— Intergenerational family trauma (aka intergenerational trauma) refers to a broad spectrum of symptoms, dynamics, and genetics resulting from the traumatic experiences of an individual or family, which are later passed down to the next generation of the family. The research on intergenerational trauma has predominantly focused on specific ethnic or cultural groups, like Jewish descendants of Holocaust survivors and African-American descendants of American chattel slaves. Researchers found that many descendants show unique characteristics that resembled the PTSD of the trauma survivors (their ancestors) themselves (Van Steenwyk et al. 2018). While this field of study is relatively new and rather sparse, the findings have been consistent and undeniable: intergenerational trauma is a real thing. If you have experienced significant family stress and trauma, if your parents, grandparents, or even great-grandparents experienced traumas at various points, Dr. Ernest’s work should be helpful for you as valuable guidance toward a thriving life!

Valeria interviews Dr. Ernest Ellender — He is the author of “This Is How We Heal from Painful Childhoods: A Practical Guide for Healing Past Intergenerational Stress and Trauma.”

Ernest Ellender worked in the fields of psychology, life coaching, and martial arts for over 25 years, culminating in his book entitled “This Is How We Heal From Painful Childhoods: A Practical Guide for Healing Past Intergenerational Stress and Trauma”. After earning his doctorate in clinical psychology (2007), Ernest focused heavily on application of research and theory to provide therapy and life coaching to community-based clients. He also taught at Nicholls State University before retiring from clinical psychology in 2022. He is a 3rd degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-jitsu and runs his martial arts school in his hometown of Houma, Louisiana while additionally offering Life Coaching services to ambitious clients. His advanced martial arts training lent unique insights into the process of developing precise, complex skills. Ernest combined the best of both psychology and martial arts training into an empowering curriculum for healing from childhood and family struggles. The rich Cajun heritage of south Louisiana where Ernest grew up includes amazing, close-knit communities that celebrate family life and a close connection to the land (hunting, fishing, farming, food), as well as a long history of cultural traumas that persist today. This offered fertile grounds for refining his curriculum before offering it to the world in his new book. Known affectionately in his hometown as “Waffle”, Ernest keeps busy spending time with family and friends and significant other, working out at his brother’s CrossFit gym, learning new skills (freediving, dancing), or planning his next vacation to experience new cultures and adventures.

To learn more about Dr. Ernest Ellender and his work, please visit: healfromchildhood.com