In this eye-opening episode, Alicia sits down with Terance Dawkins, a licensed clinical social worker and founder of Missing Pieces Counseling Services. They take a deep into breaking generational cycles and the process of identifying and unlearning toxic patterns that often unconsciously shape our lives. Listen in as they explore the steps to build self-awareness, the role of past family dynamics, and the healing power of rewiring the brain through neuroplasticity. Terrance helps us understand the complexities of healing from childhood traumas, connecting these experiences to present-day behaviors, relationships, and even parenting styles. This discussion is a powerful reminder that growth, though challenging, is a step-by-step journey filled with vulnerability, humility, and ultimately, freedom.
What we discuss:
- Unpacking Generational Trauma – How uncovering the history of family relationships can reveal deep-rooted behaviors affecting present issues.
- Identifying Core Issues Behind Relationship Struggles – Why the initial “presenting problem” (such as marital conflict) often stems from unresolved personal traumas.
- Creating New Experiences to Rewire the Brain – The concept of neuroplasticity and how visualization exercises help replace old, harmful patterns with healthier responses.
- Navigating Triggers in Parenting and Relationships – Recognizing and transforming inherited behaviors in real-time interactions with children and partners.
- Awareness as the Foundation of Growth – How being aware of one’s triggers is crucial for breaking generational cycles and choosing to react differently.
Key Takeaways:
- Generational trauma can deeply influence current behaviors, especially in relationships.
- Healing requires looking beyond surface-level issues and exploring family dynamics.
- New experiences, both real and imagined, can rewire the brain and help unlearn old patterns.
- Small, intentional steps toward self-awareness make a big impact on how we show up for ourselves and others.
