Breaking Generational Trauma with Dr. Omar Reda

Opening Doors

In this episode of Opening Doors Podcast, host Rachel Dalinka sits down with Dr. Omar Reda, a board-certified psychiatrist, Author, and Harvard-trained trauma expert based at UCHealth in Fort Collins, Colorado. Dr. Omar Reda shares his profound insights on trauma, how it shapes lives, and why it's essential to adopt a compassionate, trauma-informed approach to healing. They discuss his journey from growing up in Libya, experiencing personal and collective trauma, to becoming a psychiatrist focused on trauma healing and mental health in refugee communities. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding trauma not just as an event, but as a lasting impact on the mind and soul. Together, they explore practical tools for caregivers, the importance of breaking generational cycles of trauma, and how to find light and beauty in the midst of darkness.

Episode Takeaways:

• Trauma is not something to be cured but integrated into life; it can also lead to wisdom and transformation.

• The ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) score helps identify childhood traumas but is not definitive of one's future.

• Breaking the cycle of generational trauma is essential, but challenging. Awareness and understanding can help stop the inheritance of trauma.

• Caregivers must establish boundaries and practice self-care to avoid burnout.

• Finding meaning in trauma is key to healing, as demonstrated by Dr. Omar Reda’s journey from personal loss to helping others.

Key Resources and Links Mentioned:

• ACE (Adverse Childhood Experiences) Study: www.cdc.gov/aces/about/index.html
• Preventing Adverse Childhood Experiences Trainings: Online training designed to help users understand, recognize, and prevent ACEs from occurring in the first place.
• The Wounded Healer: The Pain and Joy of Caregiving by Dr. Omar Reda
• Untangled: A Go-To Guide for Caregivers of Traumatized Children, Families, and Communities by Dr. Omar Reda
• Generation of ISIS: the Effects of Violence and Conflict on Children by Dr. Omar Reda

Books:

• What Happened To You: Conversations on Trauma, Resilience and Healing – Oprah and Dr. Bruce Perry
• The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind and Body in the Healing of Trauma – Dr. Bessel van der Kolk

Support Groups-Resources:

• Grief Support Resources for Parents Who Have Lost Children to Gun Violence: https://judishouse.org/childhood-bereavement/gun-violence/
• The Compassionate Friends non-profit organization exists to provide friendship, understanding, and hope to those going through the natural grieving process: https://www.compassionatefriends.org/
• Adult Children of Alcoholics & Dysfunctional Families: https://adultchildren.org/meeting-search/
• Co-Dependents Anonymous (CODA): https://coda.org/
• Children of Incarcerated Parents: CAP4Kids -Philadelphia: https://cap4kids.org/philadelphia/parent-handouts/parenting-foster-care-adoption/incarceration-resources/
• Rainbows for All Children: https://rainbows.org/

Support for Children dealing with Grief from many traumas, including incarcerated parents:

• We Got Us Now: https://www.wegotusnow.org
• National Resource Center on Children & Families of the Incarcerated – Rutgers Camden: https://nrccfi.camden.rutgers.edu/resources/directory/national-programs/
• Youth.Gov: Children of Incarcerated Parents: https://youth.gov/youth-topics/children-of-incarcerated-parents/tools-guides-resources
• Sesame workshop: https://sesameworkshop.org/topics/incarceration/

If this episode resonated with you, please subscribe to the Opening Doors Podcast and share it with others who might benefit from these stories. Please visit https://openingdoorspodcast.com/ for resources and to subscribe to the newsletter. Remember, healing is a journey, and you don’t have to walk it alone. Let’s open those doors together!

Opening Door Podcast Music by John Abella