This deeply personal talk explores how trauma imprints itself on body and mind. Through his own journey from abuse and self-destruction to healing and purpose, Charles reveals how pain can transform into empathy and love. What begins as a story of suffering becomes a story of love, redemption and healing! Charles Anderson is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the San Francisco Bay Area (Fairfield, CA). Charles received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology from the University of Phoenix, and a Master's Degree in Counseling Psychology from the University of Phoenix as well. Charles is currently a Doctoral candidate at National University. Charles pursued his degree in Marriage and Family therapy after spending years in the construction industry as a project engineer working on Biopharmaceutical companies and Major Hospitals in Northern California. During this process Charles was the Executive Director for an Outpatient Dual Diagnosis Substance Abuse center in Fairfield, CA for 5 years until establishing his private practice. Charles was in the United States Air Force where he served as an aircraft mechanic seeing combat action in the Gulf War, Operation Desert Shield, and Operation Endure Freedom. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx