Does our story begin before we take our first breath?
Exploring the lives of four generations in one family, Generations Deep reveals the unhealthy patterns of behavior that can repeat from one generation to the next, uncovering how we can find ourselves trapped in a cycle of dysfunction if we don't take the time and effort to repair the damage of the past. Gina Birkemeier-a licensed professional counselor, author and speaker-shares her personal story, along with self-help components throughout the book, which allow you to navigate through your own journey toward healing.
Gina examines how unaddressed trauma, emotional wounds and false beliefs are passed down and how we can break those cycles that harm us and those we love. As she shares her raw and sometimes heartbreaking story-as well as the stories of her ancestors-we see how our beliefs and behaviors are influenced by the emotional health of our caregivers. Gina tells a story of bondage to freedom and of shame to self-compassion.
Faith and therapy played important roles in Gina's personal healing, and with nearly two decades of experience in counseling and ministry, she uses her personal and professional knowledge to implore us to do our own work to heal. Gina encourages us to consider mental, physical, emotional and spiritual help in doing so.
Offering questions and theories to consider, including a questionnaire created with the help of sixty therapists, Generations Deep will guide you toward your own growth where it's possible to slay shame and find freedom-for yourself and for generations to come.
If you are looking for a guide on your journey from familial chaos to peace, clarity, and forgiveness, you need this book. Generations Deep is immensely practical, but it will also have you in tears, in shock, and ultimately inspired to live your very best life. Read this book at your own risk though, because it will forever change how you see yourself and your family.
Industry Reviews
What others are saying:
"Birkemeier employs a fast-paced and engagingly straightforward style as she tells stories from her childhood and young adulthood, and this creates a low-stress atmosphere that's welcoming to readers dealing with difficult family memories.... The end result is an intriguing study of the legacy of emotional baggage, ultimately cast in a tone of optimism: 'You don't know what you don't know until you know it,' she writes. 'Then, when you know, you must do something with it.'" - Kirkus Reviews
"Like Gina, I work on generational trauma with my clients and like Gina, I have had a good share of my own. I was blown away by the wisdom, courage and spiritual depth this book provided. There are so few Christian books that skillfully bridge the psychological and spiritual dimensions of our humanity, and Gina has done just that. She shows both the novice and the experienced seeker of mental and spiritual health a clear pathway to it, navigating through it with such compassion and truth. Generational trauma is something that is not often addressed in therapeutical circles (And it should be!) and not often preached from the pulpit (And it should be!) Thank you, Gina, for bravely sticking your neck out with something so healing and powerful. Such a beautiful collaboration between you and the Holy Spirit!" -- Britta Eskey, Cofounder and codirector of COR
"Grab a warm cup of yum, a pen and some paper and settle in because you're not going to be able to put this book down! Gina invites you into her own miraculous story in a way that makes you feel you've known her your whole life. Yet this journey you're about to embark on isn't just about her. It's about you. It's about you finding the truth about who you are while inviting you into a powerful journey of healing. This isn't just another feel good book. It's filled with Gina's expertise and her vast knowledge into the world generational studies. Be ready to be changed in beautiful ways."- Polly Hamp: Author of Cherished: Shattered Innocence Restored Hope, NLP Practioner, Trauma Recover Coach, International Speaker, Creator of Healing On Purpose (HOP Box), Co-founder: Think Differently Academy, Co-Owner: Think Differently Counseling
