When the Past Meets the Present: Uncovering Grief Across Generations

Unresolved grief, loss, and trauma extend beyond our personal lives – many of us carry grief across generations from our ancestors and cultural origins. When this unique type of grief is left unidentified and unaddressed, it can show up as a variety of mental health symptoms. This workshop will focus mainly on intergenerational grief experienced among the Black community that dates to the historical trauma of chattel slavery to the present. We will revisit the impact of slavery, where we review events perpetuating historical trauma, how that trauma has transcended across generations, and how historical trauma affects clients today, especially as it relates to intergenerational trauma and unresolved grief. This presentation will also explore how to dismantle the 4s of unresolved grief while incorporating an integrated body, soul, and spirit approach, where clients and patients can start the journey of healing for themselves and their descendants. While this presentation focuses on the experiences of Black communities, other communities could find this information applicable.