Integrative Epigenetic Relational Therapy™ (IERA-Therapy™) 

What is IERA-Therapy™?

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IERA-Therapy™ (Integrative Epigenetic Relational Approach™) is an innovative, research-based therapeutic model developed by our Founder, Novena-Chanel Davies, exclusively for The Epigenetic Relational Therapy Academy (ERTA)™. This approach offers a structured, scientific and integrative understanding of Human development and Trauma, with a practical, integrative framework for working with immediate trauma, relational dynamics, and the effects of intergenerational trauma.

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                       What is Trauma and Intergenerational Trauma?

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Trauma is often thought of as a life-threatening event or a major catastrophe, but in reality, it can be any experience that overwhelms a person’s ability to cope, especially when there is no support to process it. Trauma is not just about what happened, but about how it was experienced and whether it was witnessed, validated, or processed.

As Dr Gabor Maté explains: "Trauma is not what happens to you. It is what happens inside you as a result of what happens to you."

 

This means that trauma is less about the event itself and more about its lasting emotional, neurological, and physiological impact.

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The Science of Trauma: How It Affects the Brain and Body

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When a person experiences trauma, the brain and nervous system react as if the body is under immediate threat, activating the fight, flight, freeze or Fawn/Flop response. This is controlled by a part of the brain called the amygdala, which acts as the brain’s alarm system. If the trauma is too overwhelming, the brain struggles to process it properly, leaving the person in a heightened state of stress.

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Trauma also impacts:

• The Prefrontal Cortex (Thinking Brain) – The part of the brain responsible for rational thinking and emotional regulation may become weakened, making it harder to process emotions or feel safe.

• The Hippocampus (Memory Center) – Trauma can disrupt memory processing, leading to flashbacks, dissociation, or difficulty recalling events clearly.

• The Nervous System – Trauma keeps the nervous system on high alert, sometimes leading to chronic stress, anxiety, or physical symptoms like tension, headaches, digestive issues, and fatigue.

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Over time, if trauma is not processed, the body remains stuck in survival mode, reacting to everyday stress as if it were still in danger.

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Intergenerational Trauma: How Trauma is Passed Down

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Trauma does not just affect one person - it can be passed down through generations. Studies in epigenetics show that trauma can leave biological markers on DNA, influencing how stress and emotions are regulated in future generations. Think about it this way (something our Founder enjoys teaching students and clients) - when your Grandmother was pregnant with your Mother, your Mother, the fetus, held within her, the egg that has created YOU!. Research has also shown the effects of the Father on the unborn fetus too!  This means the effects of trauma can be seen not only in behaviour but also in biological responses, making descendants more sensitive to stress, even if they have not personally experienced the original trauma.

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For example, research on Holocaust survivors, Indigenous communities, and children of war survivors has shown that trauma can be inherited through:

• Learned behaviours (how caregivers respond to stress and relationships)

• Neurological programming (heightened stress responses passed to children)

• Biological changes (epigenetic markers that affect emotional regulation).

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IERA-Therapy™ - Healing from Trauma

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The good news is that trauma is not permanent - it can be healed through relational connection, emotional processing, and nervous system regulation. When trauma is acknowledged, processed, and witnessed in a safe environment, the brain can rewire itself, a concept known as neuroplasticity.​

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IERA-Therapy™ provides a comprehensive, structured, relational methodology for addressing trauma at both the individual and systemic levels. Designed for qualified therapists, counsellors, and mental health practitioners, it combines insights from epigenetics, relational neuroscience, and trauma-informed psychotherapy.

 

The approach helps therapists work with intergenerational trauma, attachment wounds, and systemic influences, providing a relational, evidence-informed model of Human Development, to support clients in their healing journey. From the introductory certificate course to the advanced Practitioner Diploma, you are taught the theory, research, and hands-on application of becoming a robust and culturally aware therapist.

The Epigenetic Relational Therapy Academy offers an exclusive certification, ensuring high standards in practice IERA-Therapy™ is only available through ERTA™'s accredited training programmes.

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For Clients Seeking Support

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Trauma can shape emotional responses, relationships, and even physical health, sometimes across generations. IERA-Therapy™ helps individuals:

• Understand how past experiences influence their present relationships and wellbeing.

• Develop tools for emotional regulation, self-awareness, and healing.

• Work with therapists trained in a structured, integrative trauma-healing approach.

• Foster long-term change by addressing trauma at both an individual and relational level.​

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A Protected & Exclusive Approach

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IERA-Therapy™ is not a generic therapy method and can only be practised by professionals trained through ERTA™.

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Want to learn more?
Contact us at info@ertacademy.org to explore our training and practitioner directory.

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