"Break the Cycle" by Dr. Mariel Buqué is a transformative guide to breaking free from unhealthy patterns and creating a life of fulfillment and well-being. As someone who has struggled with cycles of negativity and self-doubt, I found Dr. Buqué's insights to be profoundly empowering.

Drawing on her expertise as a clinical psychologist, Dr. Buqué offers practical strategies and actionable advice for overcoming self-limiting beliefs and transforming negative habits. Her compassionate approach and relatable anecdotes make this book both accessible and impactful.

What sets "Break the Cycle" apart is its emphasis on self-compassion and resilience. Dr. Buqué encourages readers to cultivate a mindset of self-love and acceptance, empowering them to navigate life's challenges with grace and confidence.

Overall, "Break the Cycle" is a powerful tool for anyone seeking to break free from the grip of negativity and embrace a life of possibility and joy. It's a book that offers hope and inspiration, guiding readers on a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. Highly recommended for anyone ready to take the first step towards a brighter future.

Dr. Mariel Buque has written a great book discussing how we carry generational trauma through genetics, as well as how we were raised through our families of origin. Learning to be "cycle breakers" as she terms it early in the book is probably the goal of many readers. The author has the education and experience to put together a well-organized theory of generational trauma and how to address it, including specific tools for readers, whether they be lay people like me or professional therapists. The book was well-organized so a reader could jump to specific topics. I am a fan of books that allow us to discover more deeply what we are about, and how to gain acceptance and peace, while being true and strong as humans. The tone is gentle, soothing, and feels accessible for most readers, although with a vibe that I might describe as a little "woo-woo." I may actually look into sound bath meditation after reading this. Thank you NetGalley for an early release ARC to read and review. 5-stars.

I originally read this book for one piece, but found it did not quite fit. I had expected it to have more of a workbook style or advice to follow. While that is there, it is a bit buried in explanations and anecdotes.

However, I believe this book will be excellent for therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and medical/behavioral health workers. It dives into little known topics like collective trauma and systemic issues that affect BIPOC. These topics are covered extensively and in a way that can be understood by someone that is not within that culture.

So, it wasn't for me or my publication, but it is very worthwhile and will hopefully help make mental health as strategies more equitable across the board.

Break the Cycle is an excellent self-help book that focuses on the author’s area of specialty, intergenerational trauma. She does a great job gently laying out what intergenerational trauma looks like, how it transfers between members of a lineage, and approaches to breaking and ending the cycle. I found her activities very straightforward, approachable, and useful—especially the intergenerational trauma tree exercise. I also appreciated her weaving in knowledge and healing techniques from different cultures, such as Native American wisdom, Kinyarwanda sayings, singing bowls, etc., including recipes from her own Dominican family.

Intergenerational trauma has become a buzzword of sorts and a hot topic, but what really makes this book special is her emphasis on intergenerational resilience, wisdom, and cultural practices as an essential part of the healing process. She makes sure to point out that we get passed down a lot of good stuff that we could better utilize, too!

She also maps out a few ways to adapt Western, individualistic therapeutic knowledge to better embrace the realities of intergenerational trauma, such as a different approach to the common “ACEs” inventory that addresses more than just direct, personal trauma.

Some people might find elements or exercises in the book to be a little too “woo-woo” for them. However, there is still plenty of scientific evidence in this book and some more practical, helpful exercises, so I think there is knowledge a wide variety of people could benefit from. Overall, the book was very compassionate and clear. I think there’s a good chance this will become part of the “canon” of psychology self-help books for people dealing with trauma.

This book intents to be one that brings intergenerational healing in to your hands through a holistic pathway. While it is absolutely educational, it is not the standard trauma book. It is so much more; it truly is a guide.

After reading it and highlighting multiple revelation type sentences, beginning some of the practices (with still much more to do); I can honestly say it succeeds in being just that.

It’s important to note, as Dr. Buque states, “No traditional training in Western psychology has adequately prepared any…mental health clinicians to treat patients for intergenerational trauma. There is no guidebook for when clients come to us with the emotional wounds of an entire lineage of family members.” This type of trauma healing is sorely lacking much help from most traditional therapy and health practitioners offerings.

Dr. Buque’s life work has been literally developing such practices and this book clearly shows the deepest genuine intentions to bring this healing to the people directly.

With such a mammoth goal as healing intergenerational trauma, I believe a health practitioner who has dedicated her life and has personally done this healing journey herself, is the absolute best source to rely on.

You are given a lot of basic necessary information regarding intergenerational trauma, it’s affect on your nervous system, epigenetics and so much more.

The actual work is easily laid out and you are able to begin as soon as you feel comfortable.

There are writing exercises, ventral vagal stimulation exercises, somatic practices and even sound bath meditations provided. Holistic practices included are also given the respect and gratitude to their roots and people.

Dr. Mariel Buque truly hit it out of the park with this book.

I highly recommend it to anyone looking to heal intergenerational trauma and especially for people of color who may like me, connect to her story and that of many others in this book. You can indeed be a “cycle breaker”.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Group - Dutton and the author Dr. Buque for providing an advanced readers copy. All opinions are honest and my own.

So thankful that this book was written 🥹 I found it interesting, informative and so very helpful. I'm not new to the concept of intergenerational trauma or reparenting but I learned new things from reading Break The Cycle. I will carry this knowledge with me forever and consistently use advice and tips recommended directly from this powerful resource.

“A parent can’t give you what they never received.” This quote really stuck out to me while reading this book, as one of my parents and their treatment toward me as a child is what kickstarted my inner healing journey.

This book was tough to read, but in the best way possible. We all have intergenerational traumas passed down to us by our ancestors and it’s up to us to wake up and address these within ourselves. I loved how this book explains how this works in a digestible way, and healthy ways we can stop them and heal ourselves.

Highly recommend this book!

Thanks to NetGalley, the author, and publisher for the early reviewer copy. 🙏

There were definite bits of wisdom and helpful tips scattered throughout the text. Buqué also shared insight to how her own life was affected by inter generational trauma. I would categorize this as a good beginner book to get insight into trauma (no matter the size) and therapy. It’s best if you come with an open mind.

This book was eye-opening for me! I loved reading about the author's holistic ideas for acknowledging and addressing intergenerational traumas. There were so many unique perspectives here and this book was so well thought-out and organized.

A harrowing, heartbreaking, and healing read. So much of my life I had no idea why I felt the way I did, and I realized it was that my parents passed down their generational trauma. My father in particular passed down so much of his trauma I myself now struggle with mental health issues. This book opened my eyes to a different way of living, and helped me realize I don't need to feel so guilty all the time about how I feel. It's OKAY to be angry at my father for not doing better, being better.

I recommend this read to anyone who wants to learn about generational trauma, how it originates, and how to begin to move past it. It's not something that you will ever fully get rid of, but it becomes more of a companion and you can learn to gentle it, rather than fight it relentlessly.

A groundbreaking kind of book! A book that has given language to the impact on intergenerational trauma. Dr. Mariel Burque takes the reader through the steps of analyzing, holding and healing this journey in a very intentional, safe way, as only a well-trained practitioner can do. I think this book will be helpful for those that are wanting to learn more, and healing for those that have experienced inherited intergenerational trauma.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dutton for the ARC!

Dr. Mariel Buqué's "Break The Cycle" is a paradigm-shifting guide that not only excavates the roots of intergenerational trauma but also offers a revolutionary approach to healing it. As an Afro-Dominican psychologist, Dr. Buqué draws upon her extensive expertise and personal experiences to deliver a groundbreaking narrative that marries scientific insight with practical exercises and profound stories from her therapy room.

The book eloquently introduces readers to the concept of intergenerational trauma, depicting how unresolved emotional wounds traverse across generations, impacting individuals, families, and entire communities. Dr. Buqué powerfully illustrates this concept by sharing her childhood experience, at the age of ten years old, of trekking miles to fetch water with her grandmother in the Dominican Republic, a poignant metaphor for what our foremother's endured in order to meet their own basic needs and that of our families.

What makes "Break The Cycle" a compelling read is Dr. Buqué's remarkable ability to blend ancient and indigenous healing practices with modern therapeutic methodologies. Her unique, holistic approach is underlined throughout the book, reflecting her dedication to integrating sound bath meditation, breathwork, and other holistic practices into therapy, propelling a new era in trauma healing.

As a reader, I found myself deeply touched by Dr. Buqué's courage in sharing her personal journey as a Dominican immigrant and how she navigated through inherited intergenerational trauma. Her adept storytelling interlaces her own experiences with those of her clients, offering diverse yet relatable stories that vividly elucidate the transformative power of healing and doing so by honoring our ancestral healing practices.

Dr. Buqué challenges the status quo in Western psychology by highlighting the deficiency in addressing intergenerational trauma, a sentiment I wholeheartedly resonate with as a therapist of African American and Puerto Rican descent. Her book resonates with an empowering message of shedding ingrained trauma responses, replacing them with adaptive coping strategies that are holistic, healthy, and far-reaching.

What sets this book apart is not only its comprehensive understanding of intergenerational trauma but also its actionable strategies. Dr. Buqué effectively translates her holistic approach into tangible therapeutic practices, creating a guide that is both enlightening and actionable for readers seeking mending and transformation.
Dr. Buqué emerges not only as an expert but as a compassionate teacher, leading readers on a profound journey toward restoration.

Overall, "Break The Cycle" is an essential and compelling resource that doesn't just enlighten but empowers readers to take the necessary steps towards healing. She reminds us all that we are cycle breakers and shows us exactly how to sow the seeds of intergenerational abundance. My favorite chapter? Hands down, breaking old parenting patterns! Dr. Buque really breaks down how to care for ourselves while caring for our children at a time when society is dramatically changing and things feel more uncertain then ever.

Thank you to the author and publisher for the e-arc copy!

As a psychology student and an individual with trauma, moreso intergenerational trauma - this was a nice read. It helped with understanding things better and I was very happy to get the chance to read this before publishing!! Dr. Buque did a wonderful job. I was hesitant at first when reading the introduction because I am not super into the "holistic" approach and don't know much about it, but I loved all the information I learned in this book!

I'm thrilled to award "Break the Cycle" by Dr. Mariel Buqué, PhD, a well-deserved five-star rating! 🌟

In this remarkable work, Dr. Buqué's expertise in trauma psychology shines as a guiding light towards breaking the chains of intergenerational trauma. This book is nothing short of a paradigm-shifting masterpiece, expertly melding scientific insights with practical exercises and moving therapy anecdotes. Dr. Buqué delivers a profound understanding of how ancestral pain persists and, most importantly, how it can be transformed into a legacy of strength and resilience.

This groundbreaking volume delves deep into the intricate ways trauma is transmitted across generations, offering readers tangible therapeutic techniques to dismantle this cycle of suffering. The result is the cultivation of a heritage of empowerment that is both empowering and liberating.

Dr. Buqué's brilliant comparison of unhealed emotional wounds to unattended physical injuries is a revelation, illustrating how these emotional scars permeate every aspect of our lives and lineage. "Break the Cycle" takes a holistic approach to psychological healing, ushering in a new era of generational well-being. It is an essential read for anyone seeking a path to healing and transformation.

🌟 "Break the Cycle" is a game-changer in the field of psychology, and Dr. Mariel Buqué's work is a testament to the power of knowledge and resilience. This book is a beacon of hope and a practical guide to liberating oneself from the grip of intergenerational trauma, making it a must-read for anyone on the journey towards healing and personal growth.

Excellent advice in this book. Great tips. I found the information actionable and easy to understand. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

This is a must-have resource to help one improve mental health, resiliency, and live a more full and happy life. It is full of great strategies, advice, and easy to implement ideas. This is one I'll return to again and again. Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book

In "Break the Cycle," the transformative work of Dr. Mariel Buqué, PhD, a luminary in trauma psychology, emerges as a paradigm-shifting guide to liberating ourselves from the chains of intergenerational trauma. Melding scientific insight with pragmatic exercises and poignant therapy anecdotes, Dr. Buqué imparts a profound understanding of the way ancestral pain persists and how it can be reshaped into a legacy of strength and resilience. This groundbreaking volume unravels the intricate ways trauma is transmitted across generations and equips readers with tangible therapeutic techniques to dismantle this cycle of suffering, cultivating a heritage of empowerment. Dr. Buqué deftly likens unhealed emotional wounds to unattended physical injuries, demonstrating how they permeate every facet of our lives and lineage. With its holistic approach, "Break the Cycle" catalyzes the long-awaited evolution of psychological healing, ushering in a new era of generational well-being.