Is It Me, Or Is It You? Releasing Traumatic Family Patterns Part 2

Update: 2022-12-09

Description

Cognitive therapy is a powerful tool for addressing generational trauma, but most of the work is done in the mind. In order to truly heal patterns passed down through genetics and environment, Oakley guides her clients to deeper levels of restoration by addressing the energetic body. The therapeutic exercise she has developed called Give Back, Take Back draws from both Eastern and Western traditions. She uses the study of epigenetics to help clients release negative feelings towards primary caregivers, rewire the brain to new possibilities, and declare sovereignty from the behaviors and entanglements that no longer serve them. By guiding young adults to create their individual energetic space separate from those who raised them, they embrace the freedom to be who they truly are, not who others influenced them to be.

The practice begins with the breath. Oakley encourages her client to visualize her parents individually as if they were sitting in the room with her. She creates a safe space for her client to speak out loud what it was like to be their daughter. Through guided meditation, the client declares what coping mechanisms she is giving back to each parent, the heavy patterns that are weighing her down and preventing her from fully experiencing the freedom of her authentic self. Then she says what she is taking back, qualities or characteristics she gave away in order to make others happy. Finally, the session ends with love and gratitude for the role each caregiver played in shaping the client. Feeling lighter and more grounded, this resilient young woman takes back her power and heals her past, present, and future lineage.

Main Topics

Client’s family history from both maternal and paternal lines (01:25 )
Definition of epigenetics and how it can be used to reprogram the mind (05:50 )
Oakley explains her therapeutic exercise Give Back, Take Back (09:35 )
Oakley guides her client through Give Back, Take Back, starting with her mother’s lineage (17:18 )
Taking back what was given away in childhood (34:20 )
Exercise shifts to client’s father’s lineage (39:10 )
Close guided meditation with love and gratitude (52:28 )
Debriefing the Give Back, Take Back experience (54:35 )