Phyllis Leavitt has a Masters’ Degree in Psychology and Counseling from Antioch University. She co-directed the Parents United sexual abuse treatment program in Santa Fe, New Mexico for two years and then went into private practice full time. Phyllis has treated children, families, couples, and individual adults for 34 years, and has worked extensively with abuse and dysfunctional family dynamics, their aftermath, and some of the most important elements for healing. She has two previous books, A Light in the Darkness and Into the Fire. Her latest book, America in Therapy: A New Approach to Hope and Healing for a Nation in Crisis, published by Morgan James Publishing, explores the roots of divisiveness and violence in America from a psychological point of view, with the goal of bringing the best of what heals relationships and  restores us to safety, into national conversation. Phyllis lives with her husband in Taos, NM and is now focusing on writing and speaking.

This episode explores the impact of family dynamics on individual authenticity and emotional well-being. It highlights the major dysfunctions that stem from an injury to love and belonging, and the importance of positive formative experiences.

We also delves into the effects of intergenerational abuse and neglect, and the role models and conditioning that shape our sense of self. It emphasizes the need to listen to those in pain and to break the cycle of violence. We concludes with discussions on healing, inner child work, and the importance of not blaming the child for family dynamics. The conversation explores the impact of family dynamics and intergenerational trauma on individuals and society. It emphasizes the importance of healing and breaking harmful patterns to create a healthier future. The conversation also touches on the role of parenting and the need for healthy boundaries and open communication. It concludes by highlighting the connection between personal healing and healing on a national level.

Takeaways

• The major dysfunctions people suffer from stem from an injury to love and belonging.
• Positive formative experiences contribute to our health and mental well-being.
• Intergenerational abuse and neglect can shape our conditioning and role models.
• Listening to those in pain and understanding the societal environment are crucial for healing.
• The child is never to blame for family dynamics. The symptoms that children exhibit are often a result of an unhealthy family environment or dysfunctional and abusive dynamics.
• Intergenerational trauma can affect present-day relationships and well-being.
• Individual healing is key to breaking the cycle of intergenerational trauma.
• Healing on a personal level is interconnected with healing on a national level.
• Parents can seek help through books, specialists, and building community to improve their parenting skills.
• Creating healthy boundaries and open communication is essential in parenting.
• Personal healing requires recognizing and addressing what is not working in one's life.
• Healing is necessary to experience fulfillment and to break harmful patterns.
• The impact of past generations' trauma is still deeply embedded within us.
• Healing is not a woo-woo concept but a natural state that allows for peace, safety, and love.
• The mistreatment of others and the justification of it is a mental health issue.
• Change and healing start within ourselves and extend to the larger society.