ConstantEdu
Browse Courses Help Log In
Sign Up
Sign Up

Unveiling Transgenerational Birth Trauma (TBT)-WMHCA

Presented By
Purchase $55
WMHCA Member Price: $35.
Join WMHCA or Link WMHCA Membership.

Recorded: Spring, 2025 2 CEs

A Hidden Legacy of Psychopathology and Distress

Transgenerational Birth Trauma (TBT) refers to the intersection of traumatic birth experiences and the transmission of psychological distress across generations. Despite the documented effects of transgenerational trauma, TBT remains a critical gap in research and practice. This presentation explores the clinical implications of TBT, particularly among immigrant mothers and families. Somatic memories of traumatic birth experiences can be transmitted, leading to strained mother-newborn relationships, attachment issues, behavioral problems, suicidal ideation, and relational difficulties. Addressing TBT is crucial for developing effective interventions and support systems. By acknowledging and exploring TBT, we can better understand its far-reaching consequences for mental health, relationships, and overall well-being across generations.

Objectives

  1. Attendees will understand the concept of TBT, its symptoms, and how it perpetuates psychopathology, psychological vulnerability, and distress across generations.

  2. Attendees will learn how TBT affects mother-infant attachment, child behavior, and overall well-being, and how this impacts family dynamics and relationships.

Agenda

Introduction and Overview (10 minutes)

  • Introduce the concept of Transgenerational Birth Trauma (TBT)

  • Explain the importance of addressing TBT

  • Preview the presentation's objectives and outline Defining Transgenerational Birth Trauma (TBT) (15 minutes)

  • Define TBT and its intersection with traumatic birth and transgenerational transmission of trauma

  • Discuss the critical gap in addressing TBT despite the well-documented effects of transgenerational trauma Consequences of Failing to Address TBT (20 minutes)

  • Discuss the far-reaching consequences of failing to address TBT, including:

  • Strained mother-newborn relationships and negative impacts on mother-infant attachment

  • Behavioral problems and emotional dysregulation in children

  • Increased suicidal ideation, fear of pregnancy, and relational difficulties in mothers

  • Intergenerational transmission of trauma, perpetuating a cycle of distress and vulnerability Transmission of Somatic Memories (20 minutes)

  • Explore how somatic memories of labor, birth, and early post-partum are transmitted across generations

  • Discuss the role of epigenetics, neuroscience, and attachment theory in understanding TBT Case Presentation (15 minutes)

  • Present a clinical case study illustrating the impact of TBT on an individual or family

  • Discuss the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of TBT in the case study Clinical Implications and Interventions (20 minutes)

  • Discuss the clinical implications of TBT for mental health professionals and healthcare providers

  • Present evidence-based interventions and support systems for individuals and families affected by TBT Conclusion and Future Directions (10 minutes)

  • Summarize the key takeaways from the presentation

  • Discuss future directions for research and practice in addressing TBT Q&A (10 minutes)

  • Address questions and comments from the audience

EPDC CE Hours: 2
Presenter: Dr. Valli

Dr. Valli is an award-winning, nationally recognized trauma-informed mental health counselor and counselor educator. She holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in counseling and counselor education from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG). Her previous degrees include a Master of Science in clinical mental health counseling, a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. Currently, she serves as a National Certified Counselor (NCC) and a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) in Oregon. She is the owner and founder of Soulfulness Counseling, LLC, a private practice dedicated to serving women who have been exposed to early childhood trauma, in addition to being a Clinical Faculty at Southern New Hampshire university. An expert on minority women’s mental health needs, she has served as a consultant and speaker for several nonprofits and agencies. In addition to her numerous service roles, she also serves as the Associate Editor for The Professional Counselor, an open- access peer-reviewed counseling journal dedicated to advancing knowledge in the counseling field. As a counselor educator, Dr. Valli maintains a special commitment to experiential education when training graduate students in counseling. Her expertise in counseling skills, assessment in counseling, and trauma and crisis counseling are deeply appreciated by her colleagues and students. Her areas of research interest include international student mental health, AAPI mental health. Currently, she serves as a full-time Clinical Faculty at Southern New Hampshire University in the Counseling program. She also serves as an Adjunct Instructor in the Department of Counseling at Palo Alto University and Saybrook University. She is a leader and change agent within the counseling profession and has spearheaded several grant-funded research initiatives which have been published in top-tier peer-reviewed counseling and allied journals. Dr. Valli is passionate about sustainability, gardening, and cooking. She enjoys connecting with land and natural beauty with her husband and baby boy.