Ronni Tichenor and Jennie Weaver - Recovering from childhood trauma to rebuild sibling bonds.

Ronni Tichenor has a PhD in sociology, specialising in family studies, from the University of Michigan whilst her sister Jennie Weaver received her degree from the Vanderbilt School of Nursing and is a board-certified family nurse practitioner with over 25 years of experience in family practice and mental health. As well as being sisters, they are also survivors who found a way to emerge from a tragic cycle of intergenerational trauma and abuse.

Research from the CDC shows that more than 60 percent of adults report having had at least one adverse childhood experience (ACE), and nearly 25 percent report three or more. The most prevalent are emotional abuse, parental separation or divorce, and household substance abuse. But other examples include physical abuse, domestic violence in the home, and emotional and physical neglect. 

Many people who were victimised by their families don’t fully realise it until they are well into adulthood. Growing up in a home with addiction and abuse creates very distinct and predictable dynamics. The most basic of these is denial. Another key dynamic is fear. Trying to unwind a lifetime of fear and dysfunction is a painfully slow task. Healing requires examining what has happened, and is happening right now—mentally, emotionally, and physically. In this podcast:

  • Ronni and Jennie explain how siblings can be treated differently and play 'roles' in emotionally abusive family dynamics

  • How many children don't fully  realise they have been in emotionally abusive relationships until they reach adulthood

  • How its possible to break the cycle of emotionally abusive relationships and move forward.

Ronni and Jennie’s book, Healing Begins with Us: Breaking the Cycle of Trauma and Abuse and Rebuilding the Sibling Bond  shares their story of healing from their painful upbringing.

You can find out more about Ronni and Jennie at www.ronniandjennie.com or https://www.facebook.com/theheartandsoulsisters

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