So much of what we struggle with was not ours to begin with.
I work with people across many different identities, social locations, and lived experiences. I have held space for people with significant amounts of societal privilege, power, and influence. And, I have held space for people with multiple minoritized identities, who live at the intersections of different forms of societal oppression. And yet, across the spectrum, one of the most common presenting issues that is often long-standing, is how intergenerational trauma influences mental health.
For those who are not familiar with the term, intergenerational trauma refers to traumatic experiences that have been passed down from one generation to another. While this term is often used in relation to trauma within a particular family of origin or family line, it can also be used to signify collective trauma that has been passed down from one generation (i.e. Baby Boomers) to another (i.e. Millennials) and within specific subsets of each population.
Groups of people who have been violently targeted, marginalized, and ostracized by society, are often forced to find ways to survive and thrive amidst ongoing systems of injustice. And in comes the phrase, intergenerational resilience. In every community, in every family line, in every lived experience, there is also survival. It may come at a cost, to the body, mind, and soul, but it is forever present. And something always worth acknowledging and identifying.
Part of my work as a therapist, is to help people identify where intergenerational trauma and resilience may be showing-up in their lives. Together we move through it; often slowly, gently, and at a pace that feels right for each person at their particular moment in time. This work takes commitment and a lot of patience. And in return, I offer an authentic and accountable container.
Part of this radical work is acknowledging that trauma and resilience even exist. Part of the healing comes from acknowledging that it is real, that it is hard, and that it can even be rewarding. It is the journey of a lifetime (well, many lifetimes), to heal from the pains experienced by so many families and communities. And while it is unfair for any one person to take on the sole responsibility of healing their inherited trauma, it is very much something we have the capacity to sit with together and begin to tend to.
If any of this resonates, and is something you relate to, please reach out. I am not necessarily a fit for everyone, so I encourage you to check out other aspects of this website to see if you like my vibe. I encourage you to go with your gut. I am here to answer any questions or concerns you may have.
I am deeply passionate about this work because I have seen what a difference it can make, in the lives of people who are willing to take the first step.