Atmospheres as media of transgenerational transmission. ‘Children and pet dogs understand everything, especially that which is not spoken.’ (Dolto, 1988)

Abstract

Over the last two decades, the exploration of transgenerational phenomena has been supported by studies on infant development, epigenetics and trauma. In clinical work it is important, at times essential, to consider more than two generations in order to give meaning to what is happening to us and to our clients as well as to support the therapeutic process. We know that what happened to previous generations is transmitted to subsequent ones, but we need a better understanding of how transgenerational legacies are passed on and how they emerge in therapeutic processes. Building on a phenomenological and Gestalt perspective, and so on a conception of the self as an emergent process and on field theory, in this paper the author proposes the concept of atmosphere as a useful element of support for clinicians in being aware of, and working with, a transgenerational perspective. Atmospheres can be considered media of transgenerational transmission. In therapy, they can be useful for relating what is happening in the here and now with the history of previous generations, and thus supporting the therapist in being aware of therapeutic processes, intentionalities and transformations. Keywords atmosphere, transgenerational transmission and phenomena, emergent self, field theory, psychopathology, Gestalt therapy.