Historical/ Intergenerational Trauma

trauma is not the event—trauma is the stuck response held by our bodies. trauma changes us at a cellular level, changed our blood relatives and ancestors at a cellular level, and so many of us inherit the pain our forebearers could not metabolize. this is where my somatic experience comes into play. through somatic therapies, we practice tapping into the organic "technology" of our bodies, which are inherently designed for resilience & growth.

Claudia was trained at the Ackerman Institute for the Family with a specialization in family systems theory. Claudia's approach to family therapy begins with a look at intergenerational patterns, and includes her expertise in trauma recovery.

Sexual trauma can really shake us to our core. Living in a sexist world after a trauma can be overwhelming as a woman. Toxic masculinity is prevalent in both work and home life – creating complex triggers in unlikely places. As our awareness of these intersections between trauma and sexism increase, we may feel up in arms, ready to start a revolution! But we need to take exquisite care of ourselves first or else we are left feeling overwhelmed, drained and hopeless. After a sexual trauma we often wonder – can we ever feel beautiful, sexual, and/or feminine again and still feel safe? Can we trust others – or even ourselves – again? The answer is a resounding yes. Through a multi-modal approach that infuses relational, experiential and body-oriented approaches I help clients overcome trauma, create healthy boundaries, increase resilience, reclaim their sense of self and create the lives they wish to lead.

It didn't start with you. Lets take a look at the emotional and behavioral effects traumatic event passed down through generations have had on you.

As a psychotherapist, I specialize in addressing Historical/Intergenerational Trauma. My approach involves understanding deep-rooted emotional patterns and their impact across generations. I help clients unpack complex family histories, heal past wounds, and break cycles of trauma. Through empathy and evidence-based practices, I guide individuals towards awareness, healing, and resilience, fostering a path to a more empowered and liberated future.

You notice your internal self-talk and beliefs embody familiar sentiments and values held by the current and previous generations in your family and culture. What once was a guiding force, helping you make critical decisions around careers, partner(s), and where you live, are now anxieties, ennui, and inexplicable anger. You realize you are living your parents' trauma and survival mechanisms. You seek to unburden from expired legacies and empower with generational strengths and wisdom.

That weight on your shoulder will go away. We will talk about some new ways to think and look at this painful story. We will give you skills to manage your thoughts and feelings. You will build confidence as this process unfolds. And then one day you will be on the other side of this life experience. You will be able to talk about it with out crying. You will feel strong again. Your dreams will stop. You can then exhale and feel calm again. You can look forward without these painful experiences

I completed my clinical internship at the Rape Crisis Center, where many of the clients I saw came from backgrounds of intergenerational abuse and trauma. Though the grips of intergenerational abuse and trauma can be strong, I have seen that it is a cycle that can be broken, and it is one of the great privileges of a therapist to be able to be part of a client's journey to break this.

As a Certified EMDR Therapist, I support individuals who have experienced various types of traumatic events and who are dealing with strong and distressing memories that have an impact on their lives.

Most people think about trauma as a war or a near death experience, but in therapy we know that trauma is present when we see some specific symptoms that are usually results of an embodied, neuro-biological experience from a time where our brains and bodies were overwhelmed. In those moments it can seem like we don’t have access to the more philosophical and emotionally intelligent parts of ourselves.

Intergenerational trauma can be from your own childhood when you didn't get the attention and love you needed from your parents. You are not blamed for a dysfunctional family that you had to live in and when you become a parent you don't want to pass down those traits to your own children. You want to love, be present and enjoy the time together with them instead of avoidance, yelling, and punishment to them.

Most of my clients are doing the emotional and psychological work of their parents, grandparents and beyond. In other words, our healing what the healing our lineage has needed. Families pass down the good and the bad. I compare this to physical belongings, like heirlooms or unopened boxes. When the "boxes" contain habits, patterns or traits that have caused harm to or are no longer serving my clients, I support them to sort that stuff out in exchange for what heals, helps and brings happiness

I understand that the trauma experienced by previous generations can have a profound impact on your mental health today. My approach to therapy acknowledges the interconnectedness of historical events and personal well-being, especially when dealing with issues stemming from significant cultural or historical oppression such as colonization, slavery, or forced displacement. I work with you to explore your family history, understand how generational trauma affects you & develop coping strategies.

All staff are people of color that participate and have completed training in this area as well.

Many of us are healing from wounds that our caregivers gave us. Many of our parents and caregivers experienced their own traumas. I create a safe space to share your family's story and understand how past events may be influencing your present experiences. We can explore the hidden wounds passed down through generations, and how to find our way to building a more fulfilling future. While we cannot change our past or others' ways of coping with life, we can focus on forging a new path.

Many folks who experience childhood trauma recognize cycles of intergenerational trauma in their family systems. I'm especially interested in working with individuals who have a strong desire to explore these patterns and make meaningful changes in their own lives.

The way we were brought up, including the way we were parented, the messages we were told, and/or the values imposed on us, has impacted on the people we are today (intentionally or not). This includes the relationship we have with ourselves, as well as the peer and romantic relationships we have as adults.

I am an EMDR therapist and have extensive training in treating complex trauma. I worked for several years with children in the foster care system navigating the challenges that trauma presents in daily life.