Beyond Childhood Trauma: Embracing Emotional Decolonization for True Healing and Liberation

by Dr. Denise Renye

In today’s evolving landscape of mental health and healing, it has become increasingly clear that clinicians and healers must look beyond the conventional focus on childhood trauma. While addressing early life wounds is undeniably important, it is only part of the picture. To truly foster holistic healing, we must recognize the deeper sources of pain stemming from disconnection. Dr. Jennifer Mullan, creator of Decolonizing Therapy, advocates for emotional decolonization as a crucial part of this process—a bold rethinking of how we approach healing, where ancestral wisdom and an understanding of systemic oppression are integral to achieving lasting wellness.

Dr. Mullan’s approach highlights that healing trauma is not only about the individual experience but also about the collective history that we carry in our bodies, often without awareness. Generational trauma, sometimes referred to as ancestral or inherited trauma, lives within us and manifests through our behaviors, emotions, and physical health. The experiences of colonization, migration, displacement, and oppression have left deep scars on our lineages, and without addressing these root causes, we are left treating symptoms rather than healing the core wounds.

One of the most significant impacts of colonization has been the separation from the land. Many communities have lost not only their physical connection to ancestral lands but also the spiritual, cultural, and communal practices that were inherently tied to the earth. This disconnection contributes to a profound sense of loss and fragmentation. As clinicians and healers, recognizing the importance of reconnecting with the earth, as well as our own embodied sense of belonging, is crucial in supporting individuals in their healing process. Reclaiming our relationship with the land is a way to remember who we are and where we come from.

Moreover, the disconnection from our ancestors and their lived experiences plays a key role in the way trauma manifests today. Dr. Mullan speaks of the need to heal the relationship with our ancestors, whether we know their stories or not. This can be done through rituals, storytelling, or simply inviting their presence into our healing spaces. When we heal, we do not just heal ourselves—we heal the generations before us and those who come after us. Our ancestors’ survival, resilience, and wisdom offer us a roadmap toward liberation and joy.

Healing also requires a reconnection with our communities. In a world that often promotes individualism, we are separated from the communal practices that have historically supported our emotional and spiritual well-being. We heal in community—through shared experiences, collective care, and witnessing each other’s truths. It is essential for therapists and healers to create spaces where this sense of community can thrive, whether through group therapy, support circles, or simply honoring the relationships that clients hold outside of the therapeutic space.

At the heart of healing is the reclaiming of our innate joy. Colonization, capitalism, and systems of oppression have worked to strip us of the simple pleasure of being alive, of finding joy in community, in the land, and in ourselves. Dr. Mullan often reminds us that joy is our birthright, and it is through reconnecting with our authentic selves and our communities that we can rediscover this joy. Healing is not just about overcoming pain—it’s about accessing the full spectrum of human experience, including joy, play, and freedom.

As mental health professionals, clinicians, and healers, we are being called to deepen our practice and commitment to healing. It is not enough to focus solely on childhood trauma and individual therapeutic work. We must engage in the ongoing process of emotional decolonization—examining the ways in which systems of oppression have shaped our understanding of trauma and healing. This requires unlearning and relearning, challenging our biases, and continually asking how we can show up in ways that promote true liberation, not just for individuals but for communities.

The world needs healers who are willing to dig deep, to guide people back to their roots, and to help them access not just healing but liberation. This is not easy work, but it is essential. By committing to this process, we can create a new paradigm of healing, one that acknowledges the interconnectedness of all beings, honors our ancestors, and allows us to reclaim the joy and freedom that is our birthright.

Upcoming Event with Dr. Mullen at the California Institute of Integral Studies.