Is trauma passed down in our DNA? How can we break that cycle to heal our families and ourselves? These are questions that have been coming up a lot for me, my friends, and our podcast community. Today, I’m excited to tackle these topics with Dr. Mariel Buqué. 

Dr. Buqué is a Columbia University trained psychologist and author of the new book, Break The Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma. In this episode, Dr. Buqué explains what intergenerational trauma is and how it impacts our everyday lives, offering tangible tips to overcome it, plus ways to gently and effectively communicate with family members. She also shares accessible practices to calm the mind and nervous system. 

Plus, we get into a topic that’s absolutely top of mind right now. ’Tis the season for family gatherings – and challenging family dynamics, too. Dr. Buqué gives brilliant advice on how to prepare for and avoid triggers to protect your peace this season. Everyone who is seeing family for the holidays needs to hear this! Make sure to pre-order Break The Cycle, release date January 2nd!

And – as always, don’t forget to check in on your friends this holiday season. In the spirit of support, I’ve teamed up with my friend Jewel again to spotlight the Not Alone Challenge throughout this often emotionally charged time of the year. Learn how you can join the fun: here.

(00:02:32) Dr. Buqué’s Experience Growing Up in Poverty

(00:09:08) Dr. Buqué’s Path to Psychology

(00:11:00) What Does Intergenerational Trauma Mean?

(00:13:50) Tips To Break the Cycle of Intergenerational Trauma

(00:16:33) Bringing the Mind & Body Together in Healthcare

(00:21:39) Accessible Practices To Calm Your Mind & Nervous System

(00:25:20) How To Have Hard Conversations With Your Family

(00:30:06) Tips To Navigate Family Gatherings This Holiday Season

Participate:

• Not Alone Challenge

Resources:

• Read: Break The Cycle: A Guide to Healing Intergenerational Trauma 
• Website: drmarielbuque.com
• Instagram: @dr.marielbuque
• Linkedin: Dr. Mariel Buqué
• Podcast: Break The Cycle with Dr. Mariel 
• Read: The Big Silence: A Daughter's Memoir of Mental Illness and Healing 
• Follow Karena Dawn on Instagram: @karenadawn
• Follow The Big Silence on Instagram: @The.Big.Silence
• Subscribe: The Big Silence YouTube Channel
• Therapy For All: Resources for those in need

Donate to The Big Silence thebigsilence.com/donate to be a part of the movement to break the silence and make noise with us!

“The Big Silence” theme song written and performed by James Nicholas Kinney.

Producer, Bobby Goldstein.

The Big Silence is produced by Crate Media.