Bringing Intergenerational Trauma and Resilience to Consciousness: The Journey of Healing and Transformation for the Wounded Healer Exploring Ancestral Legacy

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of healing and transformation that occurs for wounded healers who brings their ancestral story and related traumas and resiliencies to consciousness. The primary research questions guiding the study were: What is the journey of healing that occurs for wounded healers exploring their ancestral story and related intergenerational traumas and resiliencies? What is the transformation that happens in the course of this healing?

Using narrative and art-based methodologies, the study involved interviewing six healing professionals who had consciously addressed the wounding passed down to them from previous generations. Themes of healing and transformation were identified using Riessman’s (2008) coding and narrative analysis, Lieblich’s (1998) holistic-content approach to narrative, and art-based inquiry.

The findings indicate that on the journey of bringing ancestral story to consciousness the participants experienced healing and transformation in the following ways: breaking ancestral patterns, receiving support from the ancestors, reclaiming ancestral heritage, deepening awareness of the healing power of nature, acquiring a new sense of identity, and finding purpose. Additional research comparing the particular types of modalities involved in healing and transforming ancestral trauma would be of benefit.