Warning: This Common Family Dynamic Could Be Harming Your Mental Health

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Adena Bank Lees

Adena Bank Lees, an internationally recognized speaker, author, trainer, consultant, and advocate dedicated to shining light on hidden forms of childhood trauma and supporting survivors on the path to healing. She is the author of Covert Emotional Incest: The Hidden Sexual Abuse; A Story of Hope and Healing and its companion journal. Over her 35+ years in practice, Adena has presented and trained more than 100,000 professionals, bringing her deeply informed, compassionate approach to audiences across the field.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn:

  • Discover the hidden impact of covert emotional incest and how it may be affecting you or someone you know.
  • Learn about the difference between repressed memories and dissociative amnesia, and how our brains protect us from painful experiences.
  • Identify the signs of childhood trauma, including anxiety, depression, and feelings of being overwhelmed, that may stem from family dynamics.
  • Get actionable advice on how to seek out trauma specialists and the importance of finding professionals who understand covert emotional incest.
  • Explore the benefits of ABL trauma-responsive psychodrama and how it can help reclaim your sense of self and establish healthy boundaries.
  • Gain insight into the challenges facing mental health services and the importance of advocacy for better support and education in the field.
  • Reflect on the concept of beauty as authenticity and empowerment, and how embracing your true self can lead to deeper connections and fulfillment.

In this episode…

Adena discusses the manifestations of trauma that can arise from these complex family dynamics. From feelings of anxiety and depression to the struggle for identity, the conversation reveals how deeply rooted these issues can be. But it’s not just about recognizing the problem; it’s about understanding the path to healing. Adena offers insights into the therapeutic approaches that can help individuals reclaim their sense of self and navigate the emotional landscape shaped by their upbringing.


Adena emphasizes the need for trauma-informed care and the significance of connecting with specialists who understand the nuances of covert emotional incest. This episode serves as a crucial resource for anyone who has ever felt lost in their emotional journey, providing guidance on how to seek help and begin the healing process.


In this episode of Beauty Talk, host Daniel Gouw interviews Adena Bank Lees, an internationally recognized expert in childhood trauma and healing. With over 35 years of experience, Adena shares her journey from a middle-class upbringing in Long Island, New York, where she was inspired by her father, a school psychologist, to become a psychologist herself. She discusses her passion for helping children and understanding their emotions, emphasizing the importance of empathy in her work.Adena is also the author of "Covert Emotional Incest: The Hidden Sexual Abuse, A Story of Hope and Healing," and she highlights the need to shine a light on hidden forms of trauma. Tune in for an insightful conversation about healing, support, and the impact of childhood experiences on mental health.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

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