Dr. Mariel Buqué, a first-generation Black Dominican psychologist and trauma expert, dives into the world of intergenerational trauma. She reveals symptoms you might inherit from your family and shares the most healing phrase to tell your child. The conversation highlights the power of reframing family loyalty and embracing discomfort for personal growth. With insights on familial history and emotional health, Dr. Buqué empowers listeners to break harmful cycles and foster healthier relationships.
Understanding intergenerational trauma helps individuals recognize inherited emotional vulnerabilities, paving the way for personal healing and mental health improvement.
Effective therapy shifts focus from individual shortcomings to exploring familial patterns, enhancing self-awareness and understanding of personal challenges.
Breaking the cycle of trauma is a courageous responsibility that benefits not just the individual, but also future generations and family narratives.
Deep dives
The Significance of Finding a Mentor
The value of having a great mentor is highlighted as a pivotal element in personal and professional growth. Robin Roberts is featured as an exemplary figure whose interviewing skills and insights can inspire individuals to reach their best potential. Mentorship is presented not only as guidance but as an essential component for successfully leveling up one's career aspirations. The accessibility of platforms like MasterClass, which offers lessons from renowned instructors, further emphasizes the importance of learning from those who excel in their fields.
Understanding Intergenerational Trauma
Intergenerational trauma is defined as trauma that is passed down through family lines, affecting not just individuals but entire generations. This type of trauma arises from both biological and psychological factors, where affected individuals can inherit emotional vulnerabilities from their parents and caregivers. The discussion reveals that a significant portion of genetic messaging relates to emotional predispositions rather than just physical traits. Accordingly, understanding the legacy of trauma equips individuals to tackle their own experiences and improve their mental health.
Transformative Questions in Therapy
A transformative approach in therapy is emphasized, where the focus shifts from 'What is wrong with you?' to more profound inquiries about past familial experiences. The new line of questioning delves into patterns that shape individual behaviors and emotional responses based on previous generations. This method enhances self-awareness, leading to a more comprehensive understanding of one's mental health and the roots of personal challenges. Consequently, it opens pathways for effective healing as patients confront the layers of trauma they carry.
The Role of Body Awareness in Healing
The importance of body awareness and regulation is discussed as crucial in addressing trauma before exploring deeper emotional issues. Emotions tied to stress and trauma reside predominantly in the body, necessitating techniques that calm the nervous system to facilitate healing. Practicing relaxation methods can help individuals react more thoughtfully during emotional triggers, rather than from a place of survival. This preparatory work establishes a foundation for meaningful dialogue surrounding traumatic experiences.
Cycle Breaking and the Journey of Healing
Breaking the cycle of trauma is framed as a courageous journey that not only benefits the individual but also has ripple effects throughout their family lineage. The conversation highlights that healing is not only for personal gain but a form of responsibility towards future generations. It validates the emotions individuals feel, including anger and frustration arising from realizing familial patterns, and reaffirms that working through these feelings is essential for true progress. The dynamic is recognized as not just a personal challenge, but a collective responsibility to heal and transform familial narratives.
Psychologist, Dr. Mariel Buqué, joins us to discuss intergenerational trauma – and how understanding the generations that came before us can lead to profound healing.
Discover:
-The symptoms that signal that you might have inherited trauma;
-The most powerful sentence to say to your child to provide them healing;
-How to reframe family loyalty – and why it’s never too late to do this work.
About Dr. Buqué:
Dr. Mariel Buqué is a first-generation, Black Dominican psychologist, a world-renowned trauma expert, and the author of the bestselling book Break the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma. Her mission is to help reduce the recurrence of Intergenerational ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences).