Approaching Trans-generational Trauma in Analytical Psychotherapy

Abstract

Problem statement: Trans-generational traumas are deep hidden enduring issues difficult to handle in current psychotherapy approaches using awareness techniques. Research questions: What approaches can separate personal experiences from epigenetic issues and how can be identified trans-generational trauma? Are symbol formation & transcendent function useful approaches in order to separate personal experiences from epigenetic issues? Purpose of the study: The study aims to explore the appearance during the analytical psychotherapy of symbolic materials pointing to consequences of psychological wounds of the grandparents upon next generations. Assisting the patient to find his/her own identity needs to find ways to work on separation and differentiation from ancestors’ anxieties, and PTSD.Methods: Qualitative analysis was used to connect dreams and other symbolic expressions of patient psychic condition with family memories and legends of life events of previous generations to identify the root-source. We used analytical methods as active imagination and creative conjunctio as the carriers of transformation to enhance conscious separation and personal identity Findings and results: The traumatic life events of a grandparent can mould the psychic life approach of the following generations. The analytical can provide ways to intervene and help the person to find his true identity. Conclusions: The psyche can be the carrier of parental psychic heritage as the dramas in previous generations affect the mental health and the way the second and third generation react to life events. The offspring are carrying an epigenetic change as the same but more empowering anxiety is active in their lives. Psychotherapy can liberate the carriers, and redeem the ancestors.