The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog: And Other Stories from a Child Psychiatrist's Notebook

Content Warning: This section of the guide includes discussion of child abuse, graphic violence, and addiction.

Bruce D. Perry earned his medical degree and completed his residency in general psychiatry, followed by fellowship training in child and adolescent psychiatry. His academic foundation includes extensive study in neuroscience, with particular focus on the neurobiological effects of stress and trauma on developing brains. Perry’s research background encompasses both laboratory work with animal models and clinical investigation with human subjects, providing him with a dual perspective that bridges basic science and applied therapeutics.

Perry’s professional trajectory began in traditional psychiatric settings, including his fellowship at the University of Chicago where he first encountered severely traumatized children. His early clinical experiences revealed significant gaps between conventional psychiatric training and the complex needs of trauma survivors. This disconnect prompted Perry to pursue deeper understanding of how adverse experiences alter brain development and function.

In 1996, Perry established the ChildTrauma Academy, a nonprofit organization dedicated to translating research findings into practical applications for professionals working with traumatized children. The Academy serves multiple functions: conducting research, providing training programs, and developing evidence-based interventions. Through this institution, Perry has trained thousands of clinicians, educators, social workers, and other professionals worldwide in trauma-informed approaches.