Generational Trauma: A Mother-Daughter Journey
Episode Overview
Generational trauma can profoundly affect family dynamics. Healing requires confronting painful memories directly. Writing can be a therapeutic process for dealing with trauma. Breaking cycles of abuse is possible at any age. Supportive relationships can enhance recovery.
I finally realized that it wasn't my shame. This was their shame, not mine.
In this heartwarming episode of Mental Health News Radio, Jann and Shari Simmons open up about their shared journey through generational trauma, loss, and resilience. The mother-daughter duo takes listeners on a deeply personal exploration of their experiences, focusing on how trauma has shaped their lives and the healing process they've undertaken.
Shari, the Executive Director of Fire Mountain Treatment Center and an Adjunct Professor at Colorado Christian University, shares her lifelong study of resiliency and self-sabotaging thoughts stemming from trauma. Together with her mother Jann, they co-authored 'Which Way?', a memoir and psychological handbook that offers insights into trauma recovery. Jann recounts her challenging childhood, marked by the loss of her father and subsequent abuse in an orphanage.
Her journey to healing was catalysed by therapy, where she confronted the painful memories she had long repressed. Meanwhile, Shari reflects on how witnessing her mother's struggles and triumphs inspired her own career in mental health. Their candid discussion highlights the impact of generational trauma and the importance of breaking cycles of abuse.
The episode not only delves into their book but also touches on broader themes like the societal tendency to gloss over painful family secrets and the transformative power of facing them head-on. Jann and Shari's story serves as a poignant reminder that healing is possible and can lead to stronger familial bonds. This episode is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and offers hope to anyone grappling with similar issues.
Whether you're interested in understanding trauma or seeking inspiration from real-life stories of recovery, this conversation is one you won't want to miss.