Episode 53: Generational Trauma: How Family Pain Moves Through Relationships with Alyssa Scarano, LPC
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Episode Summary: In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber, LCSW sits down with Alyssa Scarano, LPC, NCC, founder and Clinical Director of The Collective Therapy & Wellness, to explore how family pain and protection get passed down through relationships—and how therapy can interrupt those cycles.
Grounded in the frameworks of Bowenian Family Systems Theory and Attachment Theory, the conversation looks at how early family roles like caretaker, peacekeeper, or over-functioner often repeat across generations. Shaina and Alyssa unpack what it means to notice these patterns, develop differentiation, and create new ways of relating that align with our values rather than our survival instincts.
This episode offers a clinically rich, compassion-driven lens for therapists and anyone interested in understanding how healing within relationships can begin to transform entire family systems.
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Topics Discussed:
- How relational patterns from our families of origin influence adult relationships
- Key concepts from Bowenian Family Systems and Attachment Theory
- Practical ways to use genograms to identify intergenerational dynamics
- How mindfulness and compassion practices help interrupt inherited roles
- What it looks like when awareness becomes action in therapy
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About Our Guest: Alyssa Scarano, LPC, NCC, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and the Founder/Owner of The Collective Therapy & Wellness. Known for her empathetic and compassionate approach, Alyssa views her work as a profound privilege—an opportunity to be invited into the most intimate and vulnerable parts of her clients’ lives to offer unwavering support and grace. Specializing in relationships, Alyssa is dedicated to helping individuals heal from childhood trauma, break generational patterns, and cultivate meaningful, authentic connections by first fostering a compassionate relationship with themselves.
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Connect with Alyssa:
- Website:collective-therapy.com
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Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose.
Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.
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