Healing the Past: EMDR Therapy for Generational Trauma

In this powerful episode, we explore how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is being used to heal the wounds of generational trauma. Our guest, an EMDRIA Certified Therapist, Susan Weissbach, LCSW, breaks down how traumatic patterns can be passed down through families—and how EMDR helps disrupt that cycle. We discuss the science behind EMDR, what a session actually looks like, and how individuals are finding relief from deeply rooted pain that didn’t start with them. Whether you're familiar with trauma work or just beginning your healing journey, this episode offers insight, hope, and practical tools for breaking free from inherited emotional burdens.

Topics Covered:

• What is generational trauma?
• How EMDR works in the brain and body
• Real stories of healing across generations
• The importance of somatic and memory-based therapies
• Steps to begin EMDR therapy

Tune in to discover how you can heal not only for yourself—but for the generations that come after you.

Resources

• Friedman, S. W. (2024). Klara’s Truth.
• Shapiro, F. (2017). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Third Edition. Guilford Publications.
• ‌Silva, R. C., Dattilo, V., Perusi, G., Mazzelli, M., Maffioletti, E., Bazzanella, R., Bortolomasi, M., Cattaneo, A., Gennarelli, M., & Minelli, A. (2023). Transcriptional Modulation of Stress-Related Genes in Association with Early Life Stress Exposure and Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy in Treatment-Resistant Depression Patients. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 17(3), 119–138.
• Cortizo, R. (2020). Prenatal and Perinatal EMDR Therapy: Early Family Intervention. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, EMDR-D-19-00046 
• EMDR International Association. (2024, November 8). EMDR Toolbox: Theory and Treatment of Complex PTSD and Dissociation, 2nd Edition (Springer, 2018). EMDR International Association.
• Flash Technique by Phil Mansfield
• What Is EMDR Therapy?
• EMDRIA™ Library 
• EMDRIA Glossary 

Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay.

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Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.