Trauma doesn’t always start with us. For many, the emotional pain, stress, and behavioural challenges they experience as adults may be deeply rooted in their family history. This is known as intergenerational trauma, where the impact of trauma experienced by one generation is passed down to the next, often without conscious awareness.
What is Intergenerational Trauma?
Intergenerational trauma refers to the transmission of trauma across generations. This happens when trauma experienced by parents, grandparents, or earlier ancestors affects the mental health and well-being of their descendants. Whether due to war, colonization, poverty, family violence, or systemic oppression, the unresolved emotional wounds can echo through the family line, influencing how individuals think, feel, and behave.
Key Signs of Intergenerational Trauma in Adults:
Persistent feelings of anxiety or depression without a clear origin
Unexplained guilt, shame, or fear
Difficulty with trust and forming close relationships
Self-destructive behaviours or patterns of addiction
Feeling overly responsible for others’ emotions or experiences
Unhealthy family dynamics that seem to repeat across generations
Even if you’ve never personally experienced a traumatic event, you may be carrying the emotional burdens of your ancestors. This can significantly impact your sense of self, relationships, and overall well-being.
How Does Intergenerational Trauma Affect Us in Adulthood?
As we grow older, the emotional patterns we learned in childhood—often unconsciously—become a part of our identity. Adults impacted by intergenerational trauma may struggle with:
Emotional Regulation: Trauma can disrupt how we process emotions. Adults with intergenerational trauma may find it hard to manage stress, leading to emotional outbursts, withdrawal, or chronic anxiety.
Relationship Difficulties: Trauma passed down through generations can create attachment issues, making it challenging to form healthy, secure relationships. You might struggle with trusting others, fear abandonment, or repeat harmful relationship patterns.
Low Self-Esteem: Living with the emotional weight of past trauma can lead to feelings of inadequacy or unworthiness. Even if you've achieved success in life, you might still feel undeserving of happiness.
Health Problems: Ongoing stress and trauma can affect physical health, leading to chronic conditions such as heart disease, digestive issues, or autoimmune disorders.
How Therapy for Intergenerational Trauma Can Help Break the Cycle
While intergenerational trauma may feel overwhelming, it’s important to know that healing through therapy is possible. Therapy offers a safe, supportive environment to explore and address these deeply rooted patterns. Here’s how therapy can help:
Recognizing the Patterns: A therapist helps you identify behaviours, thoughts, and emotional responses that stem from intergenerational trauma. Bringing these patterns into your awareness is the first step to changing them.
Processing the Trauma: Trauma-informed therapy allows you to process and release unresolved emotions from the past. Techniques such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), trauma-focused CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), and somatic therapy can be effective in healing trauma stored in both the mind and body.
Building New Coping Strategies: Therapy equips you with healthier ways to manage stress, navigate relationships, and cope with difficult emotions. Over time, you can break free from the cycle of trauma and create new patterns that serve your well-being.
Fostering Self-Compassion: A key part of therapy is learning to cultivate self-compassion. This can help you understand that the challenges you face are not your fault, and that you deserve healing, love, and joy.
The Inner Collective Approach to Healing Intergenerational Trauma
At The Inner Collective Clinical Psychology, we offer trauma-informed and culturally responsive therapy to help individuals understand and heal from intergenerational trauma. Our approach is not only focused on recognizing the pain and challenges but also on empowering you to connect with your strengths and build resilience.
Our therapists work collaboratively with you to explore the root causes of your emotional difficulties, and together, we develop personalised strategies for healing. Whether through individual therapy, couples therapy, or family therapy, we support you in creating a healthier, more fulfilling life—free from the shadows of past generations.
Final Thoughts
Intergenerational trauma can shape our lives in ways we might not even realize. However, with the support of a skilled therapist, you can begin to untangle these patterns and move towards a life of healing and empowerment. If you’re ready to break the cycle of trauma, we’re here to help.
Contact us today at The Inner Collective Clinical Psychology to learn more about how our trauma-informed therapy can support your healing journey.
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