Talk Description
The epigenetics of intergenerational trauma has received a lot of attention with many speculating that epigenetics might offer insights into how trauma is passed through generations. In this talk we’ll delve into what these findings can and cannot tell us about the transmission of trauma effects and reflect on what we have learned and how it can be helpful. I’ll also suggest that some of the epigenetic changes observed in the context of trauma and intergenerational trauma may be protective, aiding us in coping with challenges, not just compounding their effects. We’ll talk about the intergenerational paradox: that parental or ancestral trauma can heighten vulnerability for mental health problems, but that some of the biologic changes may simultaneously facilitate coping mechanisms. We’ll discuss studies of Holocaust offspring and babies born to mothers in the months after their exposure to 9/11 to highlight some of these important lessons. I’ll show you what I learned so that you can see how I came to some of these conclusions about biology and adaptation. This talk will also focus on how this new understanding can inform treatment, particularly through psychedelic-assisted therapies, which may offer new ways to reframe personal and collective narratives of trauma. Understanding the biological and historical dimensions of trauma can spark positive social change by reshaping how we view mental health, intergenerational healing, and the stories we carry with us. They help inform us about key components of resilience and well-being. While it is undeniable that trauma can damage and wound, we don’t need to get stuck in its negative effects.