In this episode of Brainwaves by Opus, we sit down with Robyn Pendleton, LCSW, a clinician whose work spans foster care, shelters, community mental health, and culturally responsive trauma therapy.
Robyn brings a rare blend of clinical experience, cultural perspective, and personal healing — including her own journey reframing and expanding beyond domestic violence — to help individuals break cycles of transgenerational trauma.
She explores how inner child work, cultural identity, community context, epigenetics, and even biohacking shape the future of mental health care.
Topics we cover:
Why “we're just all overgrown, large children” and how inner child work shapes adulthood
What transgenerational trauma looks like in families, communities, and systems
How to “not mirror brokenness” when working with clients
Reframing inherited beliefs vs. inherent identity
How core beliefs are formed, reinforced, and healed
Epigenetics and why trauma can alter gene expression across generations
Biohacking practices (cold plunges, fasting, breathwork, meditation) as tools for reclaiming control of the mind and body
Robyn’s personal practice: Reframe Within, Expand Beyond
📚 Books Robyn Recommends:
The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy
Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy DeGruy
Unraveling by Deanna Lorea
