The aim of this case note is to highlight areas within psychology which are, in the main, as yet unaddressed by professionals, including psychiatrists, psychotherapists and counsellors whose practice may not incorporate working within a transpersonal framework and who may be confronted by those patients whose issues do not appear to fit any current diagnostic models. The seminal literature examined relates specifically to the psychological effects of inherited memory of war trauma for second and third generation survivors of World War II. Attention is given to the implications of addressing issues as specific to the present and to holding the possibility that they originate from another life or that the memory has been 'inherited' genetically or through what Jung defined as the Collective Unconscious. The transmission of memory and possibilities of origin in connection with questions on whether memory may be transmitted genetically or other, are discussed throughout using case examples of myself whose ethnicity is Jewish (pseudonym used within thesis) and another who has no genetic connection to either Jew or German. Both have memories of being either victim or perpetrator and have experienced different types of therapy, discussion being given on whether any healing has been facilitated, the suitability of the therapist with regards to training, background and orientation. Speculation is made on the interpretation of dreams and visions which they bring to therapy from a psychotherapeutic point of view and how these may be explored within the therapeutic relationship.

Source: Wardle et al.

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