In this powerful episode, we explore how Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is being used to heal the wounds of generational trauma. Our guest, an EMDRIA Certified Therapist, Susan Weissbach, LCSW, breaks down how traumatic patterns can be passed down through families—and how EMDR helps disrupt that cycle. We discuss the science behind EMDR, what a session actually looks like, and how individuals are finding relief from deeply rooted pain that didn’t start with them. Whether you're familiar with trauma work or just beginning your healing journey, this episode offers insight, hope, and practical tools for breaking free from inherited emotional burdens.
Topics Covered:
- What is generational trauma?
- How EMDR works in the brain and body
- Real stories of healing across generations
- The importance of somatic and memory-based therapies
- Steps to begin EMDR therapy
Tune in to discover how you can heal not only for yourself—but for the generations that come after you.
Resources
- Friedman, S. W. (2024). Klara’s Truth.
- Shapiro, F. (2017). Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy, Third Edition. Guilford Publications.
- Silva, R. C., Dattilo, V., Perusi, G., Mazzelli, M., Maffioletti, E., Bazzanella, R., Bortolomasi, M., Cattaneo, A., Gennarelli, M., & Minelli, A. (2023). Transcriptional Modulation of Stress-Related Genes in Association with Early Life Stress Exposure and Trauma-Focused Psychotherapy in Treatment-Resistant Depression Patients. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, 17(3), 119–138.
- Cortizo, R. (2020). Prenatal and Perinatal EMDR Therapy: Early Family Intervention. Journal of EMDR Practice and Research, EMDR-D-19-00046
- EMDR International Association. (2024, November 8). EMDR Toolbox: Theory and Treatment of Complex PTSD and Dissociation, 2nd Edition (Springer, 2018). EMDR International Association.
- Flash Technique by Phil Mansfield
- What Is EMDR Therapy?
- EMDRIA™ Library
- EMDRIA Glossary
Musical soundtrack, Acoustic Motivation 11290, supplied royalty-free by Pixabay.
Learn more about EMDR therapy at www.emdria.org.
Popular Podcasts
NFL Daily with Gregg Rosenthal
Gregg Rosenthal and a rotating crew of elite NFL Media co-hosts, including Patrick Claybon, Colleen Wolfe, Steve Wyche, Nick Shook and Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic get you caught up daily on all the NFL news and analysis you need to be smarter and funnier than your friends.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com