Dear friend,

I’ve been deeply immersed in trauma research, recently attending Europe’s largest trauma conference at Oxford University. In addition to counseling and working directly with clients and families, I am also a researcher.

This week, I had the opportunity to present my research ideas at a multidisciplinary initiative at Uppsala University, focused on developing a Christian social teaching for Sweden. The setting brought together experts in ritual studies, ethics, psychology, and history, creating a perfect environment for discussing how we can address trauma through the lived experiences of everyday people.

I shared the story of my grandfather, a genocide survivor who endured not only the atrocities of mass violence but also the lasting effects of trauma passed down through generations.

His story is not unique; many minority Christian communities continue to bear the scars of intergenerational trauma. For my grandfather’s community, the silence around these experiences was profound—nearly a century passed before the Syriac Orthodox Church officially recognized the genocide and established an annual commemoration.

​

This silence speaks to a broader truth: when trauma is left unspoken, it becomes embedded in the collective memory and passed down through generations, manifesting in behaviors, emotions, and even physical health.

Research increasingly supports the notion that trauma activates gene expressions associated with higher rates of anxiety, depression, and difficulties in emotional regulation. These inherited burdens often remain hidden, misunderstood, or dismissed, leaving future generations struggling with challenges they cannot fully explain.

The effects of this silence are profound. It isn’t just about forgetting historical events; it’s about the absence of narratives that could give meaning to suffering and provide pathways to healing.

Silence allows trauma to fester, creating a cycle where pain is transmitted unconsciously, often expressed in patterns of withdrawal, hyper-vigilance, or unexplained emotional reactions.

Breaking this silence requires more than just talking about the past—it demands courage, a supportive environment, and a commitment to truly listening to the voices of those affected.

Healing trauma is not just a matter of individual treatment; it requires a cultural shift. Ritualization plays a critical role in this process. When we ritualize healing, we transform it into a priority, an event that uses the body and language to express what has long been suppressed.

Rituals are powerful because they tap into the human need for connection and structure. They provide a framework for navigating emotions, processing experiences, and creating shared meaning. This is why traditional practices such as storytelling, dancing, singing, and even spiritual ceremonies have been central to communal healing across cultures for centuries.

Bessel van der Kolk, a leading trauma researcher, emphasizes in The Body Keeps the Score that body-based practices are essential for trauma recovery. When trauma disrupts the mind-body connection, practices like yoga, dance, or drama can help individuals reconnect with their physical selves. These are not just forms of expression; they are forms of release.

They allow the body to “speak” what words cannot fully capture, giving shape to emotions that have long been silenced. Rituals also help to re-establish a sense of safety and predictability, elements that are often shattered by traumatic experiences.

For minority communities carrying intergenerational trauma, ritualization can be a means of reclaiming cultural identity and resilience. The acknowledgment of collective suffering through commemorations or cultural rituals serves to validate the experiences of those who have suffered and recognize the ongoing impact on their descendants.

When my grandfather’s church finally established an annual day of remembrance for the genocide, it wasn’t just a symbolic gesture; it was an act of collective healing. It created a space for the community to acknowledge their shared history and begin to process the grief that had been buried for so long.

In my own work with clients, I’ve seen how creating personal rituals can aid in healing. This could be as simple as setting aside a few moments each day for reflection, or as structured as participating in group therapy sessions where movement, voice, and body-centered techniques are used. The key is to make healing a deliberate and prioritized practice.

Trauma recovery is not linear; it is a journey that requires repeated efforts to process, express, and integrate painful experiences.

But there is more to be done on a societal level. We need to re-evaluate how we approach trauma in our communities. While professional treatment—through doctors, social workers, and psychologists—is crucial, it often overlooks the communal dimension of healing.

People need more than individual therapy; they need a sense of belonging and shared experience. Communities that foster ritualized practices of healing offer more sustainable and holistic approaches. For example, support groups that incorporate art, music, or movement provide not only a therapeutic benefit but also a sense of solidarity and connection.

The reality is that silence and unhealed trauma affect us all, not just those with direct experiences of adversity. When we fail to address trauma openly, we perpetuate a culture where vulnerability is seen as a weakness, rather than an opportunity for growth.

To break the cycle, we must embrace both the power of individual expression and the strength of community support. As research continues to uncover the profound impact of trauma on both individuals and societies, the message becomes clear: healing is not just about fixing what is broken; it is about creating spaces where people can be seen, heard, and valued.

By reviving the role of community and ritual in trauma recovery, we can offer a more integrated approach to healing. Let us not wait another century to recognize the wounds carried by generations. The time to speak, to ritualize, and to heal is now.

As a social worker, I am dedicated to working with the suffering of individuals and communities. I also bring expertise in rituals, with a PhD focused on their role in healing. I can help create community-based rituals that bring people together, fostering collective healing from intergenerational trauma. If your community is seeking to break the silence and embark on a journey of recovery, I am here to help guide the process.

All you need to do is share this newsletter or simply hit reply and connect with me. I am here for you.

With love,

Gabe