Breaking Intergenerational Cycles of Trauma Building on Vulnerable Parents’ Strengths

This workshop, presented by Sharon Melnick, PhD, delves into the development of intergenerational cycles of trauma and recommends methods to help parents with histories of addiction, abuse, and/or HIV break the pattern. Bridging cutting-edge research and clinical wisdom, attendees will walk away with an understanding of how parents’ own psychological dynamics are brought into the next generation.

In Day 1, we will weave together attachment theory, the presenter’s own research on disorganized attachments, and trauma theory to better understand traumatized parents. The instructor will take you “behind the scenes” and break down the psychological and biological components that set parents up to perform the behaviors we commonly see in clinical settings.  Specifically, you will understand the dynamics involved when parents:

• Tune out from the child’s cries or needs;
• Get triggered to lash out with hostile emotional language or physical punishment;
• Engage in role reversal with the child (leave the child to fend for themselves, parentify the child, or and seek soothing from the child);
• Act helpless, fearful, and overwhelmed;
• Focus their attention on victimization in adult relationships instead of on the child.

You will learn how to identify specific phrases parents might say in sessions which indicate a lack of integration and healing from their traumatic past of addiction, HIV, and/or abuse, and the appropriate clinical response.

The focus will be on a strengths-based reconceptualization of current treatment approaches to address these issues. We will also discuss clinical challenges of working with traumatized parents, such as the impact on you as the professional helper, and how you can stay resilient in the face of your dedication to the work.

In Day 2, we will  conduct an in-depth review of compassionate, strengths-based and effective treatment interventions for responding to common struggles parents face. Examples of the practical and empowering tools you will be able to teach  clients include:

• Methods to identify triggering situations;
• Techniques that calm anger and help a parent remain cool, calm, and collected in the heat of the moment. These techniques help the parent stay rational – not emotionally reactive – and diffuse situations that recreate traumas;
• A suite of self-management techniques useful for clients and clinicians alike, that help to focus when overwhelmed, energize when exhausted, calm  nerves when anxious and wired, and move debilitating feelings of guilt through one’s body;
• Ways to speak up effectively about personal needs to feel more empowered in relationships;
• Communication approaches that will gain their children’s cooperation and ease conflict;
• Ways to see the child for who the child is, instead of a reminder of a former victimizer (e.g., child’s father).

Attendees will be able to make use of these techniques in their own work and personal life, in addition to teaching them to their clients!