Page 93 - EMCAPP-Journal No. 6

Christian Psychology
Andrew J. Schmutzer (USA)
Comment to
“Intercepting the
intergenerational cycle
of maternal trauma
and loss through infant
psychotherapy: A case
study using attachment-
derived methods“
I want to begin by thanking Dr. Ritva Belt for an
engaging discussion on the complex task mo-
thers can face when they bring their own histo-
ry of trauma into the already challenging work
of mothering. Here is a fulsome analysis of a
common scenario, addressed on a quality theo-
retical basis. Many creative ideas are also reflec-
ted in this case study, which should prompt the
interaction of other related professions.
Based on close observation of the mother’s trau-
ma presentation with the young child, Dr. Belt
claims that the mother’s unresolved trauma can
be transferred to the dependent child. Using
significant gains made in attachment theory,
this study considers how detrimental patterns
of mother–child relating can be intercepted
and even halted. In other words, the goal is to
change the mother’s internal modalities and in
this way, avoid harmful trans-generational dis-
tortion for the child. I will not restate the details
of the article, but in what follows, I want to draw
attention to various significant points Dr. Belt
makes. I will close with some observations and
questions of my own.
In many ways, this study illustrates how story
precedes symptoms. The mother’s best inten-
tions for her child are still mediated through
her own traumatic history (with parents, in
this case). Ironically, such mothers may not be
cognizant of their major traumatic issues—un-
til they must relate to the helplessness of their
child; a helplessness that they often resent. In
92
Andrew J. Schmutzer, Ph.D., was
born in Durban, South Africa (1966)
and raised as a son of missionaries in
Zululand and Swaziland.
He is a Professor of Biblical Studies
at Moody Bible Institute (Chicago,
IL USA), where he has been teaching
since 1998.
His writing interests include Old
Testament theology, the suffering of
God, and lament. Part of his speaking
and writing is involved with sexual
abuse. Andrew J. Schmutzer edited
and contributed to “The Long Jour-
ney Home: Understanding and Mini-
stering to the Sexually Abused, 2011”.
the case study, the mother had experienced a
“pile-up” of early traumas (e.g., father’s death, by
suicide, lack of grieving), exacerbated by perso-
nal drug use and depression, then, followed by
further trauma (suicide of child’s father). This
is a horrific story—full of unresolved pain—out
of which parenting is made almost impossible.
When Dr. Belt notes the “insecurity…caused
by the caregiver’s unpredictability,” I’m struck
by the dual-axes at work: attachment avoi-
dance coupled with boundary ambivalence. The
mother’s unsettled emotions that are triggered
potentially place the child in harm’s way. The
lack of healthy attachments means she cannot
connect or affirm the child’s own developmen-
tal needs. This raises one of the most significant
psycho-social dynamics in the entire piece.
The mother who is able to process her pain
(e.g., via support group) can “reduce the trans-