In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, we sit down with Robyn Pendleton, LCSW, a clinician whose work spans foster care, shelters, community mental health, and culturally responsive trauma therapy.

Robyn brings a rare blend of clinical experience, cultural perspective, and personal healing — including her own journey reframing and expanding beyond domestic violence — to help individuals break cycles of transgenerational trauma.

She explores how inner child work, cultural identity, community context, epigenetics, and even biohacking shape the future of mental health care.

Topics we cover:

• Why “we're just all overgrown, large children” and how inner child work shapes adulthood

• What transgenerational trauma looks like in families, communities, and systems

• How to “not mirror brokenness” when working with clients

• Reframing inherited beliefs vs. inherent identity

• How core beliefs are formed, reinforced, and healed

• Epigenetics and why trauma can alter gene expression across generations

• Biohacking practices (cold plunges, fasting, breathwork, meditation) as tools for reclaiming control of the mind and body

• Robyn’s personal practice: Reframe Within, Expand Beyond

📚 Books Robyn Recommends:

• The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

• Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy DeGruy

• Unraveling by Deanna Lorea