
Psychotherapeutic Work with Intergenerational Trauma
A psychodynamic exploration of the unconscious transmission of trauma across the generations
Through some fascinating accounts of some apparently intractable psychotherapeutic cases, psychoanalytic psychotherapist Prophecy Coles explains how the concept of intergenerational trauma has enabled her to unlock core issues. In some instances, these breakthroughs in the treatment emerge through unexpected ideas or insights; in others, through strong countertransference experiences in which feelings such as rage or fear are confronted. In the course of unraveling these moments in the therapy, the therapeutic couple become able to identify traumatic events experienced by their parents or grandparents and to weave these into their own narrative. She suggests that the inner world is not just peopled by our mother and father (or lack of these) but by many other significant others jostling for a part to play in the mind. Assessment based on intergenerational history is discussed.
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