Breaking the Cycle of Generational Trauma
Dr. Alan Heide is a rare voice in the field of addiction recovery—one that carries the authority of a clinical expert and the grit of a man who has lived the journey. As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with a Master’s and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Dr. Heide has spent over 15 years dismantling the “invisible scripts” of inherited addiction. He is the founder of Breaking The Cycle Therapy, the author of the definitive guide Breaking The Cycle: Understanding Generational Alcoholism, and the host of the globally recognized podcast Breaking The Cycle Radio.
Long before entering the therapy room, Dr. Heide’s character was forged on the baseball diamond. A competitive player for 19 years, he developed a deep understanding of team dynamics, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of a goal. However, his path to success was not a straight line. Growing up in Southern California, a pivotal high school arrest forced him to confront his life’s trajectory. Choosing accountability over chaos, Alan pivoted toward the 12-step recovery community—specifically Al-Anon—where he found the tools to navigate the complexities of generational trauma. Today, he remains a dedicated advocate for the program, crediting it with the lasting healing that fuels his professional mission.
Dr. Heide is renowned for moving beyond traditional “symptom management” to address the root causes of family-of-origin patterns. His approach is a unique blend of deep clinical rigor and a compassionate, straight-talking style. He specializes in helping individuals and families identify the “why” behind the “what,” guiding them through the pain and confusion of recovery by uncovering the behavioral threads passed down through lineages.
Whether he is addressing C-Suite executives on workplace wellness or training the next generation of clinicians, Dr. Heide provides a clear, actionable roadmap for those ready to stop the past from repeating itself.
Dr. Heide’s impact extends far beyond the private practice. As a seasoned speaker and host, he is known for facilitating honest, unfiltered conversations about family systems and emotional wellness. He takes his mission on the road, bringing Breaking The Cycle Radio Live to:
Providing high-level insights into generational trauma and systemic recovery.
Addressing the intersection of family-of-origin patterns and workplace wellness.
Dr. Heide doesn’t just speak to an audience; he provides the strength, hope, and courage necessary to break toxic cycles and start writing a new legacy.
The Invisible Boardroom: How Generational Patterns Impact Employee Retention and Performance
Target Audience: HR Professionals, C-Suite Executives, and Fortune 500 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
Most “wellness” programs treat the symptoms of stress. This talk addresses the root: the inherited behaviors and “scripts” employees bring from home to the office.
Target Audience: HR Professionals, C-Suite Executives, and Fortune 500 Employee Resource Groups (ERGs).
Most “wellness” programs treat the symptoms of stress. This talk addresses the root: the inherited behaviors and “scripts” employees bring from home to the office.
Beyond the Bottle: A Systems-Based Approach to Treating Generational Alcoholism
Target Audience: Mental Health Conferences (APA, TAMFT), Hospital Staff, and Addiction Specialists.
Moving past the individual to treat the “family ghost.” Dr. Heide shares his 15 years of PsyD/LMFT insights to evolve the standard of care.
Mapping the “Generational Map”: Advanced techniques in genogram work for addiction.
The Neurobiology of Inherited Trauma: How the brain stays “wired” for the cycle.
Evidence-based interventions from Breaking The Cycle that accelerate patient breakthroughs.
Breaking the Cycle: Empowering the Next Generation to Rewrite Their Story
Target Audience: University Lecture Series, Large Non-Profits, and Community Galas.
An inspirational yet clinical roadmap for those who grew up in the shadow of alcoholism and want to ensure their children don’t do the same.
The Three Pillars of Resilience: Shifting from “Survivor” to “Cycle Breaker.”
How to talk to children about family addiction without passing on the shame.
Practical boundaries: Navigating family dynamics during recovery.
