continues to inspire and influence our work at White River Manor.
How White River Manor can help
At White River Manor, we dive deep to explore the root causes of addiction—not just the surface problems but the underlying emotional and societal factors that contribute to them as well. Dr Gabor Maté’s philosophy that healing must “address the whole person” resonates strongly with us and we appreciate how he emphasises empathy and understanding, which are also crucial in our approach to recovery.
White River Manor offers a unique approach to recovery with individualised client treatment plans. Our expert team conducts an in-depth assessment to understand the true nature of your disorder, the emotional patterns surrounding it, and any co-occurring mental health issues you may also be presenting.
All of our world-class treatment programs include the following:
- Inpatient treatment and outpatient support
- Medical detoxification
- Evidence-based therapies, including behavioural therapy, trauma treatment, and wellness programs
- Group therapy
- Dual diagnosis treatment for those with co-occurring substance use disorder and mental health issues
- One-on-one therapy sessions with our professional counsellors
- Relapse prevention
- Aftercare and support program
Situated in the heart of the stunning South African bushveld, White River Manor provides a discreet setting for executives seeking professional help for trauma, addiction, and burnout. With decades of professional therapeutic experience in addiction and wellness treatment, White River Manor understands that taking the first step and asking for help can be the most difficult one.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction, we can help. Contact us today and take that first step. You don’t have to do this alone.
Dr Gabor Maté’s profound and lasting impact on mental health
White River Manor extends our heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Gabor Maté for his pioneering spirit and relentless pursuit of understanding and healing human suffering.
About Giles Fourie
Giles Fourie is the director and co-founder of White River Manor. He is dedicated to providing the best care for clients seeking recovery from substance abuse, anxiety, depression, or co-occurring disorders.
