Overcoming CPTSD, The Inner Critic & Healing Generational Trauma - Karen Dwyer-Tesoriero

Why do high-achievingadults suffer from relentless negative self-talk, and how does complex PTSDfundamentally alter the brain's ability to feel safe? Karen Dwyer-Tesoriero, LCSW is a New York City-based psychotherapistspecializing in Complex PTSD, ADHD, and adult mental health. Beginning hercareer over 25 years ago in the NYC child welfare system, Karen witnessedfirsthand how chronic childhood neglect and intergenerational trauma embeddestructive "legacy burdens" into our adult lives. CombiningPolyvagal somatic grounding, Internal Family Systems (IFS) parts work, and EMDRtherapy, she helps individuals dismantle their harshest inner critics andrewire faulty mental programming. In this episode of FailCraft,Karen joins Ezekiel to explain why chronic trauma alters brain architecture,how to break the cycle of people-pleasing perfectionism, and why small physicalmovements can snap your nervous system out of dorsal shutdown. In this episode of FailCraft,you will discover:·        LegacyBurdens: Why your inner criticis an echo of childhood neglect, not your identity [01:53 / 04:02]. ·        TheNeurobiology of CPTSD:How chronic trauma physically reshapes the amygdala and prefrontal cortex[04:25 / 06:20]. ·        IntergenerationalTrauma: How trauma transmitsbiologically across three generations via epigenetics [06:40 / 08:10]. ·        AttachmentTriggers in Relationships:Why familiar dysfunction feels safe to our nervous system [08:31 / 09:58]. ·        TheHealing Triad: Combining Somaticstability, IFS parts mapping, and EMDR therapy [10:08 / 11:42]. ·        TheHigh-Functioning Trap:How Type-A perfectionism masks a fawning fight-or-flight response [12:02 /14:14]. ·        BreakingDorsal Shutdown: Takingmicro-movements to regain momentum after paralysis [14:40 / 15:58]. ·        RedefiningSuccess: Prioritizing genuineconnection and shared time with loved ones [16:35 / 17:25]. Connect With KarenDwyer-Tesoriero:·        PracticeWebsite: Explore traumatherapy, blogs, and clinical resources at kdtesorierolcsw.net. ·        SocialPlatforms: Connect on Substack, TikTok,and Instagramfor trauma recovery insights. Support the Show:·        Fuel the FailCraftMission: https://iferia.nestuge.com/supportme ·        Subscribe, leave areview, and share this episode with anyone working through trauma or overcomingself-doubt! Want to Be a Guest onFailCraft?·        Connect with Ezekielon PodMatch: https://podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/failcraft Chapters:00:00 Introduction:Karen Dwyer-Tesoriero & Deleting Faulty Software01:53 The InnerCritic: Internalizing Trauma and Childhood Legacy Burdens04:25 The Biology ofCPTSD: How Brain Structures Physically Change06:40 Epigenetics& Child Welfare: Passing Down Generational Trauma08:31 AdultRelationships: Attachment Styles and Unconscious Traps10:08 Healing ComplexPTSD: Stability, IFS Parts Mapping & EMDR12:02 ThePerfectionism Trap: Why Type-A Achievers Battle Chronic Self-Doubt14:40 Escaping DorsalShutdown: The Power of Micro-Movements16:35 RedefiningSuccess as Quality Time and Human Connection17:50 Connect withKaren Dwyer-Tesoriero & KDTesorieroLCSW.net