Lecture by Forrest Hanson with Dr. Mariel Buqué on Intergenerational Trauma

Introduction

• Host: Forrest Hanson
• Guest: Dr. Mariel Buqué, expert on intergenerational trauma
  • Doctorate in counseling psychology from Columbia University
  • Featured on Today Show and Good Morning America
  • Author of “Break the Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma”
  • Host of a podcast by the same name

Dr. Buqué's Background

• Born in the Dominican Republic, moved to New Jersey at age 5
• Drew to psychology through personal experiences witnessing emotional suffering
• Therapy suggested due to anxiety before surgery, which led to pursuing psychology
• Career motivation was personal history and witnessing intergenerational trauma in her family

Intergenerational Trauma Overview

• Emotional suffering observed in family and community
• Reflects on the intergenerational transfer of trauma
• Through line: many tend to be naturally empathetic and sensitive

Personal Journey with Anxiety

• Experienced silent panic attacks and extreme childhood anxiety
• Therapy as a transformative tool for understanding and healing
• Incorporation of CBT, meditation, and holistic practices into therapy

Understanding Intergenerational Patterns

• Most behaviors and emotional suffering are transferred generationally
• Traumatic experiences in past generations affect current generations
  • Genetic and epigenetic influences
  • Examples: emotional neglect, toxic relationships, and family secrets
• Importance of understanding family history to break the cycles of trauma

Therapeutic Process

1. Grounding and Resourcing

• Settling the nervous system through practices
  • Examples: Sound-bath meditations, breath work, humming, rocking
• Lifestyle changes to incorporate holistic wellness

2. Excavation of Trauma

• Building an intergenerational trauma tree
• Utilizing tools such as genograms and adverse childhood experiences assessments
  • Includes family history, coping strategies, trauma responses, and family narratives
• Identifying and understanding the roots of trauma and maladaptive behaviors

3. Integration

• Practical integration of new behaviors and breaking old patterns
• Small but impactful changes (e.g., taking a moment before reacting to stress)
• Continuous reflection and adaptation to reinforce healthier patterns

Challenges and Tools for Breaking Cycles

• Importance of vulnerability and honest communication in relationships
• Resourcing tools to help during reorganization and stress
  • Establishing supportive practices and gradual change
• Integration of values and alignment with desired behaviors

Conclusion

• Encourages deeper understanding and proactive healing of intergenerational trauma
• Utilizing both Western psychological models and holistic practices
• Emphasizing small changes and practical tools to make a large impact

Key Quotes

• Vulnerability as Courage: “We have to help ourselves really step into the places that still have deep wounding.”
• On Resourcing: “Make these practices accessible; people are more likely to integrate them into their lifestyle.”

Final Thoughts

• The path to healing is through understanding, structured approach, and continuous practice.
• Intellectual humility in integrating various practices for holistic well-being.
• Find Dr. Mariel Buqué online and follow her work on her website and Instagram.